Kristi Rakes

Kristi Rakes, LCSW, LISW-CP, offers a calm space for people facing big life stressors. She talks with clients about anxiety, grief, depression, relationship strain, addiction, and coping with life changes. Her manner is compassionate and nonjudgmental, and she focuses on practical steps people can use right away.

Kristi brings 13 years of experience as a licensed social worker in North Carolina. She emphasizes a holistic view of mental health and looks for strengths clients already have. Sessions focus on clear goals, skill-building, and short-term strategies that fit daily life.

Her work draws on client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, and narrative approaches. That mix helps people shift unhelpful thoughts, build emotional awareness, and set attainable goals. She often uses mindfulness and skills practice to reduce anxiety and manage mood changes.

Kristi also addresses specific concerns like parenting stress, caregiver strain, aging and geriatric issues, body image, and end-of-life topics. She helps people name what matters, sort through options, and make practical plans when choices feel overwhelming.

People who choose Kristi can expect a warm, straightforward approach. She helps clients identify strengths, practice new responses, and track small changes over time. To begin, readers should use the site’s Start Therapy button to complete the brief matching questionnaire and schedule based on availability.

Therapeutic approaches for online sessions

Kristi often uses client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in her work. Client-centered therapy means the conversation follows the client's concerns, with the therapist listening closely and reflecting what matters most. Cognitive behavioral therapy looks at thought patterns and behaviors and teaches practical skills to reduce anxiety and improve mood.

She also incorporates mindfulness techniques to help people stay grounded and notice emotions without being overwhelmed. Mindfulness can be useful for stress, panic, and managing mood shifts. These approaches are chosen to match the person's goals, whether that means reducing panic attacks, working through grief, or improving daily routines.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Kristi collaborates with each person to decide which methods fit their needs and preferences. She will help set goals, try different strategies, and adjust the plan based on what is helpful over time.

Session formats are not specified here, so confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-in times when needed, and let people practice skills in real-life settings. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises and homework to an online rhythm so sessions still focus on clear, achievable steps.