Kristen Buongiorno, LCSW

Compassionate, direct LCSW for trauma and anxiety

14 years experience
Trauma and anxiety focus
Collaborative goal setting

About Kristen Buongiorno

Kristen Buongiorno is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 14 years of diverse clinical experience, offering focused support to people navigating depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, major life transitions, serious illness such as cancer, sexual assault recovery, and Veterans concerns including combat-related trauma and military sexual trauma (MST).

She balances compassion with directness, addressing difficult topics openly while maintaining an emphasis on client safety and, when needed, developing practical safety plans. Her practice centers on the idea that meaningful change is driven by the client - when someone brings motivation to make changes, she partners with them to identify steps forward and build sustainable coping strategies.

Kristen grounds her work in the connection between thoughts and behaviors through cognitive behavioral therapy, and she integrates mindfulness and meditation techniques to help clients stay present and practice self-care. She approaches therapy as a collaborative process, honoring clients as experts on their own lives and working together to set clear, achievable treatment goals. Kristen commends clients who choose to pursue change and is prepared to support them through each stage of their journey.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem Depression

Also Specializes In

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsFirst responder issuesGuilt and shameInfidelityLife purposeMen's issuesVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Kristen Buongiorno have?

Kristen Buongiorno has 14 years of clinical experience.

Is Kristen Buongiorno a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the credential Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). License details: NJ LCSW 44SC05608900.

In which languages does Kristen Buongiorno provide therapy?

Therapy is provided in English.

Where is Kristen Buongiorno located?

Kristen Buongiorno is located in New Jersey.

How can I work with Kristen Buongiorno as my therapist?

You can work with Kristen Buongiorno through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Kristen Buongiorno work with international clients?

Kristen Buongiorno does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Kristen Buongiorno cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Approaches and Online Support for Lasting Change

Kristen Buongiorno draws from several evidence-informed approaches to help clients work toward their goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors and developing practical skills to change them - it is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Mindfulness Therapy uses simple attention and breathing practices to help people stay grounded, manage overwhelming emotions, and build moment-to-moment awareness that supports self-care. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship in which the therapist offers empathy and support while the client guides the pace and focus of treatment.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the therapeutic process, and Kristen works collaboratively with clients to tailor methods to their needs, goals, and preferences. She helps clients try strategies, evaluate what feels helpful, and adjust the plan together.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility for many people. Sessions by video or phone allow for face-to-face connection when in-person meetings are difficult, while live chat and text-based messaging can provide real-time support and convenient ways to communicate between sessions. These options make it easier for clients to access licensed professionals and maintain consistent progress despite busy schedules or geographic barriers.

Ready to start therapy with Kristen Buongiorno?

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