About Kristen
Kristen Paliwoda is a Registered Psychologist with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She works with adults and adolescents, offering a person-centered, trauma-informed space where clients feel genuinely heard and supported from the very first session.
Kristen was drawn to this work through a deep belief in people’s capacity for growth and a commitment to showing up with curiosity and care for each person’s lived experience. Whether someone is navigating a specific challenge or simply feeling stuck, she offers a grounded and compassionate approach to help them move forward in a way that feels manageable and meaningful.
Therapeutic Approach
Kristen’s practice is rooted in a person-centered framework that prioritizes empowerment, self-understanding, and collaboration. She draws from a range of evidence-informed approaches, including EMDR, CBT, mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, and narrative therapy, adapting her methods based on what feels most relevant and fitting for each client.
As a certified EMDR therapist, Kristen is equipped to provide trauma-focused care alongside these approaches. She works at a pace that feels comfortable for each person, recognizing that healing is not linear and that meaningful progress is built through patience, trust, and consistent support.
Philosophy & Values
Kristen believes the therapeutic relationship itself is a central part of the healing process. She approaches each client with genuine curiosity, humility, and respect, and is committed to creating a space that is safe, non-judgmental, and free from pressure to be anything other than who you are.
She is guided by the belief that every person already holds strengths and resilience within them. Her role is to help clients recognize and build on those qualities while developing the awareness and tools to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence.
Areas of focus
Motor vehicle accident trauma, birth trauma, acute and complex PTSD, distressing memories, emotional reactivity, and rebuilding a sense of safety and control.
Ongoing worry, low mood, chronic stress, burnout, perfectionism, self-critical thinking, and building practical tools for day-to-day emotional regulation.
Pregnancy and postpartum adjustment, pregnancy loss, perinatal mood and anxiety concerns, birth trauma, and the emotional challenges of becoming a parent.
Identity exploration, self-esteem, relationship concerns, emerging adulthood challenges, career and life transitions, and developing a clearer sense of self and direction.
“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”
What to expect
In a first session, Kristen will begin by walking through informed consent, the intake form, and any clinic policies, and welcomes questions throughout. From there, the conversation will turn to what brought you in, what you are currently experiencing, and what you are hoping to get out of counselling, including any past therapy experiences you would like to share. The session is collaborative and moves at a pace that feels comfortable, with no pressure to share more than you are ready for. By the end, the goal is to have identified some initial directions to work toward, a clear sense of next steps, and for you to leave feeling heard, valued, and understood.
Beyond therapy
Outside of the therapy room, Kristen finds joy in spending time with friends and family. She recharges by getting outside, going for walks, traveling, practicing yoga, and listening to good music.