Kristen Portney is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in The Bay Area. Many of Kristen’s clients work with her to address major life transitions, grief, self-doubt, relationship conflict, and creating meaning making in their lives amidst the social, political, and ecological crisis’ people are facing globally. Kristen is particularly passionate about serving people who have experienced one or multiple abortions and believes abortion is a normal, common, and respectable outcome of pregnancy.
Kristen is trained in Gestalt therapy, transpersonal psychology, psychodynamic therapy and integrates holistic approaches including visualization, mindfulness, and grounding practices. She has advanced training and experience in the area of mood disorders, substance abuse, crisis intervention, and co-occurring diagnoses.
Therapy sessions with Kristen integrate both insight-oriented and skill-based approaches in service of creating more ease, trust, and fulfilling relations in her client’s life. Kristen focuses on grounding practices that connect the mind, body, spirit to build one’s tolerance to be with the groundlessness of life. She uses breathing exercises, mindfulness, and visualization techniques that can be practiced before, during, and after stressful situations. Clients are able to regulate their nervous system, make decisions which are aligned with their values, and feel more present and resilient to the joys, sorrows, and surprises of life.
Kristen's style is warm, non-judgmental, and vibrant. At the start she establishes a comfortable environment where safety and trust are prioritized and the therapeutic relationship can grow. Kristen worked at Bonita House Inc. for five years at the residential treatment program for adults with co-occurring disorders. Kristen held various positions within Bonita House, completing her time as Program Director.
Outside of private practice Kristen feels sustained by various movement practices including dance and climbing. She enjoys exploring the intersections of community, nature, advocacy, and art.
