Kristen Schaer
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
About Kristen
Entering therapy can be a radical act of self-love.
It can open the door to deeper compassion for yourself and others, the bravery to embrace change, the healing of wounds that once felt too heavy to carry, and a journey into deeper self awareness. Most of all, it can be the beginning of truly seeing and finally being seen. I’m humbled to offer this invitation and to gently guide you toward a life that resonates with your truest self.
Our identities are shaped by many things: our relationships, our bodies, our histories, our neurotypes, and the stories we’ve inherited about who we should be. These narratives can leave us feeling disconnected, ashamed, or stuck. My work is rooted in helping you come home to yourself, just as you are in this moment. My hope is that our work together feels like a place where you are held with care, deeply understood, and gently supported as you unfold into yourself. I want our time together to feel like a space where you can fully exhale.
You don’t need to be fixed. You deserve to be known, understood, and supported. Whether you’re navigating neurodivergence, exploring identity, healing from relational wounds, or rediscovering pleasure, this is a space where your brain, body, and truth are welcomed. If you move through the world with ADHD, autism, sensory sensitivity, or emotional intensity, know that you don’t have to mask or explain yourself here. Together, we will listen to the wisdom of your body, understand the patterns of your mind, and give voice to emotions that may have never had words.
A central part of my work also includes supporting individuals and couples around sex and intimacy. Many of the people I work with are navigating Out-of-Control Sexual Behavior (OCSB), differences in sexual desire, pain during sex, erectile challenges, or the deep rupture of trust that comes with infidelity. Others are exploring their evolving sexual identities or navigating transitions in relationship structure, such as opening a relationship, embracing consensual non-monogamy, or living within polyamorous and kink-affirming communities.
I support couples who are moving through difficult transitions—those who are redefining connection after the end of a romantic or sexual relationship, or finding new ways to be in a relationship when old frameworks no longer fit. My approach is LGBTQIA+ affirming, sex positive, and grounded in deep respect for the full spectrum of erotic expression, identity, and relational choice. Whether you're questioning your gender or exploring how to feel safe, embodied, and present in intimacy again, we move at your pace, with care and intention.
I walk beside you with curiosity, steadiness, and deep care. In our sessions, we’ll explore the layers of identity, conditioning, and fear that might be dimming your light. We’ll soften shame, reclaim pleasure as your birthright, deepen your connection to others, and support your growth into the freest and most aligned version of yourself. This work is not just about surviving. It’s about thriving in a life that feels real and fully your own.
Background
Before becoming a therapist, I spent eight years as a barber. In that chair, I listened to people’s stories and witnessed their vulnerabilities and strengths. That experience taught me what it truly means to be seen, and it continues to shape the way I show up in the therapy room today. I bring warmth, consistency, and deep respect for lived experience into my work.
If you are looking for a therapeutic space that honors your full humanity, supports your complexity, and helps you move toward not just a better version of yourself but the truest and freest one, I would be honored to work with you.
Modalities
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
Person Centered Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior Therapy (DBT)
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Areas of Focus
Couples/Relationship Therapy
Queer Issues
Neurodivergence
Consensual Non-monogamy / Polyamory
Kink/BDSM
Sex Therapy - eg. vaginismus, low libido
Finding the right therapist is tough. Let me help.
We offer a free, 15-minute, phone consultation to help you make sure Kinsey & Associates is the right fit for you, your relationship, or your family.