Photograph of Kristi Kakoliris mental health therapist with Complete Health Wellness Group

Kristi Kakoliris, LCSW, LCSW-C, LICSW

Mental Health Therapist
Ages: Children, Adolescents, & Adults
Licensed: Maryland, Alabama, Colorado

Background & Experience

Kristi Kakoliris is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Maryland (LCSW-C), Alabama (LICSW), and Colorado (LCSW). She is a dedicated and compassionate mental health therapist with a profound commitment to advocacy and empowerment for individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. She began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, concentrating on child and adolescent development, at the University of Montevallo, which ignited a lifelong passion for working with youth following a pivotal course in developmental psychology. Her pursuit of deeper knowledge and skills led her to the University of Alabama, where she earned her Master’s degree in Social Work, specializing in children, adolescents, and families. Kristi's career has been marked by a series of impactful roles, including her formative work as a school social worker and a case manager for Birmingham AIDS Outreach, where she supported individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Her diverse experiences extend to positions at the local YWCA, Comfort Care hospice, and UAB’s Center for Psychiatric Medicine, where she honed her skills in addressing trauma, grief, severe mental illness, and dual diagnoses. Through a unique blend of training, including certification in Critical Incident Desensitization Protocols and trauma-focused workshops, Kristi has cultivated an approach rooted in strength-based empowerment, facilitating transformative changes in her clients' lives. Her comprehensive understanding of complex mental health concerns such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, paired with her steadfast dedication to advocacy, allows Kristi to offer exceptional therapeutic care that fosters healing and growth for all those she serves.

Therapeutic Approach

Kristi approaches her therapy practice with a commitment to meeting individuals where they are, embracing the uniqueness of each client's journey. Utilizing a blend of therapeutic techniques, she incorporates motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and art therapy techniques, among others, to tailor treatment plans that address the specific needs of her clients. Her diverse background, enriched by growing up in a group home environment filled with cultural and socio-economic variety, equips her with a deep sense of cultural competence. Kristi's clinical work spans across a broad spectrum of clients, including those experiencing career and relationship transitions, end-of-life grief, trauma, and systemic discrimination. She places a strong emphasis on creating a judgment-free, supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences openly. Her interventions are evidence-based, designed to improve or alleviate symptoms through consistent and engaging sessions. Notably, Kristi adapts her therapeutic model to work effectively with different populations, such as using therapeutic play with children or incorporating culturally appropriate methods for diverse clients. Her dedication to empowering each person, along with a compassionate understanding of their lived experiences, is central to her practice, making her a supportive ally in their resilience journey.

Unique Aspects & Philosophy

Kristi was shaped by her upbringing in an unconventional environment that embraced a diverse population, instilling in her a profound commitment to empathy, acceptance, and understanding. Her early experiences watching her parents love and accept those different from them without judgment ignited her passion for helping others. As a therapist, Kristi extends a hand to meet clients wherever they are on their journey, believing that everyone can rise and thrive with the right support. She fosters therapeutic relationships founded on trust and transparency, regularly checking in with clients to ensure they are benefiting from therapy. Kristi's approach is notable for incorporating collaborative homework assignments, which she completes alongside her clients to build trust and encourage accountability. Committed to lifelong learning, Kristi stays abreast of new developments in mental health through trainings, conferences, and peer supervision groups. Her particular interest in complex trauma and prolonged grief informs her ability to help clients develop healthy relationships and coping strategies.