- CBT techniques
- Client-centered care
- DBT skills
About Kristie
Kristie Pagel-Compagner is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Michigan with 25 years of clinical experience. She focuses on anxiety, depression, bipolar mood concerns, trauma and stress. Kristie lists social anxiety and phobia among her areas of interest and works with people facing panic, low self-esteem, and loneliness.
She uses clear, conversational therapy rather than jargon. Sessions typically look at patterns of thought and behavior, how past relationships affect current feelings, and practical skills to manage distress. Kristie combines client-centered listening with techniques drawn from cognitive behavioral approaches and dialectical behavior ideas.
Her background includes long-term clinical work across mood disorders and trauma. That history informs an approach that balances problem-solving with attention to how early attachments shape emotional life. She often addresses caregiver strain, family of origin issues, and the effects of chronic illness or pain.
Kristie helps people practice communication skills and develop strategies for panic or social anxiety moments. She also supports people working through grief, end-of-life concerns, guilt, and forgiveness. Her work can include exploring emotions tied to divorce, separation, and disruptive mood symptoms.
People who meet with Kristie can expect straightforward sessions that mix listening, reflection, and concrete tools. She works in English and is based in Michigan. To begin, she asks prospective clients to complete a short matching questionnaire before scheduling a first appointment.
How Kristie’s approaches translate to online work
Kristie uses client-centered therapy, which emphasizes active listening and helping a person set their own goals. This approach focuses on understanding what matters most to the individual and shaping sessions around those priorities.She also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which looks at thoughts and behaviors that keep anxiety or depression going and teaches concrete skills to change them. CBT techniques can help with panic, social anxiety, and mood regulation by practicing different ways of reacting to situations.
Finding the right approach is part of the early work together. The therapist will discuss the options and help decide which methods fit the client’s needs, goals, and preferences in a collaborative way.
Confirm the current session options before booking, as formats are not listed here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and offer a way to keep regular check-ins. Some formats also allow shorter or phone-based check-ins when bandwidth or background noise is an issue. Check the booking flow for the specific session styles offered and choose what fits daily routines.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
Which concerns does Kristie often address?
She lists anxiety, depression, bipolar mood concerns, trauma and stress among her main focuses, and also works with panic attacks, self-esteem, and caregiver stress.
What kind of therapy style does she use?
The approach blends client-centered listening with cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior techniques, plus psychodynamic ideas about past relationships and patterns.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Kristie has 25 years of clinical experience working in mental health settings and with mood and trauma-related concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds an LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) and practices in Michigan.
Can I work with her if English is not my first language?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she accept clients from other countries?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies by location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule your first session.