Kristin Schuchman (she/her)

Narrative 

Narrative theory involves taking a close look at the stories we tell ourselves and seeing what we can do to tell a more constructive story. For instance, a woman who has experienced bullying or abuse in a work setting can over time reflect on the experience as an episode in resilience as she considers the solid work she was able to complete despite a toxic culture. Lars and the Real Girl is my favorite example of a movie that portrays narrative theory at its best.

Career Counseling

Steve Jobs said, "Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. Don't settle...you'll know when you find it." I have helped hundreds of clients navigate tough career transitions and toxic work environments and have even authored two books, including Jump Start: How to Redirect a Career that has Stalled, Lost Direction or Reached a Crossroads.

Motivational Interviewing

I am certified in Motivational Interviewing (MI), an evidence-based technique designed to help clients change self-defeating habits in their lives and strengthen their personal motivation to reach specific goals. While it sounds like a series of questions, it is actually a method of listening that elicits the deeper reasons that we resist change and stay stuck in destructive patterns. MI has proven results in helping clients realize their potential and experience transformational change.

Relational 

Relational therapy is based on the idea that mutually satisfying relationships are necessary for our emotional well-being. Taking into account social factors, such as race, class, culture, and gender, it examines the power struggles and other issues that develop as a result and how they relate to the relationships in your life. Relational therapy can relieve feelings of distress in personal and professional relationships and help manage subsequent feelings of anxiety, trauma, or stress.

Coaching

I offer Career Counseling + Career Coaching (and there is a difference). Career Counseling has you dig deeper when facing challenges like workplace bullying, career pivots, past work trauma, + adult ADHD. It asks you to determine sources of engagement and purpose and to look inward to overcome self-limiting beliefs. Once you are clear about next steps, Career Coaching offers tools to move you forward (i.e., resume writing, interview prep, etc.) so you can confidently create a fulfilling career.

Personal Growth

The inability to understand your purpose can leave you feeling stuck or anxious, often bleeding into your personal life. I offer mental health and career counseling for those hoping to manage a sense of overwhelm in their work or other sources of pressure. If you are hoping to cultivate more inner calm and self-actualization in your life and/or work, I can act as a sounding board and provide accountability while giving you space to reflect on options and empathetically strategize.

Divorce

Few events knock you off your bearings quite like divorce or long-term relationship fallout. As a mental health counselor I can help you feel like yourself again and prepare for a new life full of possibility and promise. As a career counselor I can help you find your professional footing as you navigate the complexities of splitting assets and other challenges. Together we will build back your confidence and point you in the direction of a life with meaning, purpose and creative expression.

Women's Issues

I offer a compassionate and supportive space for women to explore your thoughts and feelings. Whether navigating life transitions, changing careers, coping with stress, or seeking personal growth, I'm here to help. Through evidence-based therapeutic approaches, we'll work together to develop coping strategies, improve self-esteem, and enhance your overall well-being. My goal is to empower you to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Self-Esteem

Even if we're generally confident, we can still struggle with our self-esteem, leading to bad decisions, falling short of our expectations in social and professional situations, or stay in relationships and friendships that are unfulfilling or abusive. Women tend to struggle with confidence more than men -- research reveals that women will underrate the same performance on tests by as much as 15 percent! I offer tools and techniques to help bolster confidence and show up as your best self!

Anxiety

We like to think as personal lives and careers as separate, distinct realms, but we all have times in which work or other pressures invade daily well-being. It shows up as mild dread, overwhelm from exhaustion, anxiety from juggling deadlines and shifting responsibilities, unresolved conflicts that build into insidious distractions, or complicated decisions that nag at us as we navigate future steps. I offer a safe space to unpack and minimize sources of anxiety that interfere with well-being.