Kristen Wong, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, offering online therapy and clinical supervision in Washington State

WHO I AM AS A

LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

I listen to understand, reflect what I see, and offer guidance with care. I encourage curiosity, authenticity and resilience.

Cup of coffee representing warmth and connection in therapy, reflecting empathy and honest communication

COUNSELING STYLE & STRENGTHS

I recognize untapped strength and am perceptive to underlying thoughts and behavior weighing someone down. I help clients identify patterns they may not notice and gain insight into what’s really going on.

My style is honest, warm, and direct—grounded in curiosity, cultural awareness, and respect for each person’s values.

Stack of books symbolizing education, 20 years of experience, and psychoeducation in counseling

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Before private practice, I served as the Director of Counseling at a high school for at-risk teens, supporting diverse families through trauma, identity, sobriety, mental health, and relationship challenges. Over the years, I’ve guided clients through grief, PTSD, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and abuse.

After a second battle with melanoma IIIB, I realized that to truly live, I needed more balance in my life. After 12 years, I left the place I loved to focus on what I do best—helping people 1:1 heal, grow, and thrive. Thus began Arise Counseling, a space dedicated to helping clients and counselors step into their best, authentic selves.

I hold a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Washington (1998) and M.A. in Counseling from Western Seminary (2002).

A BIT MORE ABOUT ME…

Cat sleeping on a cozy pillow, symbolizing comfort, calm, and authenticity in Kristen Wong’s counseling approach

EASY TO BE AROUND

I enjoy people. I value authenticity and kindness and am comfortable being myself. My personality is playful, my demeanor is grounded and calming. There’s no need to hide or prove yourself—I naturally see and accept people for who they are.

Sun shining on girl, symbolizing authentic joy and inner peace even in times of sadness or suffering

JOYFUL

Joy isn’t the same as happiness. Joy is a steady, quiet peace that can be present even in the most difficult times. True joy isn’t about avoiding pain—it’s about remaining connected and grounded, even when life feels hard.

Bonsai tree alone on a cliff, symbolizing resilience, strength, and growth through hardship and adversity

RESILIENT

It’s through hardship that I have grown the most. Losing my mom and first marriage was more than I thought I could handle. The heartache physically hurt. In the midst of overwhelming anguish and fear, I discovered I am far stronger and resilient than I realized.

Hand holding glass sphere that flips the view upside down, symbolizing the power of perspective and the potential for change and forgiveness

I BELIEVE

Perspective matters. We can be right and wrong at the same time. Hurt people hurt people. We can all use forgiveness. People can change.

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