Kristina Duran, MSW, ACSW 116682
“We are not thinking machines that feel; rather, we are feeling machines that think.”
-Antonio Damasio
As a therapist and a fellow human being, I want to validate that your emotions are not overreactions, and there is nothing inherently wrong with you. So many of us carry negative core beliefs like these that lead us to silence or betray our emotions—emotions that are there to guide us and help us understand our values.
The human experience is undeniably complex. Trauma may have led to a number of coping mechanisms that once protected us but now hinder our ability to process and fully experience our feelings. Yet, amidst the challenges, the human experience is also full of beauty, meaning, and connection. This duality embodies the dialectic: two truths can coexist at the same time.
My aim is to provide a space where we can explore your feelings and help you reconnect with yourself so that you can work toward your goals. The hope is not just to survive but to thrive and live life authentically.
While every session is tailored to your individual needs, you can expect a friendly approach that blends moments of laughter, time to sit with tears, and opportunities to learn through psychoeducation.
After earning my MSW degree from UC Berkeley, I have focused my practice on supporting individuals in the LGBTQ+ and queer community who are navigating trauma, depression, or anxiety. I incorporate evidence-based techniques such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Bereavement Counseling to support my clients through their healing journeys.
Beyond my work as a therapist, I find joy in creativity and connection. I love to cook, recently adopted a puppy, and have picked up photography and videography. I guess you could say I love to explore life through different lenses!
Supervised by Ana Luz Lopez, LCSW 108137.