Kristel Gutgesell

Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, it can be hard to take the first step. It’s completely normal to wonder how it will feel to open up to someone new. My goal is to make those first steps a little easier by offering a space where you can show up exactly as you are and move at a pace that feels right for you.

My approach is direct, interactive, and practical. I ask thoughtful questions, offer honest reflections, and work with you to understand the patterns shaping your emotions, relationships, and sense of self.

When I’m not in the therapy room, you’ll usually find me out in nature, exploring new trails with my two dogs. I truly enjoy the Pacific Northwest experience—the fresh air, the forests, and the grounding that comes from being outside. That same appreciation for steadiness and connection shows up in my work, too.

CREDENTIALS & APPROACH

I’ve been working as a counselor since 2009 and became licensed in 2011. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Education, Guidance and Counseling, and over the years I’ve learned that healing happens in safe, steady relationships—and that therapy works best when it feels like a real conversation.

I’m trained in EMDR and draw from a variety of evidence‐based modalities, including client‐centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and emotion‐focused therapy. I specialize in anxiety management and attachment‐focused work, helping clients explore how early experiences influence the way they relate, cope, and connect today.