Kristen Buongiorno, LCSW
Practical, collaborative therapy for real-life challenges
Book with KristenWorks with
- Anger
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Depression
How Kristen works
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in
- New Jersey
- Years in practice
- 14
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About Kristen
Kristen Buongiorno is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who draws on 14 years of practice to help people make real changes. She uses straightforward conversation and practical strategies to address stress, anxiety, anger, depression, and addictions. Kristen emphasizes clear goals and collaborative work so clients know what to expect each week.
Her approach centers on how thoughts and behaviors connect, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful patterns and replace them with workable alternatives.
Background and approach
She also brings in Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills when emotions feel overwhelming, and mindfulness techniques to help people feel steadier in the moment. Kristen has supported people navigating trauma and abuse, grief, caregiver strain, and life transitions. She also assists those facing concerns like body image, intimacy-related issues, and challenges tied to veteran and first responder experiences.
Her background includes work with people affected by illness and cancer, and people exploring sexuality and alternative relationship cultures. In sessions she balances compassion with direct feedback, and she does not avoid difficult conversations. Safety planning is a priority when it is needed, and practical steps are emphasized for early progress.
Kristen sees therapy as a collaborative effort where the client brings expertise about their life. She practices in New Jersey as an LCSW and offers sessions in English. People who want to begin can expect clear next steps and a focus on small, achievable changes that build over time.
What Kristen works with
Everything Kristen lists, in the therapist's own terms. Anger is the reason this directory exists; the rest tells you what usually sits alongside it in Kristen's practice.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Depression
- Addictions
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Eating disorders
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with life changes
- Compassion fatigue
- ADHD
- Abandonment
- Adoption and foster care
- BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
- Body image
- Cancer
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Codependency
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- First responder issues
- Guilt and shame
- Infidelity
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
- Mood disorders
- Multicultural concerns
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Post-traumatic stress
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Self-love
- Sexuality
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches Kristen lists
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
Therapeutic approaches adapted for online care
Kristen uses a few evidence-based approaches that work well over video or messaging. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying patterns of thought that lead to unhelpful behavior and then practicing concrete changes to those patterns; it helps with anxiety, depression, anger, and stress. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers skills for managing intense emotions, improving distress tolerance, and strengthening interpersonal effectiveness, which can be useful when emotions feel overwhelming. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple practices to increase present-moment awareness and calm, often paired with breathing or grounding exercises.Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. Kristen treats the first sessions as collaborative exploration to match methods to a person’s goals, preferences, and the problems they want to solve. She will explain options and adjust techniques as progress is made.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for longer sessions that include skill practice or guided exercises. Phone sessions can fit a shorter check-in or when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text messaging allow brief check-ins and ongoing support between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and keep momentum between meetings.
Questions people ask about Kristen
What concerns does Kristen address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, anger, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, and many life transitions.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is compassionate and direct. She focuses on clear goals and practical steps while working collaboratively with each person.
What is her professional background?
Kristen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 14 years of clinical experience supporting diverse concerns including veteran issues and caregiver stress.
Where is the therapist based and what are her credentials?
She practices in New Jersey and holds the credential LCSW with licensure indicated as NJ LCSW.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the country work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are offered?
Sessions can be conducted by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on the person's preference.
How do I get started with therapy?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling sessions based on therapist availability.