About Kristi Born, MA, MFT
“At some point in relationships we may hit a wall we can't climb, a problem we didn't create and probably can't solve alone, and that's when we reach out for help...”
I work with relationships, primarily in the Portland OR areas. Many couples or families come to me in need of better ways of communicating with each other, healthier methods to work together, and wanting genuine change. That's what I do. Through years of working with high-conflict couples, betrayal issues, intimacy disorders, and trauma, I have been able to help numerous individuals and their families find wholeness. I'd love to help you as well.
The individuals who I meet often tell me I put them at ease when dealing with these challenges. Many people who come to see me also struggle with character wounding, depression, relationship conflict, decision-making, or grief. I routinely deal with high-conflict couples. Adolescent therapy, utilizing play therapy, is also an area of expertise. I combine supportive therapy with family systems therapy. I work with couples, families and individuals to bring BIG CHANGES in their world.
I teach people how to live with passion and joy-especially when they're walking through the valleys of life. My belief is that TOGETHER, we're an unstoppable force of goodness and courage.I love to work with couples, families, young adults and teens, but have worked with people many different stages of life.
I have worked extensively with families, couples and adolescents in a variety of contexts in order to bring peace of mind and decrease suffering.
Clinical Experience & Therapeutic Work
*Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy from George Fox University
Marriage, Couples and Family Therapist Intern in Oregon under the supervision of Ben Stimmel, supervisor.
*Extensive work with community based mental health, specializing in high risk adolescents and their families
*Systems therapy working with high-conflict couples, betrayal, and intimacy addiction
*Behavioral interventions working with ADHD, acute pain, trauma, sexuality processing, coping with traumatic events, adolescent transitioning, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, grief and loss, and couples separation.
Techniques I Use
*Emotionally Focussed Therapy
*Systems/Family Therapy
*Person-centered/Client-Centered supportive therapy
*Interpersonal Therapy
*DBT informed therapy
*Mindfulness based interventions
*Spiritual Direction
Behind the Scenes
When I’m not working with women and the people that support them, I am a lover of all things active and outdoors. My husband says that I’m constantly moving! I love sports—having been a PE teacher for elementary school children for a time, and am a basketball enthusiast. My family, consisting of my husband and our four children and I live in Vancouver WA with our Scottish Terrier. Often my clients find that the common factor underlying these passions also translates to therapy in ways that are beneficial to their own growth—I am enthusiastic, optimistic, and believe in forward motion.
