Kristi Rakes, LCSW, LISW-CP

Kristi Rakes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who offers compassionate, nonjudgmental care for people facing addiction and other life challenges. She speaks plainly and listens closely so clients can talk about what feels hard. Kristi emphasizes strengths and practical steps rather than blame. Her style is warm and steady, oriented toward helping people find small, manageable changes.

Kristi brings 13 years of experience in mental health to her work in North Carolina. She uses Client-Centered Therapy to follow each person's lead and build trust. She also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice and change unhelpful thoughts and habits. Mindfulness techniques are used to calm stress and increase self-awareness.

Her background includes work with grief, trauma, mood disorders, and caregiving stress. Kristi supports people struggling with anxiety, depression, addictions, attention concerns, and relationship tensions. She also addresses issues like body image, aging and end-of-life-related concerns, and parenting stress.

Sessions focus on real-world skills and goals. Kristi often works on coping tools, communication strategies, and steps to reduce harmful patterns. She uses motivational interviewing to support readiness for change without pressure.

People who want a respectful, practical approach that centers their values may find her helpful. To begin, clients complete a short questionnaire and schedule sessions based on availability.

How her approaches fit into online therapy

The therapist uses Client-Centered Therapy to follow each person's priorities and build a trusting relationship. This approach focuses on listening, validating feelings, and helping people set their own goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps clients identify patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to distress and then practice changes through concrete steps and homework.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with the client to clarify what matters most, try strategies, and adjust as needed. That means goals, pace, and techniques are chosen together so the plan fits the person's needs and values.

Confirm the session formats available before booking because specific online options are not listed here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, shorten check-ins when time is limited, and reduce travel time. Many people find it simpler to continue weekly work when they can meet from different places, and therapists can offer practical tools, thought exercises, and coping skills that translate well to remote sessions.