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Meet Kristin Kohn of Outsmarting OCD at Thrive Therapy in North Phoenix

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Kohn.

Kristin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in a suburb not too far from Chicago, Illinois and just recently moved to Arizona Labor Day weekend of last year. When I was in grade school, my class was assigned to create posters of what we hoped our lives would look like as adults. Amongst the cut out magazine pictures pasted on my poster was a therapy couch. I believe I labeled my poster “Psychiatry”, although looking back I don’t think I knew the difference between psychiatry and psychology.

People have always fascinated me; I have always loved to help others feel understood and accepted. After navigating my way through college bouncing back and forth between nursing and psychology, I graduated with my Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. I went on to earn my Masters in Social Work from the University of Illinois. Unknowingly at the time, my mentor in grad school guided me to my passion and specialty in the therapeutic world. He recommended I intern at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital in Illinois, and because of the timing of my internship, I just so happened to land a position in the Center for Anxiety and OCD which was founded by Adrienne Ahlquist, LCSW and Dr. Patrick McGrath who is a well-known leader in the practice of Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD and anxiety disorders. Every day, I am so thankful for my time in the anxiety and OCD department and am incredibly appreciative to my mentors and friends who trained me. At Alexian is where I learned Exposure and Response Prevention and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the gold standard treatment for complex anxiety disorders and OCD, and it was then that I fell in love with being a part of brave souls’ stories, those who have the strength to face their biggest fears every day.

After my internship, I was hired on at Alexian to run an evening program. Each night, I was able to help people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and anxiety [whether they suffered from social anxiety, panic attacks, general worries, phobias, separation anxiety, fear of leaving their home, etc.]. I also loved working with interns, as it equally excites me to help train great therapists. And I will always be fond of my time running a community support group for anxiety and OCD. Wednesday night support groups were always so uplifting, empowering, and special–we faced some fears and had some laughs.

From there, I was lucky to be a part of building an anxiety and OCD program at another clinic in the Chicagoland area, Compass Health Center. Progressing in my field and loving life in Chicago, last summer I was given an opportunity to practice what I preach as my partner was offered a position in Arizona. In just a couple of weeks, I packed up my life and moved across the country. Upon arriving, I eagerly searched for a group practice to be a part of to continue my passion of treating anxiety and OCD and found Thrive Therapy.

Today, as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in both Arizona and Illinois, I am seeing clients who are seeking help for anxiety and OCD, individually, one-three times a week. I work with children (aged eight and up) through adults. I am so honored to be a part of each of my client’s journey. I am inspired every day by my clients and their families as it is no easy task to dedicate time and energy each week to confront worry and take on challenges to overcome fear. It takes a lot of bravery and courage, and each transformation is moving. I love that advocacy is growing to encourage more people to reach out for help.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Most definitely not. When arriving in Arizona, I had to learn something totally foreign to me-building a business. Networking on a blank slate, using effective marketing strategies, and building a caseload of clientele is not taught in social work graduate programs. While this was not easy, I am incredibly grateful for this experience. It taught me that I can make a positive impact on the Phoenix area, and I am looking forward to creating additional resources for those struggling with anxiety and OCD and their families.

Please tell us about Outsmarting OCD at Thrive Therapy.
Yes, of course! I am a licensed therapist in Arizona and Illinois. As a LCSW, I specialize in OCD and anxiety disorders and work with kids aged eight and up through adults. Helping my clients learn to manage their intrusive thoughts, onerous rituals, panic attacks, stress around doubt and uncertainty, the shame and guilt they feel because of unwanted images and urges, anxiety in social situations, and intense fear of something bad happening to people they care most about is an honor for me. The people I work with are truly admirable; they demonstrate courage and bravery when nearly every thought that runs through their mind instills doubt and fear.

I believe what sets me apart as a provider is my understanding of OCD and complex anxiety disorders. Research shows that Exposure and Response Prevention and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are the gold standard treatment for OCD and complex anxiety disorders, along with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy that adds to the effectiveness of treatment. What does all this mean? I help those I work with face their fears in a very gradual and thoughtful way while helping them to reduce and eventually eliminate compulsions or behaviors they engage in to neutralize anxiety in the short term. We work together to take on challenges and restructure thoughts that consume their day.

Most importantly, I aim to build a great relationship with my clients. I am asking people to face their biggest fears. Imagine me asking you to go swimming with sharks in an enclosed tank. My clients face their equivalent fear every time they schedule an appointment with me (and when doing their homework in between sessions), so it is important that I earn their trust and help them fully understand how this will allow them heal. At the end of the day, we do some really hard work, poke fun at the lies OCD tells us and the amount our anxiety exaggerates the truth, and prove to our brain that we can tolerate uncertainty. We outsmart anxiety and OCD together as a team.

What were you like growing up? Personality wise, interest wise, etc.
Growing up, I have always loved spending time with my family. I enjoy the sun, so Phoenix was a great place for me to land. Any activities outdoors lead to a great time; swimming, camping, hiking, and playing sand volleyball with friends are a few of my favorites. Exercise, nutrition, traveling, and listening to inspiring podcasts help me feel rejuvenated. Overall, spending quality time with my family and friends is important to me. Oh, and I love the TV show, FRIENDS.

Pricing:

  • Therapy sessions are typically 50-55 minutes and are $150 per session. I am more than happy to provide superbills (receipts for insurance) for possible reimbursement.

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
For my headshot credit goes to Compass Health Center.

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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