Kristina Joseph, LCSW

I’ve spent over 10 years in the mental health field, but my path to becoming a therapist was anything but typical. I began my career in law enforcement, and it didn’t take long to realize that many of the people I encountered didn’t need punishment—they needed help, healing, and hope. That realization pushed me to take a different path, one rooted in compassion and true connection.

My early work was with unhoused individuals and those living with severe mental illness, helping them rebuild their lives through employment and support. I then transitioned to working in a psychiatric hospital, where I deepened my understanding of mental health and the complex layers of trauma.

Eventually, I joined the Georgia Public Defender’s Office, where I had the powerful experience of researching and writing the life stories of individuals facing the death penalty. That work shaped the core of who I am as a therapist. It helped me develop a deeper level of empathy and the ability to truly see people as they are—not just through the lens of what’s happened to them, but through the full scope of their lives and humanity.

Today, I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma—whether in childhood, adulthood, or through involvement with the legal system, either personally or through a loved one.

In my practice, I use a blend of therapeutic approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These modalities allow us to gently and effectively process trauma, reframe painful experiences, and reconnect with the parts of ourselves that trauma may have buried.

I believe that my clients are the experts in their own lives. My role is to walk beside you—as a guide, an advocate, and a steady presence—as you move toward healing. Therapy with me is rooted in empathy, acceptance, and a deep respect for your journey.

Healing is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to support you every step of the way.