Hi! I’m Kristen Montiel. I’m a marriage and family therapist, certified addictions professional, wife and mother. After struggling in my own family relationships as a teenager, I wanted to get as far away from home as possible. At 19 years old, I joined the U.S. Navy and left West Virginia for San Diego, California. My time in the Navy taught me the importance of family support. As a result, I put a lot of work into my family relationships. As I’m sure you’re aware, maintaining healthy relationships can be hard work! I am grateful and proud to have the close, supportive relationship I have with them today (I now live within two miles of them).
Over the past 15 years, I’ve dedicated myself to helping individuals, couples and families use their resources and strengths. I’ve helped many find hope and improve satisfaction in their relationships and lives. My specialties involve improving communication and conflict resolution, enhancing emotional connection in couples, as well as addressing alcohol use and it’s impact on couples and families. In addition, I enjoy helping women improve self-esteem, assertiveness, infertility struggles, and their relationships. Having been in the military myself, I often relate well and can help veterans, those in active duty military and law enforcement, and their families.
If you’re struggling in your own personal life and relationships and want to create successful change, I’d like to help! Using the newest research-based methods of therapy and incorporating them with “tried and true” methods, you will experience a truly individualized therapeutic experience when working with me.
My Biography
I earned a Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University in San Diego, California. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (MT2984) and certified addictions professional in Florida, and an internationally certified alcohol and drug counselor. I have served as a therapist at Hanbleceya Treatment Center in La Mesa, California, where I specialized in treating individuals with persistent mental illness and addiction. Upon moving to Florida, I served at Lakeview Health helping clients and their families who were struggling with addiction and anxiety, depression and PTSD. I have completed numerous trainings in Gottman’s methods and Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Therapy, two of the leading research-based methods to help couples improve their relationships. In addition, I am a Board Certified TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH 1201) and able to provide both phone and video-based sessions to my clients.
I am a happy wife and new mommy. In my personal time I love shopping, traveling and spending time with my son. I also have a special kind of love for Pure Barre.
I’m looking forward to working with you and am grateful for the opportunity to be part of your journey towards healing your most important relationships. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment, click on the link below. Or, feel free to give us a call at (904) 302-5340.
