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.