Meet IOME's new therapist, Krista!
We are thrilled to welcome Krista to the IOME team!
Krista is a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate that will be primarily working out of our Windsor, Ft Collins, and Greeley locations. She is going to add so much value to our community with her expertise in Anxiety, Depression, Stress Management, Substance use, Comorbidity Diagnoses, Relationships, and Much More!
We asked Krista a few questions so the IOME Community can get to know her better, check out her answers below!
Tell us a little bit about yourself. (Where are you from, family, etc).
I am originally from New Jersey, but also grew up in a tiny Illinois town by St. Louis, MO. I come from a HUGE family and I love it! Any chance I get to hang out with my family I take it. We’re all very close.
Why did you become a therapist?
I became a therapist because I grew up with separated parents and wanted to help couples decide what was best for their own relationships and happiness. I ended up getting into helping people who struggle with addictions and have throughly enjoyed the familial aspect of that support.
What specialties and/or experience do you have?
I spent an entire academic year helping college undergrads diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder adjust to their academic life as well as support their mental health. Right after, I decided to try something new and ended up working in a partial hospital and intensive outpatient treatment facility for adults with mental health, substance use, and co-occurring issues. I eventually became the sole clinician of the evening intensive outpatient program for adults with substance use. Once the pandemic hit, I moved to Colorado and started working at a medication-assisted treatment facility for adults struggling with opioid addiction.
Why did you decide to work for IOME?
I loved the idea of a clinician being in charge of the company. This way clients and employees are treated with the utmost respect and care!! No worrying about the bottom dollar, wellbeing comes first.
Why do you believe self care is nonnegotiable?
We owe it to ourselves and our loved ones to try to manifest the best version of ourselves. How can we do that without self care? (We can’t!)
How do you incorporate guilt free self care into your daily routine?
As a single mom of tiny humans, my free time is nearly nonexistent. So, I try to make sure that my bedtime routine is uninterrupted - shower, skincare routine, and tv or book time with a large bottle of water. And sometimes chocolate :)
Who is your ideal client? Who do you love working with the most?
I love working with people who aren’t afraid to talk. We are all here for a reason and honestly, there’s not much I haven’t heard at this point. I tend to be a kind and blunt person (it’s my East coast personality), so someone who also appreciates a therapist encouraging the work they want to do is someone I always enjoy working with!
What would you say to someone who is on the fence about starting therapy?
Day 1 is always the hardest. Always. But it’s just 1 day. Once you are done, you’ll never have to “start” again, just return.