ABOUT KRISTINA
Kristina Benson, MA, LPCC
I am a neurodivergent nature - based therapist who helps individuals navigating the challenges (and delights) of human existence. My therapeutic style is warm, nonjudgmental, curious, collaborative, and creative. I work with teens, adults, and elders (age 13 & up) seeking to access more rhythm, connection, confidence, and clarity in their lives and relationships. I specialize in Neurodivergence (ADHD & Autism), trauma, grief and loss, & identity exploration.
My training is in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), somatic therapy, nature therapy / Ecopsychology, Neurodivergent Affirming therapy, mindfulness, & non-violent communication. I received my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling with a focus in Transpersonal Nature Therapy from Naropa University in Boulder, CO.
Sometimes being a human is hard. I believe wholeheartedly in each person’s capacity to heal from trauma, cultivate a meaningful existence, and embrace who they truly are. My role is to be a compassionate and discerning guide, challenging limiting beliefs and unhelpful patterns when necessary. Therapy can be a welcoming environment that invites learning, acceptance, and personal growth. I am passionate about taking the time and energy to understand people so that I can provide genuine, attuned support.
In my free time, I enjoy connecting with my friends and family, backpacking, rollerblading, writing letters (snail mail, of course), making collages, climbing trees, traveling, playing board games, and volunteering. I aspire to read fiction, but I usually end up diving into books about trauma therapy, neurodivergence, or meditation instead. My favorite tree is the ponderosa pine, and the aspens also deserve an honorable mention. It likely goes without saying that I love foxes! I am enamored by their cleverness, resourcefulness, and whimsical movements. The natural landscape I feel most at home in is a high alpine lake surrounded by a meadow full of colorful wildflowers amidst big, beautiful snow-capped mountains.
Read more about my story here.
FORMAL EDUCATION
MA, Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Concentration in Transpersonal Nature Therapy, Naropa University
BS, Sustainability Science and Asian Studies, Furman University
ADDITIONAL TRAINING
Collaborations with the Natural World: Therapeutic Nature-Based Theory and Skills in a Wilderness Setting, with the Somatic Nature Therapy Institute
Honoring Change: Ceremony, Ritual & Rites of Passage as Tools for Transformation, with the Somatic Nature Therapy Institute
Connecting with Ground: Nature Based Interventions for working with Trauma and the Nervous System, with the Somatic Nature Therapy Institute
Uncovering Genius: Nature-Based Parts Work, with the Somatic Nature Therapy Institute
Intro to Therapeutic Nature-Based Interventions, with the Somatic Nature Therapy Institute
Somatic Soul-Based Trauma Training: Working closely with the body and the nervous system to integrate trauma, relational patterns, and intergenerational patterns, with the Somatic Nature Therapy Institute
EMDR Basic Training, with the EMDR Institute
The Dos and Don’ts of Counseling with Neurodivergent Clients: A Trauma-Informed Somatic Approach to Neurodiversity, with Nyck Walsh
Neurodivergent Somatics: 1 & 2, with Nyck Walsh
Wilderness First Responder, with MED Remote Medicine
Flash Technique Training, with Philip Manfield & Nina Zadurian
Path of Freedom Instructor Training, Mindfulness-based emotional intelligence (MBEI) model for at-risk and incarcerated youth and adult prisoners, with the Prison Mindfulness Institute
Dementia Training, Skills/Techniques for caring for clients with Dementia, with Windhorse Elder Care
Volunteer Facilitator in Colorado prisons: workshops focused on Non-violence, Communication Skills, & Community, with Alternatives to Violence Project Colorado
Relevant Work Experience
I have worked in the elder care field for several years as a Caregiver, Team Leader, Team Supervisor, and Therapist. I’ve supported clients and families navigating dementia, cognitive decline, chronic illness, relationship issues, aging struggles, end of life, and grief and loss. I understand how painful it can be to witness a loved one who is suffering or dying. It is important to me to create community spaces that invite vulnerability and mutual support. I facilitate Death Cafes in an effort to normalize these conversations and recognize the value of talking openly about topics such as death and grief.
Prior to pursuing a career as a therapist, I held several community-based agriculture and outdoor education roles. I spent two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in rural Nepal focusing on women’s empowerment, sustainable farming, and nutrition initiatives. My host family and neighbors taught me about the healing power of close relationships. Learning to speak Nepali has opened my eyes to the power of patience, humor, and community. I discovered the beauty of living in accordance with the seasons, honoring change, and participating in culturally relevant ceremonies and rituals. While planting seeds and harvesting crops, my community members and I shared meaningful conversations that often led to more collaborative projects and a strong feeling of connection. This inspired me to become a nature-based therapist, combining my love of supporting people and collaborating with the natural world.