Meet Kirstin Cassell
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CCTS-I
SHE/THEY
I’m Kirstin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, and Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist. I’ve been “in the field” for almost 20 years, but I never stop learning and I never stop being amazed by the ways people heal and grow. Therapy can literally help change the neuronal pathways in our brains, and I think that’s pretty incredible.
MY SPECIALTIES
Areas of Expertise
Too much of the world tries to shame us, minimize us, or convince us that we are the problem. I love using therapy approaches that help people reclaim space for themselves and recognize that the ways they learned to survive trauma, oppression, and chronic stress are adaptations. To me, those adaptations are evidence of competency, intelligence, and resilience, not failure. I already know you are a badass survivor, and it would be an honor to be part of your healing work.
My approach to therapy is relational, collaborative, trauma-informed, and grounded in social justice. I believe healing happens through connection, curiosity, empowerment, and feeling safe enough to show up as your full self. I especially enjoy working with LGBTQIA+ folks, people navigating trauma and oppression, and clients who are looking for spaces where they don’t have to shrink themselves in order to belong.
I have advanced training in gender-affirming care and can provide WPATH letters for gender-affirming medical care at no cost. I’m a proud member of WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health) and Covid-Conscious Therapists. I’m also a registered telehealth provider for the state of Florida.
Kirstin's Story
I’m white, queer, femme, disabled, and a parent, and I also understand the impact of complex trauma and neurodivergence both personally and professionally.
Creating spaces where people can exist without shame, masking, or pressure to perform “correctly” is deeply important to me.
When I’m not at work, I’m usually outside as much as possible (especially if I can be near water), crafting or making something creative, or spending time with other community organizers working toward social justice and collective care.
Education
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling University of Texas at Arlington, 2005
BA in Spanish and German
Wake Forest, 2001
Licensure
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist
Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist - Individual
Training & Modalities
CCTS-I: Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist- Individual
Safe Zone Trained
WPATH Trained
Motivational interviewing
Inner Child Work
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
EMDR
Brainspotting