About Me

Kirsten “Kiki” Byrnes - LICSW, MSW, MHP

My name is Kirsten, but most people affectionately call me Kiki. I have been working with young people and adults in multiple therapeutic forms, sites, and job capacities for over a decade. As a person who has also sat on the opposite side of the tissue box as a client, I know how difficult it is to reach out, and seek an outside perspective for help.

When I was younger, I performed stand-up comedy as a coping method whilst in school and going to therapy myself. As a result, I am still a bit of a jokester, and love to infuse laughter and playfulness into my practice to craft an experience for my clients that feels down-to-earth, kind, and relatable. No one wants to go to therapy feeling overwhelmed or on trial.

I practice narrative, emotionally-focused, relational, and experiential therapy techniques that help you become the master and story-teller of your own life, feel in control in a warm, inviting environment, and offer you a judgment-free space to connect, identify your motivations, and communicate.

My work is trauma-informed, anti-racist, queer/trans-affirming, neurodivergent affirming, fat/body positive (HAES), anti-ableist, and anti-oppressive. 

I specialize in working with teens, adolescents, college-aged students, and millenial adults, and I have extensive experience working with managing stress and anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship/interpersonal struggles, school/work issues, grief and loss, lack of communication, problematic substance use, isolation/disconnection, loneliness, self-esteem and loss of identity.

In dark times, I know it’s hard to find the light. Taking the first step towards therapy can be challenging, most especially if you already feel lost or stuck. I see you, and understand. I was there too!

If you think that I may be a good fit for you where you are right now, I would be honored to set up a time for us to chat. Please feel free to contact me anytime to get started.

“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” - Lady Bird Johnson

Credentials:

• Social Worker Independent Clinical License (LICSW) - LW61153993, Seattle, Washington State

• Approved Clinical Supervisor for Washington State

• Master of Social Work, Simmons University, Boston, MA

• Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA