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Kristin Papa | Source | Licensed Psychotherapist and Founder at Living Openhearted Therapy and Wellness

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Kristin Papa

Licensed Psychotherapist and Founder at Living Openhearted Therapy and Wellness
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Kristin M. Papa, LCSW, is a dedicated licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist with nearly two decades of experience in offering therapy, advocacy, and professional services within her community. Specializing in burnout, anxiety, chronic illness, and couples therapy, Kristin is known for her compassionately direct approach and commitment to empowering her clients to live valued-driven lives.

As the owner and founder of Living Openhearted Therapy and Wellness, Kristin leads a passionate team dedicated to fostering healing and growth. Serving California and Puerto Rico, her group practice embodies her vision of holistic wellness and compassionate care.

Kristin's professional journey is marked by a profound dedication to service. Before establishing her private practice, she worked as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the State of California supporting adults with ASD, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities. Additionally, she spent over a decade at the Veterans Administration hospital in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she provided mental health support to veterans and their families coping with trauma, medical challenges, and end of life issues.

A Bay Area native, Kristin's experiences have taken her across different cities and countries, enriching her understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives. She finds joy in connecting with individuals from all walks of life and is known for her ability to create a safe and inclusive therapeutic environment. As a multilingual (English, Spanish, and Italian) and biracial AAPI provider, she brings a unique perspective to her practice, fostering inclusivity and cultural awareness. Currently leading a bicoastal lifestyle between California and Puerto Rico, Kristin embraces the richness of both environments, drawing inspiration from their unique cultures and landscapes. When she's not working Kristin is an avid runner (although she's not very fast!), enjoys making homemade focaccia for her family and friends, and she can't ever get enough time at the beach.

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  • Embrace Niksen: The Art of Doing Nothing for Mental Clarity
    Kristin explains that Niksen offers mental clarity by allowing the brain to pause, reducing stress and cortisol levels. This practice encourages creativity and prevents burnout. Unlike structured mindfulness or hobbies, Niksen has no goals or productive outcomes. Kristin advises starting small, normalizing the challenge, and creating a ritual to embrace this skill of simply "being."
  • Understanding News Fatigue: A Psychotherapist's Insight
    Kristin explains that constant exposure to distressing news leads to emotional numbing, a protective response. She suggests developing intentional news consumption habits, like choosing the right media type and timing, to manage fatigue. "Periodic disconnection isn't irresponsible but necessary," she advises, allowing us to stay informed without overwhelming our nervous systems.
  • Recognizing Partner's Anger: Insights from a Licensed Psychotherapist
    Kristin emphasizes the importance of recognizing partner anger for emotional attunement. She notes, "Subtle signs include emotional withdrawal, decreased eye contact, and passive-aggressive comments." To open communication, use "I" statements and active listening. Healthy relationships require proactive communication and conflict strategies. Distinguish normal conflict from controlling behavior by noting patterns of intimidation or extreme jealousy.
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