Kristin Roberts, LCSW

Biography

Kristin Roberts LCSW, has been in practice for 34 years in Sevierville and Newport.   Her experience and training includes family and couples therapy, stress management, wide range of anxiety disorders including Post Traumatic stress, depression grief, domestic violence, adolescent and young adult issues, womens’ groups, and pain management.  Her work includes use of techniques such as Mindfulness Meditation, conflict resolution,  internal Family Systems, Imago therapy especially for couples , group process, short term or crisis counseling or if appropriate, a longer term supportive therapy process.

Ms. Roberts is from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.  She attended Ohio State University and has an undergraduate degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.  Having moved to Tennessee in 1973, she worked in a variety of social service jobs in Newport and surrounding areas, earned her Masters of Science Social Work in 1982 from the University of Tennessee.  Her social work experience included helping to create SafeSpace, ( the local domestic violence program),  creating adventure based program at Cherokee Mental Health, and developing a Peer Mediation and Healthy Relationship program in the Cocke County Schools. More recently, she has led and helped coordinate a Crisis Response Team in Cocke County, a collaboration of mental health professionals, school counselors, pastors and community folks to be prepared in the event of a crisis in the schools or community.  Community and Volunteer work includes Cocke County Health Council, working for the National Park, primarily as a campground host, Red Cross, and Leadership Cocke County

She lives in Cosby with her husband of 42 years, Larry Ball, who is a Gatlinburg native.  They have a family of pets, spend a lot of time organic gardening, hiking and and traveling. Areas of interest include completing the 900 miles of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, kayaking, and camping.

Please let us know if you are not comfortable with a dog being present in your therapy session.

Philosophy

Having lived and worked in a rural area for many years, she has not limited her practice approach to specific issues or a set program.   One of her strengths is connecting where the client needs or wants to begin, with sensitivity to developmental stage, internal as well as external process.  She will attempt to create a plan that includes your priorities as well as application of techniques most well suited for you.

‘I believe that therapy needs to be a process of self awareness, listening to oneself and mindfully understanding how we interact with other and the world.’  Therefore the process includes together evaluating your needs and designing a plan that fits your unique situation. Therapy should focus on finding areas of our lives were we can affect some change, along with accepting things beyond our scope of control.

Her practice includes an emphasis on holistic perspective; thus there is likely to be some emphasis on how lifestyle affects your mental health; we may talk about daily activity and exercise, what you eat, creativity, and support system.  I also strongly believe in the value of a spiritual faith or practice, although I do not promote a specific religion.  I regularly offer some instruction and guidance in mindfulness meditation if you are interested.