Kristen Rudd, Graduate Student Intern
(She/Her/Hers)
Currently under the clinical supervision of Rebekah Hess, LPC, RPT, EMDR-Trained
3-8 Years | 9-12 Years | 13-18 Years | 18+ | Family | Couples
Kristen is a Graduate Student Intern supervised by Rebekah Hess, LPC, RPT™, EMDR-Trained, and is completing her Master of Arts in Counseling at St. Edward’s University, a CACREP-accredited program. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, specializing in early childhood through fourth grade, from Texas State University.
She LOVES littles and has a heart and passion for working with children and families. Before entering the counseling field, she worked as a preschool teacher with children ages 18 months to five years old. This gave her a deep understanding of early childhood development, emotional regulation, and the importance of safe, attuned relationships.
When working with children, Kristen uses child-centered play therapy and other creative approaches, allowing them to guide the session and honoring them as the experts of their own experiences. This approach helps children build confidence, self-awareness, coping skills, and emotional resilience. She partners with caregivers to translate insights from therapy into practical tools that support growth at home. Kristen’s warm, empathetic, and present approach helps children and caregivers feel supported, understood, and empowered as they navigate life’s challenges together.
As a counselor, teacher, and a mother, Kristen knows firsthand how overwhelming and isolating parenting can feel at times. She strives to provide caregivers with a safe, non-judgmental space to explore parenting challenges, communication strategies, and ways to understand their child’s emotional and developmental needs. She also works with children, teens, and adults navigating times of stress, transition, or change, helping them find coping strategies and build resilience.
In her counseling work, Kristen believes in meeting each individual where they are, with respect, compassion, and unconditional positive regard. She has experience supporting children, teens, and adults in a community counseling setting, which has helped her approach each client’s unique situation with flexibility and understanding.
Kristen is a 7th generation Texan and has called the Austin-area home since 2002. Outside of her work and school, she enjoys traveling to new places, hiking, camping, backpacking, paddleboarding, listening to live music, cooking, reading, quilting, and spending time with her partner, two kiddos, and her oh-so-spoiled rescue pup, Miss Minnie the Terrier-ist.
KRISTEN IS PARTICULARLY WELL-SUITED TO SUPPORT FAMILIES:
Who want a supportive space to navigate big emotions, strengthen connection, and build more ease and understanding within the family.
Who would benefit from child-centered play therapy that supports emotional growth, coping skills, and stronger family relationships during times of stress, transition, or change.
With caregivers looking for guidance and support in parenting, relationships, and life stressors in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
KRISTEN WORKS AT OUR BERKMAN AND SPICEWOOD OFFICE LOCATIONS AND OFFERS VIRTUAL SESSIONS. ALL SESSIONS ARE 45 MINUTES UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. HER RATES ARE THE FOLLOWING:
Individual Session $50-100, sliding scale spots available
Initial Consult, Parent Consult $50-100, sliding scale spots available
Family Session $50-100, sliding scale spots available
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION:
Anxiety
Behavioral Issues
Coping Skills
Depression
Divorce
Emotional Disturbance
Family Conflict
Grief
Parenting
Peer Relationships
Perinatal
Relationship Issues
School Issues
Self Esteem
Stress
KRISTEN’S FAVORITES:
Favorite board game: The Game of Life
Favorite ice cream flavor: Cookies and Cream
Favorite animal: Otters and Sea Lions
Favorite children’s book: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Favorite color: Aqua
Favorite place in Austin: Any and all hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurants
Favorite holiday: Thanksgiving
I feel happiest when: I'm exploring a new place
If I had a superpower it would be: The ability to fly
Place I feel most safe/calm/comfortable: Snuggled up on my couch with my family, my dog, and Kindle