Meet Our Team

Kirstie Winin, MA (she/her)

Associate Mental Health Counselor
Wait list for new clients

Groups Served: Young adults & adults
Services: Individual therapy
Availability: In-person and telehealth sessions
Insurance: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield/Anthem, Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan, Tufts Health Plan (commercial plans only)
Top Specialties: Addiction, Co-dependency, Grief/Loss, Relationship Issues, Life Transitions
Other Issues: Self-esteem/Self-worth issues, Stress Management, Young Adult Issues

I am an Associate Mental Health Counselor who works with adults of all ages who struggle with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and recovery from addiction. My goal is to help you stop feeling stuck and overwhelmed, and start encouraging your healing and transformation.

My Approach to Therapy

I bring an open and warm presence to sessions. As a therapist, I can:

  • Understand people's experiences

  • Uncover what’s under the surface

  • Help people heal their past and manage their present

  • Help people identify and practice strategies to improve their well-being

I enjoy guiding people toward positive change and watching their lives flourish over time. I’d say the most rewarding thing about being a therapist is seeing a person walk away lighter, freer, and excited about their life.

Sessions with me will provide you with the space to be heard and understood so that you’ll be able to gain clarity and explore your thoughts, feelings, and goals. It’s important for me to provide a non-judgmental space where you can be yourself.

At Essential Insights Counseling Center, there isn’t a “one size fits all” approach to therapy.

I use a holistic and eclectic approach to therapy, which provides the most flexibility to tailor my work with each client. I believe in integrating the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a person to achieve the greatest healing and transformation. I focus on creating an authentic and deep therapeutic alliance with my clients in order to assist them in ways that are most meaningful to them.

“Connection is why we are here. We are hardwired to connect with others, it’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives. And without it, there is suffering.”

― Brené Brown

3 women laughing together

As a Therapist, I Embrace the Following Philosophies:

  • I believe that when we connect on a deep and authentic level, transformations can occur that we never thought were possible.

  • I believe that therapy should embrace the person as a whole- the mind, body, and spirit.

  • I believe that emotions heal when they are witnessed and validated.

  • I believe that taking care of yourself is the most generous thing you can do for the world.

My Professional Background

I have a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regis College, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Emory University. My clinical experience includes a variety of mental health settings, including residential care and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), and I have worked with both adolescents and adults. There are a range of clinical issues I have worked on with my clients, issues including depression, personality disorders, trauma, anxiety, behavioral issues, and addiction of all kinds.

I have experience as an addiction recovery specialist at Spectrum Health Systems in Westborough and completed my clinical internship at Arbour Counseling Services in Worcester. Outside of my professional life, I volunteer and participate in advocacy work for the addictions community.

Kirstie is an Associate Mental Health Counselor, which means that she has completed all of the required education and training for her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has passed a national licensing exam. She is now completing her required 2 years of supervised work experience, after which she’ll be eligible to apply for licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and she could then practice independently. During her supervised work experience at Essential Insights Counseling Center, Kirstie is being supervised by Dr. Jennifer Warkentin, a Licensed Psychologist in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Start feeling better and reclaiming your peace!
Reach out and let us know that I could be your best fit therapist.

Here's how it works: Call us today or schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation in our online scheduler. During your initial call with our intake coordinator, you can share what’s going on for you and ask any questions you may have. Through understanding your needs, we will help you choose the best therapist for you, answer any questions you might have, and schedule your first session.