Kirstie Winin, LMHC
Limited Availability
Young Adults | Adults | Older Adults
Introduction
I'm Kirstie Winin (she/her), a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) at Essential Insights Counseling Center. I work with people who may be feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward after a difficult experience or change in their lives. My style is warm, friendly, and approachable, with space to feel heard while also making sense of the patterns, relationships, and emotions that may be affecting you. Together, we'll work toward greater clarity, connection, and confidence in moving forward.
Areas of Focus
Relationship Issues and Codependency
Life Transitions and Adjustments
Grief and Loss
Anxiety and Stress
Depression and Low Mood
Anger, Irritability, and Emotional Reactivity
Substance use and recovery
Therapeutic Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Somatic Therapy
Relational Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Attachment-Based Therapy
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
My Approach
My approach is warm, relational, and responsive to what you need. I believe a strong therapeutic relationship creates the foundation for meaningful change, so I prioritize helping you feel comfortable in being honest about what you're experiencing, even when it's complicated, painful, or difficult to put into words.
Together, we'll look for patterns and connections that can help you better understand yourself and your relationships. This might include noticing roles you tend to fall into, difficulty setting boundaries, putting others' needs ahead of your own, or feeling responsible for how other people feel. We may also explore how your thoughts and beliefs affect the way you respond to challenges and how stress and emotions show up in your body.
Our work won't focus on just one part of what you're experiencing. We'll make space for your thoughts and emotions, what you're noticing in your body, and the relationships and experiences that have shaped you. Along the way, we'll identify what feels helpful, what may be keeping you stuck, and what you want to do differently moving forward.
My goal is to help you turn greater understanding into meaningful change. Whether you're navigating a loss, adjusting to a new chapter, working through relationship difficulties, or making changes in recovery, we'll work collaboratively at a pace that feels supportive while helping you move toward what matters to you.
“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
Communities Served
Young adults navigating independence — Support through changing relationships, new responsibilities, identity development, and the uncertainty that can come with finding your footing as an adult.
New and expecting parents — Support adjusting to the emotional, relational, and identity changes that can accompany pregnancy, postpartum, and becoming a parent.
People in recovery from substance use or addiction — A non-judgmental space to explore patterns around substance use, strengthen motivation for change, navigate challenges in recovery, and build a life that supports what matters to you.
Education & Background
Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Regis College (2023)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Massachusetts (License #10004620)
Specialized clinical experience in substance use and addiction recovery
A Bit About Me
One of the things I value most about being a therapist is the opportunity to build genuine connections with people and be alongside them as they begin to understand themselves in new ways. I find it especially meaningful to accompany someone in feeling less alone in what they're going through and to see them begin to recognize their own unique value.
Outside of therapy, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and appreciate the simple, everyday moments that come from being with the people I care about. I enjoy playing games (board games, video games, lawn games - you name it!) and particularly love that they offer a structure through which family, friends, and community can connect. Connection is an important part of my life, both personally and professionally, and I make it a point to create space for the relationships and moments that help me feel fulfilled.
Rates & Scheduling
Insurances accepted: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield/Anthem, Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan, Mass General Brigham Health Plan (commercial plans only), Medicare and most Medicare Advantage plans, Optum, and United Healthcare. Please visit our Insurance & Rates page for more information.
Rates: $185 per intake session; $170 per 55-minute therapy session
Schedule: Kirstie offers in-person and telehealth sessions Tuesdays through Thursdays. Evening appointments are offered Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Getting Started
If you're feeling stuck in a relationship, navigating a difficult change, or trying to find your footing after a loss, I may be a good fit for you. You can begin with a free 15-minute phone consultation with our intake coordinator, Jennifer, through our online scheduler. During that call, she'll learn a little about what's bringing you to therapy, answer your questions, and help determine whether I—or another therapist on our team—is the right fit.