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LCSW

Kristel Avilus, LCSW

  • Experience7 years
  • LocationFlorida
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and LGBT
  • Therapy approachesAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Client-Centered Therapy
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About Kristel

Kristel Avilus is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with seven years of clinical experience who blends evidence-based therapies with a compassionate, client-centered stance. She draws on cognitive-behavioral techniques alongside acceptance and commitment strategies to help people manage anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and relationship challenges.

Background and approach

Her work also addresses issues like grief, addiction, parenting struggles, sleep concerns, and career transitions, with attention to attachment, boundary and communication difficulties. Known for a warm and interactive counseling style, she emphasizes respect and sensitivity while avoiding stigmatizing labels.

Sessions are collaboratively tailored, with treatment plans shaped around each person's priorities and strengths. Kristel has supported clients impacted by emotional, physical, or sexual trauma and helps those coping with complex family dynamics, blended family issues, and separation or divorce.

She accepts English-speaking clients in Florida and also works with international clients. Kristel offers a flexible range of online session formats and frames therapy as a partnership aimed at empowering practical change, building coping skills, and restoring connection to valued life goals.

Integrating evidence-based methods with flexible online care



Kristel uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, an approach often useful for anxiety, depression, and some ADHD-related coping strategies. She also incorporates acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which focuses on clarifying personal values and building psychological flexibility so people can move toward meaningful goals even when discomfort is present. Emotionally-focused and client-centered elements shape a compassionate therapeutic relationship that supports work on relationship and attachment concerns.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Kristel partners with each client to explore which methods match their goals, preferences, and life circumstances, adjusting techniques over time so the plan stays relevant and practical. The therapeutic relationship and clear goals guide which strategies are emphasized.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and communication styles. These formats make it easier to access consistent care from Florida or abroad while maintaining regular treatment progress, skill practice, and ongoing support.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Kristel commonly address?
She works with a broad set of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, intimacy and self-esteem problems, and ADHD.
What therapeutic style can I expect in sessions?
The approach is warm and interactive, combining client-centered empathy with practical techniques from CBT, DBT, ACT, and emotionally-focused therapy to tailor work to individual needs.
What is Kristel's professional background?
Kristel is an LCSW with seven years of clinical experience supporting people through trauma, mood concerns, parenting and relationship struggles, and other life changes.
Where is Kristel licensed to practice?
She holds Florida licensure as FL LCSW SW17998 and practices with clients based in Florida while also accepting international clients.
Can nonlocal clients work with her in English?
Yes, she conducts sessions in English and is available to work with international clients as noted in her profile.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.
How are fees and subscriptions handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability and services use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Kristel?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression

Also works with

AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesInfidelityIntellectual disabilityJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSelf-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

7+ years

Licensed

Florida

Languages

English

What Kristel can help with

Kristel Avilus works with clients on stress and anxiety, LGBT, relationship issues, family conflicts, and depression.

Kristel works with clients navigating unresolved trauma.

Kristel works with clients with concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD.

How Kristel approaches therapy

Kristel's clinical approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy.

Experience and training

Kristel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Florida, with 7 years of clinical experience.