Meet Kristi Starnes: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristi Starnes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristi, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
There is a lot of information out there about “niches” and so on. I work with all different types of people, ages, vocations, gender, sexuality, etc. I think what has made my practice so successful so fast is my authenticity. That’s my brand. I use what I know- friendliness, genuine compassion, non judgment, creativity, and humor. Instead of trying to be an idea of a “psychotherapist”, or copy someone else, I took a chance and decided that the easiest and most effective thing to do would be to be myself. Clients have noticed these traits, and have commented on them, and It puts people at ease- normalizing the experience of seeing a therapist. I’m a person too, so I get it, and I’m rooting for you. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I spent my 20’s and half of my 30’s working as a professional actor, and teaching. I got my MFA and performed improv, musical theater, and taught voice, and movement all over the country. My through line of life is to understand, and to connect, but something was missing from being an actor. I found myself intentionally getting out of auditions. I’m a socially aware person, and plays that I have written, and new works I had performed in reflected that. The idea of being a psychotherapist was there since my teens, but it intimidated me. Plus, I was good at performing, so I stuck to that, never truly loving it. It wasn’t until my mom got sick in 2015 that I thought “Who am I doing all this for?” I wanted to make a greater difference one on one, and feel that my life, and self had more to offer my community, society. I wanted to make a difference in a more meaningful way. This was reinforced by my work with Greenpeace Los Angeles as well. So, I went back to school. I get to use all the things I love about theater, and the arts. I use a lot of Jungian Archetypal Psychology, Jungian dream analysis, Spirituality and Depth psychology, Buddhist Psychology, and Existential Psychology. I use music, movie characters, sand tray. It’s all creative, and you have to think on your feet. It’s a lot like improv, same foundation. I’m very integrative, and try to use what works for each individual client. The most difficult part is learning how to not take my work home and walk around with the sorrows of clients. Its a continuous practice of mindfulness and self care, but significantly easier now. They try to teach you how to navigate it all in school, but you learn on your feet. Thus far starting my private practice has been easy. I use a therapist search site, and word of mouth for referrals. I think that’s been the best part and most helpful, the support of knowledge of fellow therapists.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would totally take them to Cliftons in downtown LA. A friend took me and it blew my mind. You have several different themed bars, live music, dancing, and theres food. Its such an interesting and historic place, my friends would totally be into it. There’s a secret Tiki bar!!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My instructors at Antioch University Los Angeles. This program helps you hit the ground running as a therapist. They are rooted in social change, student focused, and creative in their approaches. Also, fellow therapists who have supported me with their knowledge, and friendship: Dylan Cimbura-Hernandez, LMFT; Melissa Olmedo, MA, R-DMT; and Suzanne Gauthier-Pin, LMFT.

Website: psychologytoday.com/profile/309791
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krististarnespsychotherapy/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krististarnesmft/

Image Credits
Nicolas Gauthier-Pin