Kristie Preston
LMFT
California
Practical, collaborative therapy for life changes
Continue with KristieAt a glance
- Credentials
- LMFT
- License
- LMFT, California / 40885
- NPI
- 1245814847
- Experience
- 10 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- California
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
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- Goal-focused
- Strengths-based
- Motivational
About Kristie
Kristie Preston is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, parenting strain, relationship problems, addiction concerns, and questions about life purpose. She also supports those coping with grief, anger, ADHD challenges, career changes, and compassion fatigue. Her focus includes practical coaching for life changes and building healthier self-esteem.
She brings about 10 years of clinical experience working across community and professional settings. Kristie uses a blend of client-centered listening and solution-focused planning so people feel heard and leave with clear next steps. She also draws on motivational interviewing to support change and cognitive behavioral techniques to address unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
Sessions are conversational and goal-oriented. Kristie starts by asking what matters most to the person and what they hope to change. Together they set small, achievable goals and track progress over time. Mindfulness skills may be introduced when helpful to manage stress and strong emotions.
Her style is collaborative and practical. She aims to help people identify strengths and build routines that fit daily life. Kristie also offers coaching-style support for professional development and leadership consultation when requested.
To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule based on availability. The process is intended to make starting therapy straightforward and focused on the outcomes the person cares about.
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How therapy methods translate to online work
Kristie uses motivational interviewing to help people resolve ambivalence and find personal reasons to change. This approach is conversational and focused on drawing out a person’s own motivation for goals like reducing substance use, changing habits, or tackling career shifts.
Client-centered therapy is another core part of her work. It emphasizes respectful listening, reflecting what the person says, and shaping goals together so sessions feel supportive and tailored. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, used alongside these approaches, helps identify unhelpful thought patterns and try new behaviors to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Kristie will discuss client needs, goals, and preferences and adjust methods as progress and comfort change. She aims to match techniques to what feels most useful for daily life and goals.
If you are considering online sessions, confirm available session formats before booking so you know what is offered. Online therapy can make scheduling easier, save travel time, allow shorter check-ins during a busy day, and let people continue care while managing work and family commitments. Many people appreciate keeping momentum on goals by fitting sessions into their regular routine. -
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesDepressionCompassion fatigueADHDAdditional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyExperience
10+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
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Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does this therapist help with?
Kristie supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship and parenting challenges, grief, anger, self-esteem issues, ADHD, career concerns, and questions about life purpose.
How would you describe the therapeutic style and approach?
The approach is collaborative and practical, combining client-centered listening and solution-focused planning. Motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral techniques are used to support change and cope with difficult thoughts and behaviors.
What background and experience does the therapist have?
Kristie has about 10 years of clinical experience working in mental health settings and with clinical leaders on consultation, mentoring, and professional development.
Where is the therapist licensed and based?
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does Kristie work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are session costs and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working together?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
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Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers