Kristie Pagel-Compagner

Experienced therapist using practical psychotherapy

LMSW Michigan

Experience: 25 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Kristie

Kristie Pagel-Compagner is an LMSW with 25 years of clinical experience who centers her work on practical, skills-based psychotherapy. She integrates cognitive behavioral techniques with client-centered and psychodynamic perspectives to help people manage depression, anxiety, bipolar symptoms, trauma, and stress.

Background and approach

Her approach emphasizes concrete strategies alongside an exploration of underlying patterns to support symptom relief and greater emotional clarity. Her practice addresses a broad range of concerns including panic attacks, mood disorders, self-esteem struggles, and the fallout from family-of-origin issues or divorce and separation.

She also supports clients coping with caregiver stress, chronic illness or pain, feelings of isolation, grief and hospice-related issues, and complex presentations that include co-morbidity. Kristie aims to blend evidence-informed interventions and empathic listening to help clients strengthen communication, process painful memories, and build resilience.

Based in Michigan, she offers a compassionate, collaborative style that balances short-term problem solving with deeper therapeutic work when helpful. Kristie frames treatment around each person’s goals and life context, guiding clients toward practical coping skills while attending to emotional growth and healing.

Integrating Evidence-Based Methods with Online Care

Kristie often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, applying practical exercises that can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, panic, and mood instability. Client-Centered Therapy is another key element of her practice, focusing on empathic listening and support so clients feel heard and can explore their goals at their own pace. These approaches combine skill-building and emotional validation to address both immediate distress and longer-term growth.

Choosing the right therapeutic approach is a collaborative process. She works with clients to assess which methods align with their needs, preferences, and goals, and adjusts the balance of practical strategies and deeper exploration over time. This lets clients play an active role in shaping treatment while benefiting from experienced clinical judgment.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care during busy periods, manage follow-up between sessions, and access support from Michigan without commuting to an office.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?

She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, depression, and related mood issues, along with problems like panic attacks, self-esteem difficulties, and family of origin challenges.

What is her therapeutic approach and style?

Her work blends client-centered empathy with cognitive behavioral techniques and psychodynamic insight, offering both skills-based tools and exploration of underlying patterns in a collaborative manner.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She brings 25 years of experience providing psychotherapy and support for a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns.

What credentials and location are listed?

She is licensed as an LMSW in Michigan, license number MI LMSW 6801093410, and practices from that state.

Does she provide services in other languages or to international clients?

She offers services in English and is not currently accepting international clients.

Which session formats are available?

Sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different needs and preferences.

How is cost handled for therapy with her?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the steps to begin working together?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Self esteemBipolar disorderDepression

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCommunication problemsDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / loneliness Mood disorders Panic disorder and panic attacks Post-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Psychodynamic Therapy

Experience

25+ years

Licensed

Michigan

Languages

English