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Kristel Avilus, LCSW

Warm, practical support for trauma and life challenges
  • Trauma informed support
  • Skills for anxiety
  • Relationship and parenting help

About Kristel Avilus

Kristel Avilus is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 7 years of experience supporting clients as they work through unresolved trauma and the stressors that can follow. She has helped people navigate concerns such as depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, parenting stress, career difficulties, OCD, and ADHD, and she has experience working with individuals impacted by physical trauma, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse.

Her counseling style is warm, interactive, and grounded in respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Kristel approaches each person without relying on stigmatizing labels, focusing instead on understanding the full picture of what they are facing and what they want to change. She integrates cognitive-behavioral strategies with a client-focused, rational-emotive perspective to help clients build practical skills, examine unhelpful patterns, and strengthen coping tools in everyday life.

Kristel tailors the conversation and treatment plan to fit each client’s unique needs, goals, and pace. She recognizes that reaching out for support takes courage, especially when life feels heavy or stuck, and she aims to provide steady encouragement and empowerment as clients take meaningful steps toward a more fulfilling life.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression

Also Specializes In

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 Approach

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Kristel Avilus have?

Kristel Avilus has 7 years of experience providing therapy and helping clients work through concerns such as trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship stress, and other life challenges.

Is Kristel Avilus a licensed therapist?

Yes. Kristel Avilus is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Her license is listed as FL LCSW SW17998.

In which languages does Kristel Avilus provide therapy?

Kristel Avilus provides therapy in English.

Where is Kristel Avilus located?

Kristel Avilus is located in Florida.

How can I work with Kristel Avilus as my therapist?

You can work with Kristel Avilus through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. This flexibility can make it easier to choose the format that fits your comfort level and schedule.

Does Kristel Avilus work with international clients?

Yes. Kristel Avilus works with international clients.

How much does therapy with Kristel Avilus cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the “Start Therapy” button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the “Start Therapy” button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Therapeutic Approaches That Translate Well to Online Care

Kristel Avilus, LCSW, draws from evidence-informed approaches that can be practiced in real time, even when sessions happen remotely. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on noticing unhelpful thought patterns and building practical strategies to shift behaviors and daily routines, which can be especially useful for anxiety, depression, and stress.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) supports clients in making room for difficult thoughts and feelings while strengthening actions guided by personal values. This approach can be helpful when someone feels stuck, overwhelmed, or pulled off course by fear, regret, or self-criticism. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills can also be incorporated to build emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and more effective communication when feelings run intense or relationships feel strained.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Kristel works collaboratively with clients to understand their goals, preferences, and what has or has not helped in the past, then shapes sessions to fit the pace and direction that makes sense for them.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options can make it easier to access support consistently, integrate skills into everyday life, and choose the format that feels most comfortable.

Ready to start therapy with Kristel Avilus?

Take the first step toward a better you.