About Kristin | Anchoring Services

Kristin Almquist, LICSW TF-CBT Certified

Child & Family Therapy | In-person in Prior Lake and online across Minnesota

My Story

Hi, I'm Kristin.

If you're here because your child is struggling, whether that's meltdowns that seem to come out of nowhere, emotions that go from zero to 100 in seconds, or behaviors that have you wondering what you're doing wrong, I want you to know something right away: you're not failing. And your kid isn't broken.

Kids communicate through behavior. When they can't regulate, they're showing us something. My job is to figure out what that is, teach them the skills to work through it, and help you understand what's happening so you can support them at home.

I work primarily with children ages 3-12. I practice non-directive therapy, which means I meet kids where they are, match their energy, and keep things light when that's what's needed. I also take children's thoughts and opinions seriously, because kids have real insight into their own experience, and that perspective matters in the work we do together.

Connection is what I'm here for, especially now. When we build healthier relationships between kids and adults, that ripples out into other relationships and into how kids relate to themselves.

My Journey to Becoming a Therapist

I come from a family of helpers.

I knew early on I wanted to be in a helping profession. I started my career doing advocacy work in the homeless sector, but I wanted to make a bigger impact on families. That led me to the University of Minnesota's Riverview Child Day Treatment program, where I spent 10 years doing group, individual, and family work with kids who had experienced significant trauma.

That decade shaped everything about how I work today. I learned that kids who seem 'difficult' are often just kids who haven't been given the right tools yet. I learned that parents aren't the enemy. They're usually doing everything they can with what they know. And I learned that when you build a strong, trusting relationship with a child, real change becomes possible.

Diversity and connection are at the heart of my life and my work. I've seen what happens when someone finally feels understood. That's what I'm here to create.

My Professional Background

I hold a Bachelor's degree from Hamline University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Minnesota. I worked for 10 years in the field before pursuing my graduate degree, which means my clinical training is built on a foundation of real-world experience.

I specialize in working with children ages 3-12 who have experienced anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, OCD, autism spectrum disorder, separation and divorce issues, and disruptions in attachment. I'm certified in Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), and I use an individualized mix of therapeutic approaches depending on what each child needs, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy (both directive and non-directive), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. I also incorporate therapeutic art, DBT skills, and body-based regulation techniques.

I'm currently working toward EMDR certification to expand my trauma work. I always include parents and caregivers in the process. Increasing understanding and building trust within families creates lasting, positive change.

As a Therapist

Philosophies I work by

Kids have what it takes. With the right support, children can learn to regulate, cope, and thrive. My job is to help them see what's already there.

Parents aren't the problem. You're doing the best you can with what you know. I'm here to expand what's possible for you and your child.

Children's voices matter. I take kids' thoughts and opinions seriously in our work together. They're the experts on their own experience, and that insight drives real progress.

Connection comes first. Positive child-adult relationships change things. When kids feel seen and understood, everything else becomes possible.

Behavior is communication. When a child acts out, they're telling us something. Our job is to listen, understand, and respond.

Therapy should include the whole family. I work with parents and caregivers to build skills, challenge unhelpful patterns, and create positive change that lasts beyond the therapy room.

A candle loses nothing by lighting another. I believe in building people up. Kids, parents, and the community around them.

Schedule with Kristin