Kristina Sandefur, LMSW
Supervisee in Social Work
Mental Health Therapist at VBCC
Kristina is taking new clients Thursday & Friday mornings and evenings, as well as on Saturdays.
You don't have to keep carrying everything on your own.
Maybe you've become so used to pushing through that everyone assumes you're doing okay. You take care of your responsibilities, show up for others, and keep moving forward, but inside you're exhausted. Anxiety keeps your mind racing, depression has made even simple tasks feel overwhelming, or past experiences continue to impact your relationships, self-worth, and sense of safety. Sometimes trauma leaves us feeling stuck in survival mode long after the difficult moments have passed, making it hard to trust ourselves, connect with others, or simply feel at peace.
I help clients create a safe, supportive space where they can slow down, make sense of what they're experiencing, and begin healing with compassion rather than judgment. Together, we'll process the impact of difficult experiences, identify what's keeping you stuck, and develop practical tools to help you move forward with greater confidence and resilience.
My goal is to help you move beyond simply getting through each day and begin living with greater balance, peace, and self-confidence. I want therapy to be a place where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to reconnect with yourself, strengthen your relationships, and discover that healing is possible.
Areas of Focus
I work with clients experiencing:
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety and chronic stress
Depression
OCD and related concerns
Psychosis and schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Neurodivergence, including ADHD and autism
Personality and Mood disorders
Intellectual and developmental disabilities
Life transitions and adjustment
Alcohol and substance use concerns
Grief and loss
Relationship and family challenges
Self-esteem and identity development
Burnout and compassion fatigue
Military members, veterans, first responders, and their families
Pet Therapy with her service dog, Willow!
My Therapeutic Approach
I believe every person's story is unique, and therapy should reflect that. My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and evidence-based. I strive to create an environment where clients feel emotionally safe, respected, and accepted exactly as they are.
Trauma can shape the way we think, feel, relate to others, and experience the world around us. Whether you've experienced a single traumatic event or the lasting effects of chronic stress or adversity, healing is possible. Drawing from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), mindfulness-based interventions, Solution-Focused Therapy, and person-centered principles, I tailor treatment to your individual needs and goals. Together, we'll build on your strengths while developing new ways to navigate life's challenges.
Clients often describe me as warm, genuine, and approachable. I value authenticity, curiosity, and creating a therapeutic relationship where you feel supported, challenged when appropriate, and never judged.
Training, Certifications, & Modalities
Trauma-Informed Care
EMDR
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Mindfulness-Based Interventions
Solution-Focused Therapy
Strengths-Based Practice
Recovery-Oriented Care
Individual and Group Therapy
Education
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Focused in Psychology
A Little About Me
Before joining Virginia Beach Clinical Counseling, I worked with individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, cancer diagnoses, military-related concerns, neurodivergence, and major life transitions. These experiences have strengthened my belief that healing begins when people feel truly seen, heard, and supported.
Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy hiking, traveling, spending time outdoors, and making memories with my two dogs. I believe in finding balance, embracing new experiences, and appreciating the small moments that bring joy.
Let's Begin
Reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step, but you don't have to take it alone. Whether you're working through the effects of trauma, navigating life's challenges, or simply looking for a place to feel heard and understood, I'd be honored to support you on your journey toward healing and growth.
NPI Number: 1497248785