Kirsten Pettaway (she/her/hers) is a Resident in counseling, born and raised in Arlington, VA. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University. She also holds a Master’s degree in Human Services Counseling from Liberty University. She gained experience working with children and adolescents by serving as a childcare provider for 11 years. She specializes in substance abuse counseling, women’s mental health, and psychotherapy. In her free time you can find her reading romance books, watching anime, binge-watching Downton Abbey or Scooby Doo for the 100th time, while planning her next trip to Disney. Her clinical viewpoint is shaped by Dr. Ruth Westheimer’s famous saying “In order for the turtle to move, it has to stick its neck out.” She believes therapy should encourage people to take risks and face challenges instead of hiding in their shells. She believes it is important to step outside of one’s comfort zone and thrive by believing in yourself, investing in yourself and never listening to those who try to take your joy. As a therapist she wants to help combat negative social stereotypes of mental health while teaching people to focus on what they can control and find positive solutions.
Kirsten Pettaway
