Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirsten Hardy.
Hi Kirsten, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up in a Marine family, I became accustomed early on to the realities of military life. The frequent relocations every few years meant that I was always adapting to new environments, meeting new people, and starting over in unfamiliar places. This upbringing taught me how to be flexible and resilient, skills that have greatly influenced both my personal and professional journey. I have been fortunate throughout my career to gain a wide variety of experiences in my role as a mental health therapist. These experiences have shaped both my professional path and my personal outlook.
For most of my career, I was the wife of an active duty (now retired) Marine. This role brought with it numerous transitions, impacting me both professionally and personally. Working with military members and their families gave me the unique opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, each bringing their own stories and perspectives. I dedicated many years to working for both the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Veterans Affairs (VA). These roles allowed me to support service members, veterans, and their families, helping them navigate challenges related to transitions, mental health and well-being.
Eventually, I decided to take a chance on myself and opened my own telehealth therapy business. My focus was on helping first responders, veterans, and their spouses. This move allowed me to continue the work I loved, while also providing the flexibility that neither my clients nor I had experienced while working at the VA.
Unexpectedly, I began receiving requests from individuals outside the military and first responder communities. Many of these clients found me through referrals or my website. Although they were not affiliated with the military, they struggled with anxiety and trauma and needed the same tools I was providing to my original clients. They appreciated my upfront and blunt approach, as well as the humor I brought to our sessions.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Owning a business has been a learning curve. Learning to manage expectations for myself and my clients, set and model healthy boundaries, and start my business from the ground up was challenging. I had come from a place with lots of bureaucracy and structure, so figuring out my own policies and procedures was tough. For every decision, I had to always ask myself why or why not.
In the beginning, I realized I was making things harder on myself, so I was able to figure out systems, such as online scheduling, to make it easier. The biggest challenge was to have faith that clients would come and that I would be the right fit to help them achieve their goals.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I specialize in providing individual outpatient therapy for adults facing challenges such as anxiety, trauma, insomnia, and relationship difficulties. My focus is always on equipping clients with practical tools and new perspectives during our sessions. I strive to ensure that each person leaves with something they can immediately implement, allowing them to start experiencing tangible changes in their lives right away.
One aspect of my practice that I am particularly proud of is my reputation for being direct and honest with clients. I have had individuals seek me out specifically because, “You will tell me what I need to hear.” While I am upfront in my communication, I always emphasize a collaborative approach. I believe that therapy should be centered around the client’s goals and readiness for change. It’s their life, so I prioritize understanding what they want to achieve and what changes they are prepared to make. Together, we work toward those goals in a supportive and empowering environment.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory centers around the time I spent volunteering with the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting Sailors, Marines, and their families who are experiencing financial hardship. My journey with the organization began when I was just six years old, volunteering alongside my mom. Together, we helped stock the food pantry, took care of filing and organizing, and even made a baby blanket to donate. These early experiences not only instilled in me a sense of service but also gave me a meaningful way to contribute to the well-being of others from a young age.
Pricing:
- $150/session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kirstenhardylcsw.com/
