our Story
“All flowers must grow through dirt.”
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Restorative Mind Counseling was founded upon the guiding principle that all people have value, and each of us has the power to change our lives. We all have our own paths in life, some require rock-hopping, some are flat, some have allies nearby, some do not, but the paths are uniquely ours. My experience, especially with people during emergencies, has illustrated that many people find themselves walking in someone’s shadow. Authenticity, and honesty without judgment are important in this practice. Employing these principles and working together can lead towards restoration and healing that often transcends a procedure or a pill. Let’s work together to help you or your loved one grow towards the sunlight along your path.
Meet our Team
Kristy Walker
Licensed Counselor/Owner
Kristy Walker is a nationally certified (NCC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC- VA & TN) who embraces a holistic and integrative goal-oriented approach. She brings over 20 years of global professional capacity as a Retired Active Duty Air Force Veteran, with qualifications as a paramedic and senior manager. Her medical background helping people during physical and emotional crises is a key component to her holistic approach. With experience as a military child, and adult combat veteran, she is flexible and responsive to a wide range of cultures and environments. Kristy’s global perspective informs every aspect of her life and complements her vast portfolio of skills. She believes there is no one size fits all therapy, and tailors her approach to each client’s individual needs. While her passion for helping children is undeniable, and veterans and first responders hold a special place, she thoroughly enjoys helping people of all ages, from all walks of life. Kristy believes each of us possesses the courage and strength to improve our lives and looks forward to helping people find their sunlight.
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Specialized Skills/Training:
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
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Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Level I & II
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Recent Traumatic Events Protocol (RTEP)/Group Traumatic Events Protocol (GTEP) EMDR
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MRT group facilitator
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Mom Power intervention leader
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Motivational Interviewing
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Play Therapy
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Expressive Arts therapy
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Optum/United First Responder provider
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Trauma and attachment issues
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy
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Emergency operations and crisis intervention experience
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Grief and loss- Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGP)
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Intensive Outpatient Program
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Prior DEOMI certified mediator
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​Youth Mental Health Specialist Certification (CYMHS)
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Education
Milligan University
Master of Science in Counseling
Major -Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Milligan, TN 2018
Awards: Chi Sigma Iota, Chi Mu Chi chapter honor society
University of Maryland University College
Bachelor of Science
Major - Business Management
Minor - Human Resource Management
Adelphi, MD /2001
Awards: Alpha Sigma Lambda honor society, Tau Chapter
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Professional Affiliations
ACA, APA, NBCC, Chi Sigma Iota
Sunny
Aspiring Therapy Dog and Mascot*
Specialties
Emotional Support
Receiving petting
Squirrel Security
Eating treats
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*Marti R, Petignat M, Marcar VL, Hattendorf J, Wolf M, Hund-Georgiadis M, et al. (2022) Effects of contact with a dog on prefrontal brain activity: A controlled trial. PLoS ONE 17(10): e0274833. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0274833