Meet Kristen Hanisch, LCSW

Not Your Typical Therapy: Helping Kids & Teens Thrive With Confidence

I love working with kids because they’re pure and full of potential—yes, even the sassy teens. This is the time in their lives when they’re figuring out who they want to be, and I love being part of that journey, helping to shape them into confident, well-adjusted individuals. Hearing, “You actually get it” or “I can’t believe that worked!” is all the reassurance I need to know that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

Growing up, I had anxiety as a child and teenager, but no one really knew what it was. Instead, I was labeled as shy or scared—even lazy (!)—when in reality, I was just struggling with something no one knew how to name, let alone treat. The professionals I saw didn’t understand what was really going on (seriously—how did so many people misdiagnose me?!). Now, I make sure the kids I work with never feel that way. I hear them. I understand them. And I make therapy fun in the process.

Who Am I Outside of Therapy?

I’m a mom of two boys, two pups, and a proud police wife. When I’m not in session, you’ll probably find me blasting Taylor Swift, brainstorming my next business idea (because let’s be real, I’m a workaholic), or scrolling Pinterest and planning my next adventure. I’ll always stand by the fact that Law of Attraction is a way of life, and you can manifest anything you want.

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Why I Created The Therapy Intensive Reset

I started my therapy practice while on maternity leave with my first son in 2021 (Hanisch Counseling Services). The original plan was to be a stay-at-home mom—but I got antsy real quick. Before my leave was even over, my business was up and running.

I exclusively work with children and teens, which means my sessions are scheduled after school. But between minimal evening hours, sports, homework, bedtime routines, and parents working full-time, getting kids into therapy and seeing real progress quickly became a challenge. I’m super solution-focused, and I wanted to see results faster.

That’s where The Therapy Intensive Reset comes in. Instead of rushing to wrap up a session just as we’re making progress, intensives allow us to go deeper, faster. A two-hour intensive with me is the equivalent of 5–6 weekly sessions. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful this approach is—kids are making real breakthroughs, and I’m constantly preaching about it because I know it works!

Why Therapy With Me is Different

Texts like this from client’s make my heart the happiest.

My background is in in-home intensive therapy through the state of NJ, so I’m no stranger to providing two-hour sessions. And here’s the thing—kids don’t even realize it’s been two hours because we’re fully engaged, having fun, and time flies.

I use a mix of EMDR, CBT, and DBT, tailoring each session to the child in front of me. No two sessions are ever the same. If something isn’t working? We pivot. Therapy should never feel like a chore—it’s a space for kids to decompress, process their emotions, and walk away feeling better than when they came in.

Therapy with me is not your typical “lay on the couch and tell me how you feel” kind of thing. It’s interactive, safe, and full of real-life tools that kids can take with them outside of our sessions. It’s also a place where they can open up without judgment, get third-party, unbiased advice, and learn how to navigate their emotions in a healthier way.

Who I Work With

I help kids and teens struggling with anxiety, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and panic attacks. I teach them how to break free from self-doubt and limiting beliefs, so they can move through life with confidence.

If this sounds like your child, let’s set up a consultation. They don’t have to keep living like this—I can help.

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