Kassandra Balandrano (she/her)

You identify as a “type A” person. You’ve learned how to anticipate problems, stay one step ahead, & keep everything running smoothly. But the constant planning, analyzing, & worrying has taken a toll. Together we'll work on: - Increasing awareness of anxious thought patterns. - Challenging fear-based beliefs that contribute to worry, & develop self-talk that is realistic, supportive, and compassionate. - Reducing avoidant behaviors and practicing exposure to anxiety-inducing situations safely.

You are not a stranger to compassion. It's easy to comfort your friends and celebrate your loved ones. What would it be like to extend this same kindness towards yourself? Together we'll work on: - Exploring your relationships & experiences, revealing how they shape your view of yourself. - Offering empathy to yourself, ESPECIALLY the parts you struggle to accept. - Responding to difficult days with self-compassion, not self-destruction. - Making choices from a place of self-worth & fulfillment.

Over time, you learned to build walls against hurt in your relationships. Imagine a life where those walls come down & you find safety in connection. Together we'll work on: - Navigating relationship conflicts & emotional triggers with intention & understanding, not reactive or destructive behaviors. - Developing a strong inner voice of self-assurance, empowering you to communicate your needs. - Releasing the weight of past relationship wounds & traumas, clearing space for loving connections.

Our brains are shaped by our relationships and experiences. The way we connect with others can influence how we think, feel, and respond to stress or trauma. In therapy, we'll use this framework to explore emotional and behavioral patterns, and strengthen your ability to regulate emotions, connect with others, and respond to challenges in healthier ways.

A research-based approach that helps couples strengthen their relationship by improving communication, managing conflict, and deepening friendship and connection. Rather than trying to eliminate all disagreements, it focuses on helping partners understand each other better, navigate differences more effectively, and build habits that support trust, intimacy, and a lasting relationship. I currently have level 1 training in this modality.

The foundation of my work. ACT helps you build a different relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions. Instead of trying to get RID of discomfort, ACT teaches skills for making room for it while still taking meaningful action. Together, we'll identify what matters most to you and practice responding to life's challenges in ways that align with your values, rather than being driven by fear, avoidance, or self-criticism.