Kristi West

About Kristi

Kristi West, MSW is an LCSW who graduated from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research in 2011. As a seasoned clinician, Kristi has 13 years of experience in the field and is licensed in Pennsylvania. What makes you enjoy working with seniors?

I consider it an honor to work with seniors as they share their life stories, which so often display amazing resilience and perseverance. Why do you think online therapy is effective for seniors? Online therapy removes a barrier to access for so many people who find it a challenge to travel to in person sessions.

How do you approach therapy sessions? My work with seniors includes, private companion, social worker in a nursing home, in home advanced illness medical care, Veterans issues, Hospice and Palliative Care, complicated grief and loss, and Biblical Counseling. Most of my work took place in client's home the urban setting of Philadelphia, and Greater Philadelphia communities.

I also covered several hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living communities. I worked with a team of nurses, physical therapist, occupational therapist, physicians and support practitioners such as chaplain, art therapist, and harp therapist. I also was a part of the crisis incident response team, and employee wellness team.

I worked extensively with Veterans as a part of the steering committee for Veterans receiving end of life care. I also provided emotional support and guidance to family caregivers. What is your advice to someone who is starting therapy for the first time?

I am a proud mother of three accomplished adult daughters, a grand mother to two handsome boys, a poet, musician, a tree hugger for life. I am obsessed with all things books, and gardening. I am a domestic abuse survivor and activist.