September Provider Spotlight: Kristy Newstrom, AMFT

At Wellspring Psychological Services, we believe our clinicians are our greatest asset. This month, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on Kristy Newstrom, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist whose practice is deeply rooted in authenticity, empowerment, and creative healing. Get to know her inspiring approach and the passions that fuel her work.

What inspired you to become a Clinician?

I’ve always felt inspired to help people feel seen, valued, and heard, and becoming a therapist feels like the natural next step in continuing that passion.

What theoretical orientations or philosophies inform your practice?

I’d say I’m definitely a humanist at heart. I really believe in meeting people exactly where they are, because that’s where trust and healing begin. From that place, I focus on creating a space that feels supportive, collaborative, and empowering. For me, therapy is about walking alongside clients as they discover their own strengths, build self-awareness, and figure out the path that feels right for them.

I also love weaving creativity and curiosity into sessions—whether that’s through story, play, or reflection—which is why I enjoy using narrative therapy techniques with clients. These approaches give people the chance to reframe their experiences and see themselves through a lens of resilience and growth. Looking ahead, I’m excited to integrate Internal Family Systems into my practice as well, since I believe it can be such a powerful way for people to understand and connect with the different parts of themselves.

What is your professional passion?

I really enjoy working with young children and teens. They bring such a refreshing openness and honesty, and I love how willing they are to explore and learn about themselves. It’s powerful to watch them discover new ways of moving through the world that help them feel safe, confident, and empowered. I also appreciate the creativity and energy they bring into the room—it makes the work feel dynamic and full of possibility.

I’m also passionate about supporting the LGBTQ+ community. As a queer woman myself, it’s deeply important to me that my community feels seen, cared for, and empowered. In my work, I focus on creating a safe, affirming space where clients can explore their identities, process their experiences, and feel validated in who they are. Whether it’s supporting someone through the challenges of coming out, navigating relationships, or simply providing a space where they don’t have to explain themselves, my goal is to help LGBTQ+ clients feel grounded, understood, and celebrated for who they are.

How do you approach building trust with clients?

I think building trust with clients really comes from showing up in the room in a genuine and real way. I try to bring a mix of humor, warmth, and authenticity, which usually helps people feel more at ease and safe with me. I’m also deeply empathic, and I believe clients pick up on that, which makes it easier for them to open up and share what’s really going on.

Do you have any certifications/trainings/specialties that you would like to share with clients?

Not yet, but one day I would like to specialize in Internal Family Systems.

What is a quote or mantra that guides you personally or professionally?

“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important if I am afraid.” Audre Lorde

Outside of work, what brings you joy?

My partner, our two cats, traveling, and spending time with friends pretty much top my list of favorite things. I’m happiest when I’m exploring new places, finding cozy coffee shops, or just laughing way too hard with the people (and pets) I love most. The cats definitely run the house though, they just let us live there.

What is a book, podcast, or other resource that has influenced you and how?

Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach: Reading Radical Acceptance was really a turning point for me. It helped me understand the power of meeting myself with compassion instead of criticism, and it gave me language for something I had always believed deep down, that true healing begins with accepting ourselves exactly as we are. The book challenged me to notice the ways I was holding myself back through self-judgment, and it showed me that creating space for kindness toward myself allows for growth and change in a much healthier way.

The podcast, All There Is with Anderson Cooper: Listening to All There Is with Anderson Cooper has been really impactful for me because it gave me a deeper understanding of grief and the many ways it shows up in people’s lives. The podcast taught me that grief isn’t something to “get over,” but something to carry, integrate, and grow around. Hearing the personal stories of loss and resilience reminded me how important it is to hold space for vulnerability and to honor each person’s unique process. It shaped the way I think about both my own experiences and the work I do with clients, reinforcing my belief that healing comes from allowing ourselves to be honest about our pain, while also finding meaning and connection through it.

Is there anything else that you would like to share for your spotlight (Fun fact, hidden talent, or a message for potential clients or colleagues)?

A fun fact about me is that I’ve completed two full Ironman Triathlons and several half Ironman races. Those experiences taught me what it truly means to push through challenges and stay committed to seeing something through to the finish. I also love singing gospel music, it really warms my soul and brings me joy. And another part of my life is working with horses, both personally and therapeutically, they are such magical creatures and have so much to teach us.

We are so grateful to have Kristy’s unique blend of strength, empathy, and creativity on our team at Wellspring. Her commitment to walking alongside her clients on their journey to self-discovery perfectly embodies our mission.