I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist-Supervisor, a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, a Registered Play Therapist- Supervisor, and an Internationally Credentialed Sandtray Therapist. I served as the 2016 Treasurer for the Houston Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (HAMFT), 2017 President-Elect, the 2018 President, and the 2019 Past-President for HAMFT. During my time serving on the board for HAMFT, I was the key leader in formally incorporating the association as a 501c6.
I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology in 1997 and earned a Master of Arts Degree in Family Therapy from the University of Houston- Clear Lake in 2001. I also acquired my teacher certification in Early Childhood through 6th Grade and English as a Second Language in 2010.
I have over 20 years of experience working in clinical settings. For 12 years, I worked for a nonprofit organization that specializes in children & adolescents. Before starting my private practice, I worked as a contract therapist at a private group practice in Spring, Texas.
I grew up in Houston, attended high school in El Segundo, California, went to college in Austin, Texas and currently live in Spring, Texas. I grew up with biological parents, stepparents and three brothers. I am happily married to a man who brought two children to our marriage, and I have a biological daughter who is half Japanese (and fluent in the language).
I am very respectful of all cultures and keenly aware that each person and family I work with is the expert on their lives.
I am Christian, but work with all faiths.
Leading a balanced life is very important to me and is reflective in the office hours I offer. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, in nature, photography, dancing, reading, traveling, listening to podcasts, volunteering at my teen's school, and writing.
I am part of the following organizations and am constantly pursuing training that will enhance my skill set.
Houston Association for Marriage & Family Therapy
International Association for Sandtray Therapy
Sam Houston Chapter of the Texas Association for Play Therapy
Texas Association for Play Therapy
American Association for Play Therapy
Warm regards,
Kristi Patterson, MA, LMFT-S, LPC-S, RPT-S, ICST
