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Krystyna Ksiazek LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) in Massachusetts
Krystyna Ksiazek , MA, Licensed Mental Health Clinician
She/Her/Hers

LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)

Online only

Free initial consultation

Certified
Verified
Accepting new clients

About me

I am an experienced psychotherapist with proven effects in the treatment of anxiety, depression and trauma spectrum disorders. In my practice I use an eclectic approach and flexibility in adopting treatment modalities to individual needs of the client , and, which carry high efficacy and ensure positive treatment outcomes. I work with both genders of young adults , adults and seniors. In my practice I use evidence based treatment interventions and therapies, as well as homeostatic and body - mind modalities. They include, but are not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, client centered therapies, psychodynamics, progressive desensitization, Exposure and Response Prevention Behavioral therapy, Eye Movement, Desensitization and Reprocessing , Commitment and Acceptance Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Also,

My name is Krystyna Ksiazek. I was born in Rabka - Poland - a picturesque vacation land and a curort for children affected by upper respiratory illnesses. My parents had a small farm. We were poor, but I felt secured, confident and loved in my family. The atmosphere at home was set by my mother, hardworking, devoted Catholic, that lived as she preached. I went to the grammar school and HS in Rabka. After graduation, I continued my education at Jagiellonian University, in Cracow – Poland, Major – Psychology. My passion for psychology developed during the last two years of High School, when I was working on school assignments from the literature. The assigned reading material consisted of the books written by Balzac, Stendhal, Dostoevsky , and Orzeszkova, I was indulging myself in following up on meticulous, precise and scrupulous analysis of behavior of the main characters, entangled in family affairs, love, betrayal, personal, loses, political intrigues, etc.  etc.
During the introductory meeting that took place at the large Auditorium gathered about 100 beginners, Professor of the General Psychology, W.S., briefed us, what we should expect after the 5 years of day studies of Psychology. He warned us that the course will not be easy. We will be required to attend seminars, pro-seminars, lectures, practicums, self-studies, pass numerous exams, etc., to learn logistics. But in order to become a good psychologist, we will have to continue on learning from the real, everyday life experiences, which makes psychology different from most other professions.
 After graduation from the Jagiellonian University, I worked 5 years as a school psychologist at Mother and Child Institute In Poland. My primary work requirement was the diagnostic assessment of the academic and behavior problems.  I was testing their intelligence level primary with the Wechsler Diagnostic Intelligence Test, and other, minor diagnostic learning disability tests. 
My first work experience in the communist Poland was not pleasant. I Joined the Solidarity movement, that had an ultimate goal, overthrowing communism. August 05, 1981, I left Poland I went to USA to visit my family. The Polish Government imposed the Marshal Law to squash freedom Solidarity movement, in Dec 1981. I was still at the USA and decided to apply for political asylum which was approved as of January 10 of 1985. 
As soon as my stay in the USA became legal, I began working on obtaining the status of permanent residency, and subsequently, becoming USA citizen, May 22, 1992.  
Along with working on establishing my legal status I worked on learning English. I couldn't find any organization / program that would teach basic English and I had to accept the reality that I will have to continue learning spoken English from hands on experience, from interactions with open public, primarily at work. As time was going by; my English was getting better. I was happy because my living situation stabilized; I had my own apartment, car, some friends, but still, no major changes. Until, one day, my neighbor in the apartment building where, approached me and said something to the effect; "I spoke about you at the place where I work. I explained them your situation and they told me that you should file application for a position of psychotherapist. I promptly followed his advice, and I was hired. It was a small, dynamic and very well organized mental health clinic with around 40 staff members. I had my own office, and I was getting clients. My English was good enough. I was writing reports, communicated with doctor, nurses, and front-end staff. Soon, I earned confidence and respect as a skilled psychotherapist and valid team member. My colleagues encouraged me to start working on obtaining professional license. I was lucky because most of the courses from the Jagiellonian University in Poland were credited towards the license. But, In order to be allowed to take license exam, I still needed 30 more credits. In the Fall of 1994, I enlisted in Fall semester at American International College. I obtained all required credits and In March 02, 2001 I received the License of Mental Health Counselor. After this my pay significantly increased, which allowed me to quit second job. With only one job I was making more money than before working two, or even three PT jobs.  
The money is not the only one thing that keeps me working and motivates me to do well. I like money as an important resource to make comfortable living. I follow the rule that the necessary condition to good living is the balance between work, sleep and the leisure. Relative to this rule, we spend one third of the life working. So, it is important that the work has some component of pleasure, not only a financial compensation. I feel lucky because I like working as a psychotherapist. I like to do what I am doing. I can’t say that I am passionate about my job. But, unlike like many of people, I never said that I hate my work, that I would be happy if I did not have to go to work today, etc. I like engaging in work and my motivation to achieve is high, but it is not a passion. It is about my ambition, that no matter what I do, I have to do my best regardless of what it is. In my practice, I always strive for the best what I can do, regardless of the client diagnosis, gender, age, their bank account, or social status. I like to be helpful, but not altruistic. When someone asks me for help, I hardly ever say “no”. And I do not mind to “Take an extra mile” to make help even more beneficial that expected. I like helping clients, I like when in my practice, I am able to ease off their suffering and emotional pain. If I see that client becomes emotional and distressed and we run into the end of the session, I extend therapy session until they come down. And I like meditation. I am a big thinker; I like to keep my mind busy. I always ask questions; What, why, what if...and on and on. I use meditation to relax, to regain energy, emotional balance, in particular when I am exhausted, when I had difficult week, argument with somebody, etc. If so, I like to "throw my body " on the bed, couch, etc.  Like a bag of potatoes, feeling no bones and no muscles, weightless. I like to remain in this condition for a few hours, sometimes, for a half of the day... until I feel better. I let my mind wonder... positive thinking only. Until I start feeling better, and, I am ready to face problems again, I do not allow anybody, or anything bother me.
I do not have much experience with teaching, but I do not think that I would like it. If I had to accept teaching it would probably be a small group of students. I prefer, consultations and I do not mind giving a broad advice, when someone asks for my opinion, information, etc.
I am not an avid reader as I was in HS. At that time, I was “swallowing” books. When I took a book into my hands, no matter how big volume. I did not like to put it down until I finished it. I like reading mystery books, that could keep me in suspension, biographies and autobiographies and adventure stories.
At my last job, LSH, I had a short-term practice with teenagers, young adults and adults that suffered from anxiety / anxiety spectrum disorders, I never realized how common are these disorders and how devastating is their impact on the future of young people. Quite often, searching for relief from the anxiety they fall into hands of addiction and/or other dysfunctional behaviors. I would like to help clinicians, to promptly and effectively treat anxiety-based disorders. I find the use of the cognitive -behavioral therapy, skills training; coping; relaxation training, and mindfulness activities, very effective in treatment of the anxiety. I may say that I have expertise in this area, as well as resources that I would like sharing with other professionals.
I am a seasoned clinician. I was born before the computer technology area, and the “computer” with all it’s features is still to me “Terra Incognita” Sometimes, I need help with using computer applications, and I have to ask for help. I am asking for understanding. I apologize in advance for creating too much of a problem for any and each of you. 

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License

Education

Fees and insurance

Specialties and clinical interests

Therapy types

Community specialties

Licensed to see clients in

Years in practice

30

Service types

  • Therapy / Counseling

Types of clients

  • Adults (18+)
  • Older Adults (65+)
  • Individuals
  • Couples
  • Families
  • Parents & Caregivers

Languages

  • Polish
  • English
  • Russian