Kirsten “Kiki” Byrnes - LICSW, CFSW, MSW, MHP
When I’m Not Doing Therapy...
You’ll find me indulging in a Parks and Rec marathon, planning my next travel adventure, or trying out new (spicy) foods. I also enjoy a little axe throwing and boxing, playing the saxophone (just your regular Lisa Simpson), or diving into either a therapist-y book or a total garbage novel. When I’m not doing any of that, I’m probably having deep conversations with my pets, or laughing at something ridiculously funny (usually myself), or tending to plants.
Licensing Credentials:
Social Worker Independent Clinical License (LICSW) - LW61153993, Seattle, Washington State
Approved Clinical Supervisor for Washington State
Master of Social Work, Simmons University, Boston, MA
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Additional Training/Certifications:
Certified Financial Social Worker (CFSW from Center for Financial Social Work)
ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) Certification
Mental Health Professional (MHP from Washington State)
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) Certification
Hi, I’m Kirsten (though most people call me Kiki). I’ve been a therapist for over a decade, working with individuals at different stages of life - teens, young adults, and millennials. My journey as a therapist is deeply informed by my own personal experiences as a client. Therapy was a transformative force in my life during challenging times, helping me grow, heal, and reconnect with my true self.
Beyond my clinical training, my time performing stand-up comedy and improv gave me a unique perspective on how humor and vulnerability can help us process difficult emotions, break through barriers, and find light in dark times. I believe in the power of laughter and connection as a tool for healing and resilience.
My approach blends narrative, relational, emotionally-focused, and experiential therapy to help you feel empowered. Humor is still one of my favorite therapeutic tools. It helps us breathe. It softens shame. It connects us to joy, even in the middle of hard things.
I’m a trauma-informed therapist, which means I understand how past experiences live in the body and shape how we move through the world. My work is also deeply queer and trans-affirming, neurodivergent-affirming, and fat/body positive (HAES-aligned). I’m committed to being anti-racist, anti-ableist, and anti-oppressive in all aspects of my practice.
I’m here to help you rewrite the stories that no longer serve you - because you deserve a plot twist.
Let me walk with you through the weird, wobbly, deeply human parts of life - like anxiety, depression, identity shifts, relationship struggles, grief, trauma, perfectionism, and that sneaky voice that says you’re “too much” or “not enough.”
In my work, I strive to meet each client where they are, supporting them through hard moments and celebrating their victories - no matter how small they may seem. You don’t need to have it all figured out to start therapy. You just need to be ready to explore what healing looks like for you.
If it feels like we might click, I’d be honored to connect.
Please feel free to contact me anytime to get started.
“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” - Lady Bird Johnson
So what will it feel like to do therapy with me?
Therapy with me is kind of like a cozy FaceTime chat with a dash of existential philosophy, a lot of validation, and the occasional “Wait, have you considered this pattern that keeps showing up?” moment. We can talk about pop culture/politics, pressures you may have in the face of social media and work, uncertain futures, that weird argument you had with your family member.
Therapy that’s part comedy, part personal shifts and real progress. I’ll help you take on the tough stuff, but we’ll do it in a way that feels real, relaxed, and authentic, because it will be. You don’t always have to be serious to do serious work. You can be committed to your healing, while being playful in the process. That’s the beauty of doing this work in this style.
Here’s what I firmly believe:
Growth is rarely linear - and that’s perfectly fine.
Crying and cussing? Totally allowed - and sometimes necessary.
There’s no such thing as being “bad at therapy.” Seriously, I’m rooting for you, no matter where you start. (Remember? I’ve been there, too.)
You deserve to be witnessed, not “fixed” - you’re already whole.
Even the messiest moments have beauty - and, when the timing’s right, comedy.
Life is tough, but so are you.