Kirstin Montsma, MSW, LSW she/her

Licensed Social Worker & Psychotherapist

Kirstin is a Licensed Social Worker in Chicago, IL. As a clinician, she brings deep curiosity, warmth, and intentionality into the therapy space. Rooted in her social work values, she centers her clients as the experts of their own experiences and listens deeply to how the systems around them impact their lives—approaching these complexities with openness, respect, and curiosity in the therapeutic relationship.

Kirstin believes therapy works best when clients feel safe, heard, and empowered. She works from a strengths-based, client-centered perspective that prioritizes collaboration, authenticity, and flexibility.

Kirstin is eating disorder-informed and holds a Health at Every Size® (HAES®) lens. She is eager to grow in her understanding of weight-inclusive, anti-diet approaches and is supported by Nourishment Works’ collaborative and interdisciplinary care model.

She welcomes adults of all identities and backgrounds who are seeking support around anxiety, depression, life transitions, and burnout.

Therapeutic Approaches & Areas of Expertise

Trauma-Informed Care (certification: Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics)
Psychodynamic-Informed
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Client-Centered & Strengths-Based Therapy
Relational Therapy
Mindfulness & Somatic Curiosity
LGBTQIA+ Affirming
Depression & Anxiety
Burnout & Overwhelm
Life Transitions
Neurodivergence
Self-worth & Identity Work
Health At Every Size (HAES®) aligned
- As a HAES® aligned therapist, I am committed to practicing and advocating for: size inclusivity, health enhancement, respectful care, eating for well-being, and life-enhancing movement. Check out the Association for Size Diversity's statement of the HAES® Principles here.