“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change”
— Carl Rogers

Hi, I’m Kristen. I founded Tides of Totality because I believe we’re all capable of reaching our full potential.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Through my own experiences, I have learned the power of connecting and accepting all aspects of being human. Through no fault of anyone (including myself), I have spent good chunks of my life feeling misunderstood, defeated, insecure, and numb. Unknowingly, I let caution and fear dictate my life, choosing conformity and comfort over embracing my true self and own needs.

Adapting and integrating Western approaches has helped deepen my understanding of the impact of the "stories" we tell ourselves and the reasons behind them. It has provided me with valuable context, knowledge, and practical strategies that I apply to my life and support others.

Education & Licenses

  • Masters of Social Work, Mental Health

  • Professional Educator License with a School of Social Work Endorsement

  • Bachelor of Science in Social Work

  • License # 149.023960

My Story.

These experiences helped me recognize the consequences of viewing my mind, body, and spirit as separate entities and, instead, guided me to embrace and work towards accepting the full experience of life, even during its most challenging moments. While we each have our unique differences, we also share commonalities. My goal is to help others discover what approaches work best for them… there is no one size fits all approach.

In 2017 I had significant health issues which eventually led to the curiosity in Eastern treatment approaches. The integration of Western and Eastern approaches helped me uncover a level of acceptance— even in the midst of life's continuous turbulences.

What are Eastern and Western Approaches?

Eastern Approaches often emphasize balance, prevention, and treating the root cause by harmonizing energy and emotions. Western Approaches usually focus on diagnosis, targeted treatment, and rapid symptom relief through medication and therapy.

Eastern and Western approaches differ in their perspectives on philosophy, psychology, healing, and personal growth.

  • Focus on interconnectedness, balance, and inner harmony

  • Emphasizes meditation, mindfulness, and self-awareness.

  • Views the self as part of a greater whole rather than a separate entity.

  • Prioritizes community, relationships, and harmony with nature.

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) & Daoist Practices, Buddhist Healing & Mind-Body Practices, Ayurveda & Hindu Practices

Eastern Approaches

  • Focus on reason, logic, and personal achievement.

  • Prioritizes empirical research, diagnosis, and measurable results.

  • Sees mind and body as distinct, often separating the self from the external world.

  • Encourages self-expression, independence, and personal success.

  • Includes conventional medicine, psychology & mental health therapies, Mind- Body Medicine.

Western Approaches

Learn More About Me:

Future Mini-Farmer

Ever since I was little, I envisioned owning land and just a few animals!

My Summer Tradition

My favorite time of the year is camping in Michigan —a tradition that began with two families in 1973 and has since grown into 20+ families and friends.

Big Dreams, Smart Steps

I have a deep love for learning and asking thought-provoking questions, sometimes to the point of getting lost in the unknown. I’m constantly working to balance my grand ambition with a healthy dose of pragmatic caution.