Kristen McKee, LCSW
John Hopkins University
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
New York University
Master of Social Work
Nalanda Institute
Certificate in Contemplative Psychology
I often come back to a sentiment that hooked me early in my Buddhist studies: the idea we only exist as pure potential. Hearing this was empowering and begged the question of what we/I would do with this potential. I am filled with fascination and joy when I can support others in utilizing their strengths and vulnerabilities to actualize their chosen path. Lila, meaning divine play, can be essential to this process. If we can recognize life’s experiences as opportunities to grow, and play with the possibilities, self-criticism fades, and self-compassion and connection grow. I attempt to practice these things both personally and professionally. I value a free-spirited, joyful, and connected approach to life and have spent my free time traveling, surfing, spending time with those whom I hold dear, and completing silent, solitary retreats.
As for my studies and experience, I am a contemplative psychotherapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, yoga teacher and meditation guide who has provided individual therapy for 10 years. I completed my formal studies at NYU, but my true transformation came from the many years I spent deeply immersed in practices that synthesized psychology, meditation, and mindfulness practices. I graduated from Nalanda Insititute’s certificate program in Contemplative Psychotherapy, and have completed thousands of hours formally studying yoga, meditation, and the integration of ancient spiritual principles and modern psychology. I have completed weekly and monthly silent solitary retreats in which I focused on Tibetan practices of compassion and wisdom. In 2018, I was part of a team that led a group on a pilgrimage in Nepal where we spent a week studying the lam rim at Kopan Monastery receiving daily teachings from Geshe Tenzin Zopa.
I have experience supporting people through life’s small disturbances as well as major traumas, and have used an integrative approach to promote healing and growth with many different populations. While at NYU, I worked with adolescents who were victims of rape, abuse, and bullying, and incorporated meditative practices into counseling sessions. The effect was powerful. Students reported a newfound sense of empathy for themselves and others, learned how to love themselves, and felt validated and motivated in their quest for the possibility of a better life. From there, I created and implemented a Wellness Program at La Guardia Community College’s Women’s Center, where clients suffered from everyday struggles as well as mental illness and substance abuse. While at an outpatient eating disorder, we used a holistic healing approach that incorporated yoga, therapy and meditation to heal body, mind, and spirit. Before going into private practice, I worked with pioneers in the field of Contemplative Psychology, where we offered individual therapy and meditation as well as Buddhist Psychology programs for those who were interested in delving deeper into the practices.
