Pietruck Therapy Services
Therapy Services
Kristine Wiley, LMSW
(she/her/hers)
Where she studied:
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
– Alabama A&M University
Master of Social Work
–Alabama A&M University
What she does at Pietruck Therapy Services:
Psychotherapist
Location:
Saline & Virtual
Contact:
Meet Kristine
Do you have any secret talents?
I can ride a bike backwards, and sort of ride unicycle.
A book that you think everyone should read:
“The Road Less Traveled” by Scott Peck
What do you do for self-care/self-love?
I love listening to music, and think it’s one of the easiest ways to relax the body, calm the mind, and disconnect from the noise in the world. Additionally, I really enjoy being with my family, going for walks, meditating, and being near (or in) a body of water.’
What is your favorite quote?
I absolutely love a good quote, and have many favorites, but a few that comes to mind now are the following:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful
beyond measure.” ~Marianne Williamson
“You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for
him.” ~Malcolm S. Forbes
“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” ~Winnie-the-Pooh
As a child, What did you want to be when you grew up?
A Poet.
Who is your ideal client?
I really enjoy working with people, overall, and I think we are all so special and unique. My belief is that a significant part of the challenges, behaviors, or suffering that one may experience, is a manifestation of some form of disconnection, so my ideal client is someone who presents with a need for a connection/re-connection. That is, connection to oneself, family, dreams, a higher power, purpose, community, etc. I am especially drawn to working with teenagers, young adults, and parents.
Why do you like being a therapist?
I like that I have been chosen as a helper in the world, and given the opportunity to join with others along their journeys as they seek to better understand themselves,
reach their goals, heal from their past, and take steps toward being all they were created to be. I like that I am able to lend a space for others to share their challenges, dreams, desires, and other matters of heart, and I really like to see hurting/struggling people begin to feel better and experience life in a more comfortable and peaceful way.
What is something you wish people knew about therapy?
Although therapy may be difficult to
begin, and sometimes difficult to continue, when people learn to sit with, and work through the pain or discomfort that may arise, it provides an opportunity for experiences to be transformed. There may be lots of tears, and there can also be a lot of laughter and joy, as therapy can also be fun and rewarding. Additionally, I would like people to know that a therapist is not a magician or a perfect person, just one human being partnering with another to help that individual begin to self-actualize and access what’s already inside of them. Lastly, I would like for people to know that a therapeutic relationship is a special relationship, not only for the client, but for the therapist as well.
Why/how can people benefit from therapy?
I think people can benefit from therapy in many different
ways. One way is by showing up as their most authentic selves, to the best of their ability, whenever they feel comfortable enough to do so. I feel that when a therapist is able to fully see where a person is he/she is able to meet them in that space, and join with them. Sometimes people become blind to their strengths, and all the ways in which they’ve shown resilience throughout life so I believe that people can benefit from having another person help notice hidden, buried, or overlooked gems a
person may hold inside of them.
What is something you’d like clients to know about you (or how you work)?
I believe that all human beings are beautiful creations. I see every person, regardless of what they have done, experienced, what have been done to them, or how they may have behaved, as equally deserving of an abundance of love, joy, support, inner peace, and connection.
What does success in therapy look like to you?
Success in therapy, to me can look many different ways. It can be when significant progress toward an identified goal is made, or when a culmination of little victories have been won. If yesterday a person was unable to get out of bed, and today, getting out of the bed was all they did that’s one success in therapy. Another way is when a client is able to take the skills they’ve learned and apply
them in ways they may not have been able to before, or when a client realizes that everything doesn’t have to be perfect or easy for life to be fulfilling.
What are your thoughts about the “stigma” of therapy?
The need/desire for therapy has been viewed by some as a cause for shame, a sign of weakness, and even an indication of failure. I think it takes strength, courage, and determination to confront/address challenges, give much deserving space for the pains or burdens one may carry to be felt/experienced, and also to disrupt cycles. The stigma of therapy serves as a psychological barrier preventing others from receiving support as they take the journey towards becoming the best version of themselves. I’m happy to see the progress that has been made, and hopeful that the stigma surrounding therapy will continue to be dismantled.
Populations:
Kids, Tweens, Teens, Young Adults & Adults
Treatment Modalities:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Attachment Theory
- Coaching, Cognitive Therapy Behavior (CBT)
- Compassion Focused Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Family Systems
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
- Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Person-Centered Therapy
- Psychoeducation
- Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
- Strength-Based Therapy
- Trauma Informed Care
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Professional Specializations
- Anger Management
- Anxiety
- Attachment
- Body Image
- Bullying and Social Skills
- Coping Skills
- Cultivating Joy
- Depression
- Educators
- Emotional Regulation
- Empowerment-Based
- Faith Based Counseling
- Finding Your Truth
- Gender Identity/Body Dysmorphic Disorder
- Grief and Loss
- Healers and Healthcare Workers
- LGBTQIA2S+ and Questioning Folx
- Life Transitions
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
- Other helping Professionals and Fellow Therapists
- Parenting
- Personal Empowerment
- Relationships
- Self-Esteem
- Stress
- Trauma
- Women’s Health & Postpartum
- Work/Life Balance
Kristine Wiley, LMSW
(she/her/hers)
Where she studied:
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
– Alabama A&M University
Master of Social Work
–Alabama A&M University
What she does at Pietruck Therapy Services:
Psychotherapist
Location:
Saline & Virtual
Contact:
Meet Kristine
Do you have any secret talents?
I can ride a bike backwards, and sort of ride unicycle.
A book that you think everyone should read:
“The Road Less Traveled” by Scott Peck
What do you do for self-care/self-love?
I love listening to music, and think it’s one of the easiest ways to relax the body, calm the mind, and disconnect from the noise in the world. Additionally, I really enjoy being with my family, going for walks, meditating, and being near (or in) a body of water.’
What is your favorite quote?
I absolutely love a good quote, and have many favorites, but a few that comes to mind now are the following:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful
beyond measure.” ~Marianne Williamson
“You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for
him.” ~Malcolm S. Forbes
“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” ~Winnie-the-Pooh
As a child, What did you want to be when you grew up?
A Poet.
Who is your ideal client?
I really enjoy working with people, overall, and I think we are all so special and unique. My belief is that a significant part of the challenges, behaviors, or suffering that one may experience, is a manifestation of some form of disconnection, so my ideal client is someone who presents with a need for a connection/re-connection. That is, connection to oneself, family, dreams, a higher power, purpose, community, etc. I am especially drawn to working with teenagers, young adults, and parents.
Why do you like being a therapist?
I like that I have been chosen as a helper in the world, and given the opportunity to join with others along their journeys as they seek to better understand themselves,
reach their goals, heal from their past, and take steps toward being all they were created to be. I like that I am able to lend a space for others to share their challenges, dreams, desires, and other matters of heart, and I really like to see hurting/struggling people begin to feel better and experience life in a more comfortable and peaceful way.
What is something you wish people knew about therapy?
Although therapy may be difficult to
begin, and sometimes difficult to continue, when people learn to sit with, and work through the pain or discomfort that may arise, it provides an opportunity for experiences to be transformed. There may be lots of tears, and there can also be a lot of laughter and joy, as therapy can also be fun and rewarding. Additionally, I would like people to know that a therapist is not a magician or a perfect person, just one human being partnering with another to help that individual begin to self-actualize and access what’s already inside of them. Lastly, I would like for people to know that a therapeutic relationship is a special relationship, not only for the client, but for the therapist as well.
Why/how can people benefit from therapy?
I think people can benefit from therapy in many different
ways. One way is by showing up as their most authentic selves, to the best of their ability, whenever they feel comfortable enough to do so. I feel that when a therapist is able to fully see where a person is he/she is able to meet them in that space, and join with them. Sometimes people become blind to their strengths, and all the ways in which they’ve shown resilience throughout life so I believe that people can benefit from having another person help notice hidden, buried, or overlooked gems a
person may hold inside of them.
What is something you’d like clients to know about you (or how you work)?
I believe that all human beings are beautiful creations. I see every person, regardless of what they have done, experienced, what have been done to them, or how they may have behaved, as equally deserving of an abundance of love, joy, support, inner peace, and connection.
What does success in therapy look like to you?
Success in therapy, to me can look many different ways. It can be when significant progress toward an identified goal is made, or when a culmination of little victories have been won. If yesterday a person was unable to get out of bed, and today, getting out of the bed was all they did that’s one success in therapy. Another way is when a client is able to take the skills they’ve learned and apply
them in ways they may not have been able to before, or when a client realizes that everything doesn’t have to be perfect or easy for life to be fulfilling.
What are your thoughts about the “stigma” of therapy?
The need/desire for therapy has been viewed by some as a cause for shame, a sign of weakness, and even an indication of failure. I think it takes strength, courage, and determination to confront/address challenges, give much deserving space for the pains or burdens one may carry to be felt/experienced, and also to disrupt cycles. The stigma of therapy serves as a psychological barrier preventing others from receiving support as they take the journey towards becoming the best version of themselves. I’m happy to see the progress that has been made, and hopeful that the stigma surrounding therapy will continue to be dismantled.
Populations:
Kids, Tweens, Teens, Young Adults & Adults
Treatment Modalities:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Attachment Theory
- Coaching, Cognitive Therapy Behavior (CBT)
- Compassion Focused Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Family Systems
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
- Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Person-Centered Therapy
- Psychoeducation
- Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
- Strength-Based Therapy
- Trauma Informed Care
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Professional Specializations
- Anger Management
- Anxiety
- Attachment
- Body Image
- Bullying and Social Skills
- Coping Skills
- Cultivating Joy
- Depression
- Educators
- Emotional Regulation
- Empowerment-Based
- Faith Based Counseling
- Finding Your Truth
- Gender Identity/Body Dysmorphic Disorder
- Grief and Loss
- Healers and Healthcare Workers
- LGBTQIA2S+ and Questioning Folx
- Life Transitions
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
- Other helping Professionals and Fellow Therapists
- Parenting
- Personal Empowerment
- Relationships
- Self-Esteem
- Stress
- Trauma
- Women’s Health & Postpartum
- Work/Life Balance
Background
Kristine Wiley is a Licensed Master Social Worker who received her Bachelors of Arts in Social Work, as well as her Masters in Social Work, from Alabama A&M University. She has been serving children, teens, adults, and families for over eleven years. Kristine has clinical training and experience working within the child welfare system, as well as in a residential treatment facility for children recovering from traumatic experiences. Kristine also has experience working
within HIV service agencies, and as an infant mental health professional providing consultation to physicians in an integrated health care setting, while servicing patients/clients during preconception planning, and throughout their pregnancy, parenting, and postpartum journeys. Additionally, Kristine has worked with children, teens and young adults within a school setting, providing services to address mental, emotional, behavioral health and social concerns and transitioning through childhood and into adulthood. Kristine has supported individuals experiencing grief and individuals presenting with a wide range of concerns impacting their mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health.
