Office of Student Life
Counseling and Consultation Service

Kristen Swope, PsyD

Ohio State students may request a “Let’s Talk” consultation with Dr. Swope

Or schedule with another Let's Talk clinician

Therapeutic Style:

My therapy style is intentionally integrative, meaning that I do not pull solely from one theoretical orientation nor use one set of specific techniques. Rather, I aim to understand the client as an individual with multiple intersecting identities and to use therapy “tools” that are most appropriate for each concern. These tools supplement my foundation of interpersonal, feminist, and psychodynamic therapy styles. I see the importance of meeting the client where they are and collaboratively establishing realistic goals for therapy. Equally important is attending to the “here-and-now” of therapy to enhance understanding of how past relationships with yourself and others affect present functioning and concern(s). Identity development in terms of clarifying values and needs is also a large part of the work that I do, as well as using a strength-based approach to increase self-efficacy and empowerment.

Supervision Style: 

Much like my therapy style, as a supervisor I take an individualistic approach for supervisees. This means respecting both personal and professional identities by taking time to understand my supervisee’s level of development, stylistic and theoretical preferences, and relevant background, identities, and experiences. I strive to simultaneously support and challenge supervisees, providing a safe environment that celebrates strengths while addressing growth edges. Stylistically I tend to be more “hands off” in my approach, encouraging supervisees to explore areas that they perceive are important to their professional development while providing guidance and structure when appropriate.

Professional Interests:

  • Disordered eating & body image
  • Men’s issues/masculinities
  • Identity development (e.g. values, needs, self-esteem, meaning-making)
  • Graduate student concerns
  • Family of origin
  • Student athlete concerns
  • Sexual health and sexuality
  • Relationship concerns

Groups and Liaison Roles:

I facilitate the Eating and Body Image Concerns group and am the liaison for OSU’s Department of Dance. I’m also serving as the interim chair for the Eating Concerns Consultation Team.

Educational Background:

I earned my bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). I completed my pre-doctoral internship here at Ohio State’s Counseling and Consultation Service and my post-doctoral fellowship at IUP’s Counseling Center.

Personal Interests:

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, walking and hiking outdoors, dancing to Beyoncé, and catching up on the Netflix shows that I missed while I was in graduate school.

My Pronouns:  

She/Her/Hers