Kristin Mignogna-Bonifant, Ph.D.*, LCMHC-A
Welcome! I’m Kristin, owner and counselor at Innisfree Wellness. I’d like to share a little bit about myself, so that you can determine if I might be a good fit for you, as a therapist, and that you might feel a bit more comfortable sharing about yourself with me.
*Education and Training:
I’m a licensed clinical mental health counseling associate in the state of North Carolina. My clinical education was earned at Appalachian State University, where I completed my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Before receiving clinical education and training, I completed a *research-oriented Ph.D. in Psychiatric & Statistical Genetics at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Medicine and a postdoctoral fellowship in Psychiatric Epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health. This prior training has provided me with a unique level of understanding of the biological processes associated with mental health, as well as the “nature vs. nurture” paradox. I decided to leave full-time research and return to school for counseling, as I was seeking a greater sense of personal fulfillment and more direct and tangible impact on others and their mental health journeys. I enjoyed working in research, but my true place of belonging is in the therapeutic space.
Personal Approach & Therapeutic Style:
I treat my clients as collaborative partners in the therapeutic process. I generally let my clients lead the conversation, seeing where the process takes us and providing feedback, coping tools, and therapeutic interventions accordingly. I communicate compassionately and directly. My goal is to hold space and go at your pace, while also helping to push you toward your goals.
I aim to create a space of comfort, safety, non-judgement, and trust in which you can heal, progress, and develop self-compassion.
Personal Life:
In my free time, I enjoy Pilates, gardening, cooking, quality time with loved ones, and outdoor activities, especially paddle sports, hiking, and trail running. I was born and raised in the Appalachian foothills and hold the mountains close to my heart. My three dogs (who occasionally introduce themselves during telehealth sessions) and husband often join me on mountainous adventures.
My passion for counseling stems from personal life experiences, which allow me to approach therapy from a distinct level of empathy and understanding, while appreciating the uniqueness of each individual’s experiences. My own and my loved ones’ healing and growth journeys inspire my hope for my therapy clients.
What I Offer
I offer personalized support tailored to each individual’s or couple’s needs and goals, drawing from several different therapeutic theories and techniques. I approach all therapy through a trauma- and neurodivergence-informed lens.
I work with adults ages 25+, across various cultures, ethnicities, religions, political orientations, romantic/sexual relationship styles, and sexual and gender identities.
Areas of Focus
Goals I commonly address with my clients include (but are not limited to):
- Identify and manage maladaptive thought and behavioral patterns
- Develop coping, grounding, and regulation tools
- Gain insight into root causes of emotional distress
- Reduce trauma reactivity
- Process unresolved emotions
- Manage anger, irritability, overwhelm, or burnout
- Improve executive functioning
- Increase self-esteem and self-worth
- Achieve contentment while living with chronic illness
- Implement boundaries and practice assertiveness
- Develop healthy communication and conflict management tools
- Work through relational, emotional, or motivational stuck points
Learn more about the presenting concerns I address and the types of therapy I offer here:
Begin Your Journey
Ready to start? Reach out now to learn more about how Kristin can support your mental, emotional, and relational health. Together, you can take the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Innisfree Wellness, PLLC 