KIRSTEN DUNLAP, LPC

Kirsten is the founder of Arise Counseling in Darien, CT. She specializes in helping clients move beyond surface-level insight to a place of real transformation and growth. Her work supports individuals navigating anxiety, self-criticism, and stress as well as couples who want to rebuild trust and closeness after disconnection.

With a background in relational and trauma-informed care, Kirsten helps clients not just understand why they feel stuck but actually experience change on a nervous-system level. Her approach is collaborative, warm, and grounded in both science and compassion.

AREAS OF FOCUS

  • EMDR Therapy for Anxiety & Trauma

  • Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

  • High-Functioning Anxiety & Perfectionism

  • Relationship Patterns & Attachment Repair

  • Professional Burnout & Stress Recovery

TRAINING & BACKGROUND

Kirsten is a masters level professional counselor, licensed and accredited in the state of Connecticut. She has advanced trainngs in EMDR and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) . She egularly participates in ongoing consultation and continuing education to stay current with evidence-based practices.

Education

  • Bachelors Degree: Washington & Lee University

  • Masters Degree: Northwestern University

  • Capstone Project": “Understanding Trauma to Reimagine Treatment for Depression & Anxiety: the application of EMDR beyond the treatment of PTSD” 

EMDR Trainings

  • Basic EMDR Training: Personal Transformation Institute

  • Continued Group EMDR Training:  Kelly OHoro, LCSW

  • Continued Individual EMDR Training: Erika Tsoukanelis, LPC

  • “Beyond the Basics: Advanced EMDR Interventions for CPTSD” - w/ Rebecca Kase, LCSW

  • “Predictive Processing: Updated Metaphors for the Neurobiology of Trauma” – w/ Thomas Zimmerman, M.S.Ed., LPCC

  • “Clinical Implications of Current Controversies in EMDR Research” w/ Chris Lee, Ph.D.

  • “Go With What? Essential EMDR Treatment Planning” – w/ Mary Eason, Ph.D. & Holly Forman-Patel, LMFT

  • “Relational EMDR Therapy℠: The Power of Connection” –w Deany Laliotis, LICSW

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Trainings

  • EFT Externship Training, NYCEFT

  • EFT Core Skills Training, George Faller Trainings

  • EFT Externship- Served as Facilitator, George Faller Training

Logo of Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia.