Meet Kristy Harding, AMFT at Gold Counseling in Kaysville, UT

Kristy has always liked to help people. When she was trying to determine what she wanted to be, it was between an American Sign Language Interpreter or a therapist. ASL interpreting required less education, so that was the path she took. She received her bachelor’s degree at Utah Valley University in Deaf Studies in 2012 and interpreted ASL for a short time. Her degree taught her in depth about language, communication, culture and cultural implications, body language and other great skills that positively impact her role as a therapist today.

Kristy had a career shift after she began her own therapeutic journey. She saw how beneficial therapy was for herself and her family. One day, Kristy was having a very difficult day and felt alone. She didn’t know who to call so she called a family member who happens to be a therapist and got the support she needed. Kristy wanted to be that person for someone else. She wanted to be the person that people could call on their bad days. Kristy attended Touro University Worldwide and graduated with Summa Cum Laude and a 4.0 GPA in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2022.

Kristy enjoys working with a variety of people and issues. Kristy helps those who feel alone, helpless, or less-than to find healing, inner strength, beauty, and courage within. Kristy’s goal is to help her clients find their warrior within. Kristy often works with people who struggle with shame, self-exploration, body neutrality, unhealthy relationship dynamics in all different forms, self-care, boundaries, and expectations of self or others.

Kristy has experience working with people who struggle with anxiety, depression, suicidality, OCD, disordered eating, trauma, abuse, addictions, betrayal, childhood exploration, couples work, family dynamics, perfectionism, panic attacks, divorce, parent-child relationships, addictions/addiction betrayal, self-exploration, and empowerment.

Kristy specializes in CBT, EFT, DBT, empowerment, IFS, and Attachment Theory/Family of Origin.

My own mental health is very important to me. I recognize that I cannot ask my clients to do work that I have not yet done. For my own mental wellness I attend therapy regularly. I eat a well-balanced diet, which absolutely includes fruits, veggies, protein, treats, French fries, breads, and Chick-Fil-A. I weightlift multiple times a week and I try to get enough sleep. Some of the other ways I keep my mental health in check is by establishing boundaries with myself and others. I had to address my perfectionism and find grace within my humanness. In other words, I had to stop beating myself up all the time. Lastly, I try to not take myself or life too seriously. Laughter goes a long way.

I have been married for 14 years and have 4 children. I love reading, weightlifting, traveling, journaling, eating and Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar Cream Soda. Things I don’t love include cooking, any form of bug/insect in my home, confined spaces, my hair, or wearing shoes. I am a proud military wife, a self-proclaimed stress organizer, musically deficient and a recovering perfectionist.

My therapeutic approach is: life is hard, don’t do it alone. You do not need to have all the answers. You are a flawed human and will make mistakes, expect it. You cannot hate yourself into change. The world needs you. You are capable of accomplishing the things you want. It takes a village. How you were raised does not have to determine your future. Boundaries improve relationships. Learn to repair. You are not alone. Your worth is not something you have to earn. Struggling with mental illness does not equate to your strength. You deserve to be loved. Relationships are hard. It is okay to ask for help. Communication is key. Life is better with laughter.

Contact us today for Kristy Harding’s current availability.