Kassandra Balandrano

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate|Clinically Supervised

I’ve known I wanted to become a therapist since high school. Growing up, I often felt insecure because I didn’t seem to have a standout talent in extracurriculars like my friends did. I was decent at a lot of things, but I couldn’t quite name what made me unique. Everything shifted when I took a career interest assessment and realized my gift wasn’t physical, it was relational! I had always been the friend people came to when they needed to talk or gain perspective. Listening deeply and helping others make sense of their experiences came naturally to me. Recognizing that helped me realize I was made for this profession. Another reason I became a therapist is because of my own experience in therapy. I’ll always be grateful for my first therapist. Her insight and gentle challenges taught me that I am worth showing up for, even when it’s hard. It's a dream to be able to provide people a safe space the way my therapist did for me.

I've experienced my own challenges with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and relationships, which helps me connect with clients in a genuine and meaningful way. I certainly don’t have life all figured out, and when it seems helpful, I’m open about that in the therapy room! It often brings a sense of lightheartedness and camaraderie to our work together, creating space for a more authentic therapeutic relationship. My story isn’t the same as my clients', and I never assume it is. But when sharing serves them, it can build trust and remind them that their struggles are human, not something they have to hide or feel embarrassed about! I know I’ve done my job well when clients leave our work feeling seen, heard, understood, and valued.