Kalene McSwain-Faulkner, LCSW, CSW

Kalene McSwain-Faulkner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who brings nine years of professional experience to her practice. She speaks English and Spanish and draws on both life experience and formal study to help people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, addictions, and relationship or parenting concerns. Kalene describes therapy as a process and works with each person to build on strengths already present.

She uses practical, evidence-informed methods such as cognitive behavioral strategies, acceptance and commitment ideas, attachment-focused work, emotionally-focused approaches, and client-centered support. Sessions aim to identify what is getting in the way, try small adjustments, and practice new ways of coping between meetings. Kalene also brings motivational and coaching elements when helpful.

Her background includes military service and a decade of social work practice, which introduced her to many different cultures, ages, and life situations. She completed social work coursework with strong academic performance and continues professional development through required continuing education each year. She is also a doctorate student in the research stage.

Kalene emphasizes collaboration. She listens first, reflects what she hears, and asks for feedback about what is or isn’t working. Her style is hopeful and practical and focuses on aligning what clients already have to meet their goals.

People who choose her can expect a mix of therapy and coaching, straightforward guidance, and attention to real-life steps. She encourages honesty and participation to make the work effective over time.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying values and taking small committed actions toward them while learning to live with difficult thoughts and feelings. It can help people who feel stuck by offering concrete steps and new ways to notice unhelpful patterns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and uses practical exercises to test and change unhelpful thinking. It is useful for anxiety, depression, sleeping problems, and stress management. Attachment-Based Therapy centers on relationships and patterns formed early in life and helps people understand how those patterns affect current connections and emotional responses.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has helped or not helped before. Together they will try methods and adjust based on feedback so the plan fits the person rather than forcing a single model.

If you are considering online therapy, check which session options Kalene currently offers before booking. Online work makes it easier to fit sessions into a busy life and can reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight, or let sessions occur where someone is most comfortable and focused. Licensed professionals can use different tools and exercises over video or phone that mirror in-person methods, and a mix of therapeutic and coaching techniques can be adapted to virtual sessions to support progress over time.