Meet Our Team | Multicultural Counseling

Meredith Farster LCSW

Director of Clinical and Administrative Services

Hello, I’m Meredith Farster, LCSW. I am a graduate of the Jane Addams School of Social Work and Dominican University’s School of Social Work. My experience includes work with vulnerable populations such as young men and women of color, the LGBTQQ community, those experiencing homelessness and poverty, and those who have experienced violence and trauma. I have experience working with individuals, couples, and groups struggling with depression and anxiety, suicide ideation, parenting struggles, relationship violence, postpartum depression, and chronic illness. I have training in and professional interest in Motivational Interviewing, addictions, cognitive behavioral therapy, gender dynamics, and crisis intervention.

My focus is on providing culturally and racially conscious therapy services using the social work adage of the beginning where my client is. I see my role as being present with my clients as they face and navigate the grey areas of life while increasing positive & healthy coping skills. I learn from my clients as much as they learn from me, and I consider it an honor and privilege to be a part of your change process.

I am passionate about advocacy, empowerment, education and being active in my community, and have volunteered with several local community organizations. I am a certified domestic violence advocate & certified partner abuse intervention program(PAIP) facilitator through Sarah’s Inn in Oak Park. I am also a proud facilitator with the Oak Park Our Whole Lives (OWL) program, a comprehensive sexuality curriculum for youth between the grades of K-9th grade, whose focus is on consent, communication & respect and inclusion of the LGBTQ community.

Kirsten Kingsley, MA, LPC

Psychotherapist

Hello, I'm Kirsten Kingsley MA. I provide psychotherapy services to children, adolescents, and adults. Whether struggling with mood disturbances (depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety, trauma, and life transitions, I utilize an integrative and collaborative approach that encompasses the cultural, social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of clients. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is integral to a positive outcome of wholeness and healing. I offer a safe space in which clients can experience trust, acceptance, respect, and integrity. This is where self-empowerment and self-agency begins.

I have experience working in community mental health centers, schools, and private practice. I am trained in trauma, positive psychology, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and domestic violence prevention. I earned my BS from Ohio State University and my MA in Counseling Psychology, with an emphasis in Latino/a Mental Health, from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Five facts about me: I love being a mom to my four children; I am a student of curiosity and learning; I always have a book or two in my bag; I am always open to new traveling experiences, and in my spare time I enjoy doing voiceover work.