KURSTIE RANGEL, LISW
Kurstie Rangel, MSW, LISW (they/she) is a mixed race Chicantecatl who is identified as a fourth generation immigrant, despite being Indigenous, due to the colonization of their ancestral land. They are queer, femme presenting, neurospicy, mid-size, and possess white body privilege. Their work is fueled by the embodiment of ancestral wisdom, rage, and the decolonization of the white supremacist foundations of “traditional” therapeutic practices.
Kurstie is passionate about providing inclusive, culturally appropriate, and kink-affirming care to BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and Two-Spirit individuals, and has a committed interest in issues related to men’s mental health. They firmly believe that each person’s story is unique and sacred, therefore making each client’s therapeutic and shadow work experience completely unique. They actively work with clients to educate and dismantle the harmful, oppressive stereotypes of mental health and wellness in all aspects of life. They know that each individual is the expert on themselves and believe in finding the most appropriate approach to therapy for the client, continuously tailoring this approach as the client's needs change. In the clinical space, they identify as a trauma therapist who uses theories and interventions rooted in mindfulness, somatic/body work, and strengths-based approaches, and they are also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Their clinical areas of focus include complex trauma (C/PTSD), dissociation, substance use, and anxiety. In sessions, they work collaboratively to create a safe therapeutic space where clients are encouraged to show up authentically. They engage with clients through genuine curiosity, compassion, and by challenging each client when appropriate.
Kurstie’s academic and early career paths include a Bachelor of Arts with Research Distinction in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work from The Ohio State University. As a researcher, they focused on the neuroscience of decision making and trauma as well as psychological feigning and malingering. As a trauma social worker, they trained at Grant Medical Center working with victims of crime and individuals actively in crisis experiencing mental health and substance use-related concerns. Once in private practice, they began working with veterans, first responders, and marginalized populations. These diverse experiences in research and clinical practice eventually led them to develop their current specializations. Over the course of their professional career, they have expanded their research and currently provide education and training to other professionals on Latine, Indigenous, and queer identities, as well as vicarious trauma, self-care, and rest from a decolonized and anti-oppressive framework.
Outside of the therapeutic space, Kurstie loves reading and is an avid researcher who also enjoys astrology, expressive arts, traveling, cooking, baking, and hula hooping. Kurstie is a Pisces sun, Sagittarius moon, and Libra rising.
Clinician license can be found under Kurstie Bevelhymer-Rangel
Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board License #: I.2607947