Hello, my name is Christian Cruz-Ayala, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in both Florida and Massachusetts. With over 11 years of experience in the helping profession, I am deeply committed to supporting individuals on their journey toward healing, growth, and lasting change. My work as a counselor has been both personally and professionally meaningful. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process—one that fosters self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and respected. I earned my degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of South Florida and later completed my Master’s degree in Counseling at Webster University. Throughout my career, I have worked in a variety of clinical settings, including crisis intervention, inpatient substance abuse treatment, and outpatient services for individuals experiencing opioid addiction. These experiences have allowed me to support clients through some of life’s most challenging moments with compassion and care. Over time, my passion has grown for working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. I enjoy helping clients navigate life transitions, emotional challenges, and personal struggles while building the skills and confidence needed to move forward. My goal is to meet each client where they are and walk alongside them toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, go over some policies and expectations. Then will discuss the current challenges and I will gather some history to be able to get to know you more. Then together we will work on developing goals that you want to achieve and develop a plan.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Through my work with this population, I have learned to approach each individual with deep empathy and respect for their unique human experience. This understanding allows me to connect with clients in a way that feels genuine and meaningful—using words that resonate, encourage insight, and inspire positive change. My goal is for every client to feel truly heard, supported, and understood, knowing they have someone in their corner who believes in them and actively cheers them on throughout their journey.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I enjoy working with young professionals and teenagers who may be feeling overwhelmed, uncertain about who they are, or challenged by what life is placing in front of them. Life’s experiences can sometimes lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, anger, depression, or the impact of trauma—and you don’t have to face these challenges alone. In our sessions together, my goal is to help you feel supported and understood while learning practical ways to manage these feelings. We will work at your pace to build skills, strengthen resilience, and uncover the inner strength you already have to move forward with confidence and clarity. I truly believe that the care, effort, and compassion you invest in yourself can lead to meaningful and lasting change. I would be honored to support you on that journey.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
This is a treatment that I use to help those dealing with anxiety and depression work on changing their thought process to better improve their mood. I like to educate the patient on their own thoughts and how those influence their mood.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
This is a treatment modality that I use to educate the clients on how to be present in the here and now. I feel that all humans tend to live very fast paced life and are in different places all at once, with this approach we are able to stop that an focus on the here.
Motivational Interviewing
This treatment modality is effective in exploring with the client where they are in their journey of making changes or what is preventing them from making changes. This is useful is educating the clients in the different stages of change and helping them move though those.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
This treatment modality allows the client to feel as though they are in control of their therapy time. I allow the client to come into therapy and discuss whatever is bothering them in that moment. I work on seeing things through their perspective and their point of view.
1 rating with written reviews
March 4, 2025
Very helpful and more detailed on life