Hi! My name is Cristina, I am a licensed clinical social worker, based out of Los Angeles. Growing up in LA I was immersed in a culturally diverse environment learning Spanish at an early age. I received a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California with a focus on Adults Mental Health and Wellness. After working in the mental health field for over ten years, I have developed vast experience in program development as well as direct patient care with a variety of vulnerable communities in both in the non-profit and private sector. I utilize a client-centered, trauma focused approach in my treatment modalities, blending evidence-based practices such as CBT and EMDR to create a culturally competent treatment approach to support each client’s unique needs. As a leader and innovator, I have worked in program development for several years serving the dually diagnosed homeless populations by working with homeowners to develop sustainable housing models for the Los Angeles County homeless. As a result of seeing the barriers to safe sober housing I forged a path in the substance abuse field and worked at every level of care in substance abuse treatment, eventually becoming a co-founder of a women’s sober living in the San Fernando Valley. My work in the non-profit sector with the Latinx LGBTQIA+ community, and my work with children, youth, and families, has afforded me the opportunity to a hone a trauma focused clinical practice with a penchant for intergenerational trauma and grief and loss issues.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

During our first session you can expect to commence a bio-psycho-social assessment where we will have a discussion regarding your background so I can get a better idea of how I might help you. We may review your diagnostic questionnaires and conduct treatment planning together. I want to know why you are, what brought you to therapy today, and what your goals are. I want our therapeutic relationship to be collaborative and feedback informed so that you walk away knowing that our treatment plan is tailored to you as an individual. I might ask you the miracle question, "If you woke up tomorrow and a miracle had happened, what would your life look like?". How will you know that therapy was successful? That is where I want to go with you. My first session with you will be where we begin to layout the road map together, and determine our destination. My goal is to talk myself out of a job!

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I like to think I am a human first. I think I am warm, kind, funny, and I bring my heart into everything I do. I am naturally empathic and I come to session present and ready to meet you where you're at. I take feedback well because I want to know what works for you and what does not.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

Did you experience something that was too much, too fast, too soon, too hurtful, too little, or too long? Was there something in your past or a series of things in your past that are still impacting you today? Do you feel disconnected and want to feel whole? Do you experience negative beliefs about yourself and the world and would you like to have a more realistic view and helpful view of things? Concerns like this typically stem from deep trauma wounds & can impact every facet of our lives. I have a specialty in EMDR and a trauma focused approach that can help you get a deeper understanding of what moves you and how to make lasting changes to improve your life and wellbeing. If you relate or feel like trauma work might be helpful to you, reach out to me and let's schedule a free 15 minute consultation. I look forward to hearing from you.

About Cristina Bonilla

Appointments