Licensed to practice in 2 states and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Couples Counseling, Anxiety, Family Conflict
New to Grow
First and foremost I want to praise you for taking the first step in making a positive change in your life (as I'm well aware this is NOT easy)! My name is Christina and I'm a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in both Virginia and Florida. I've been in this field for almost 13 (my lucky number) years now! I started this journey because growing up I saw a lot of dysfunction in my family and those around me and as I grew and became more educated I learned that these habits didn't have to be the norm- and people in fact could change habits to live more fulfilled and happier lives (however I also learned this is a choice they needed to make for themselves). So that is what motivated my path forward: to help those who want to learn to break the bad habits and live more enriching lives!
I believe as therapists we utilize pieces from all modalities of therapy however I tend to stick closest to the Solution-focused approach. For you as a client this means that YOU set goals that YOU think will make life better and I bring the tools to sessions to help YOU achieve those goals! In our first session together we'll do an ice-breaker activity called "All about me" where I get to learn a little more about you and you get to become a little more comfy with me (because let's be honest talking to a total stranger can be weird!). The first homework assignment then will be given (yes I give homework!) which pertains to a goal sheet- this will allow you to clearly identify what you aim to achieve coming to therapy and this will set me up for the following sessions to bring in the tools to help us start achieving those goals!
Here are issues/concerns I best target that can help along your journey: anger control, anxiety, blended family issues, depression, low self-esteem/worth, lying/manipulative, miscommunication, negative thinking, oppositional defiant, parenting, Relationship conflict resolution, and helping others to see perspectives different from their own. Again, these shifts are NOT easy to make so please know therapy is what you make it; if you put the work in you WILL see the changes you desire! My proven effective methods instill self-understanding and encourage you to adopt new attitudes and feelings towards life situations. Making small changes (Or as I like to say "Taking Baby Steps") helps to eliminate self-defeating behaviors, feelings of sadness, fear, and pain and replace those with positive life-altering results that last. I truly care for my clients and work diligently to help find the answers they seek. It is essential to keep in mind that therapy is not a magic pill or a quick fix: therapy is a healing process that necessitates participation and investment from you and it is my role to guide and support you through that process until you see the results you've longed for!
I have experience helping clients with a realm of issues/concerns. The way I'm able to best help is to hone in on what the goal is aiming to be achieved. With the plethera of tools that I have in my box and knowing the goal I'm able to present tools to help achieve those. While understanding that no two people are the same I also understand that no two interventions will have the same results- that said I come heavily prepared with tools to determine what the best fit is to target the goal!
I identify as
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I work with clients who may be struggling with depression or trauma related to their relationships or family. During our initial sessions, we will delve deeply into the issues at hand, and collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps you get your life back. Most of my clients see a gradual lifting of symptoms within the first month and sustained improvement thereafter.