Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 1 ratings

Cristy Fortner

LCSW, 5 years of experience

Warm
Solution oriented
Virtual
Next available on

About me

Hi, I’m Cristy, and I’m really glad you’re here. You don’t have to face this alone. Therapy can be a space to take a deep breath, be yourself, and start making sense of what’s going on inside. Together, we’ll explore what’s getting in the way and take gentle steps toward a life that feels more like you—more grounded, connected, and aligned with what truly matters.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first session, my goal is for you to feel comfortable. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy and what you hope to achieve. You can share as much or as little as you like—I’m here to listen and understand your experiences. We’ll also discuss your goals and how we can work together to support your growth. It’s normal to feel a little nervous at first, but I’ll guide you at your own pace in a compassionate, non-judgmental space. By the end, we’ll have a clear idea of where to start and what to focus on moving forward.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

What makes my approach unique is the balance between compassionate support and practical, evidence-based tools. I tailor each session to your experiences, drawing from approaches like ACT, CBT, mindfulness, IFS, and trauma-informed care. My goal isn’t just to help you feel better in the moment—it’s to help you understand yourself more deeply, break unhelpful patterns, and create lasting change that aligns with your values. Many clients say they leave feeling seen, supported, and empowered in our work together.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

Many of my clients are navigating trauma, anxiety, eating disorders, major life changes, or the emotional challenges of the postpartum period. They may feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward—but they’re ready to explore themselves and work toward a more balanced, values-driven life. I help clients uncover the roots of their struggles and support them in building healthier, more fulfilling ways to move forward.

Specialties

Top specialties

Post Partum

Other specialties

AnxietyDepressionPerinatal Mental HealthSelf Esteem

I identify as

Serves ages

My treatment methods

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

With ACT, I help clients learn how to accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them. This approach is especially helpful for people going through big changes—like becoming a parent—or dealing with anxiety, depression, or eating concerns. Together, we focus on what matters most to you, so you can move forward in ways that feel true to who you are, even when life feels heavy.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

CBT is a practical, skills-based approach that helps people understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. I use it to support clients who feel stuck in patterns of worry, sadness, or low self-esteem. Together, we look at unhelpful thoughts and find new ways of thinking and responding that feel more supportive and aligned with your goals.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

IFS is a gentle way of exploring the different “parts” of ourselves—like the part that feels anxious, the part that’s critical, or the part that just wants peace. I use this method to help people better understand and care for all parts of themselves, especially after experiences of trauma, cultural stress, or disconnection. It’s a powerful way to build more self-compassion and feel more whole.

Eclectic

Ultimately, I believe that therapy should fit you, not the other way around. I use an eclectic approach, which means I blend different therapy styles depending on what you’re going through and what works best for you. Whether you’re adjusting to new motherhood, recovering from an eating disorder, or coping with trauma or cultural stress, I meet you where you are and support you with care and flexibility.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 1 ratings

1 rating with written reviews

July 19, 2025

Cristy is warm & compassionate. She asked helpful questions, and proposed multiple types of therapy and solutions to practice. I'll be seeing her again!

Verified client, age 25-34

Review shared after session 1 with Cristy