Christina Cortez
Christina Cortez
(she/her)
I’m a licensed clinical psychologist with a deep commitment to client-centered care that honors each person’s unique story, cultural identity, and values. My approach is grounded in evidence-based therapies—including EMDR, somatic experiencing, CBT, and mindfulness—tailored to support healing from trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. With a strong foundation in social justice and multicultural competence, I strive to create a compassionate, collaborative space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we’ll take time to get to know each other and begin exploring what brings you to therapy. I’ll ask about your current concerns, background, and goals, and we’ll talk through what’s most important to you. This is also a chance for you to ask questions and see how it feels to work together. My priority is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and respected from the start. We’ll go at your pace and begin laying the foundation for meaningful, collaborative work.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What sets my work apart is the blend of clinical skill, cultural sensitivity, and genuine presence I bring to each session. I draw from a wide range of evidence-based methods—such as EMDR, somatic therapy, CBT, and mindfulness—to create a flexible, personalized approach for each client. My ability to hold space with warmth and nonjudgment allows clients to feel seen and supported, especially when working through trauma or identity-related challenges. I’m deeply attuned to the mind-body connection and committed to helping clients build resilience, restore balance, and experience meaningful change.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work best with individuals who are ready to explore their inner world and build a stronger connection to themselves. Many of my clients are navigating anxiety, trauma, life transitions, or identity-related challenges, and are looking for a space where they feel safe, respected, and understood. I’m especially attuned to supporting those from diverse cultural backgrounds, as well as individuals seeking therapy that honors both emotional healing and the mind-body connection. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready for change, we can work together to move toward greater clarity, resilience, and self-trust.
About Christina Cortez
I identify as
Serves ages
Licensed in
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Somatic
I incorporate somatic therapy into my practice by helping clients tune into the physical sensations of their bodies to process and release stored stress and emotion. My training in somatic experiencing supports a gentle body centered approach that helps regulate the nervous system and promote healing, not just from trauma but also from depression, anxiety, and other emotional or psychological challenges. We use techniques like grounding, breathwork, and mindful movement to build awareness, resilience, and a deeper connection to self.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I also use trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, especially in the context of past trauma. This structured, evidence based approach supports clients in safely processing traumatic experiences while building coping skills, reducing distressing symptoms, and challenging unhelpful thought patterns. I tailor the work to each client’s pace and needs, always prioritizing safety, trust, and emotional regulation throughout the process.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
In my work with clients experiencing obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and related anxiety disorders, I use exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy to help reduce avoidance and compulsive behaviors. ERP involves gradually and safely facing feared thoughts, situations, or sensations while resisting the urge to engage in compulsions. Over time, this helps retrain the brain to tolerate discomfort and reduce the power of intrusive thoughts. I support clients through this process with structure, compassion, and collaborative pacing to build confidence and long-term resilience.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence based approach I use to help clients identify and change unhelpful thought patterns that impact emotions and behavior. It supports clients in understanding how their thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected, and provides practical tools to manage anxiety, depression, stress, and other challenges. Through skill building and guided reflection, CBT promotes long lasting change and improved emotional well-being.
EMDR
In my practice, I integrate eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) along with bilateral stimulation to support deep healing from trauma and other distressing experiences. EMDR works by activating the brain’s natural healing process through guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, such as tapping or sound. This approach helps reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories and supports new, more adaptive perspectives. I create a safe and supportive environment for this work, allowing clients to move through difficult experiences at a pace that feels manageable and empowering.