LISW, 12 years of experience
Hi, I’m Christina Hampshire, DHS, LISW-S, CDCA. I’m passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and find healthier ways to cope. With a doctorate in Human Services specializing in Leadership and Organizational Management from Capella University, I bring over 13 years of experience as a licensed independent social worker (LISW-S) in Ohio. My work focuses on mental health and substance abuse therapy, and I’ve had the privilege of working with both youth and adults in individual, family, and group counseling settings. I use a blend of evidence-based techniques in my practice, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Solution-Focused Therapy, all tailored to meet each person’s unique needs. I also have a background in teaching as an adjunct instructor, where I’ve had the honor of inspiring many former clients to pursue careers in human services and become advocates for their communities. In group counseling, I often incorporate creative methods, drawing from my background in art to help clients express themselves and find healing in new ways. Outside of work, I’m an avid reader, writer, and art enthusiast. I love spending time with family, playing video games, singing my heart out at karaoke, and sharing laughs with friends. If you’re looking for support, whether it’s through therapy, guidance, or simply a safe space to explore your challenges, I’d love to work with you!
The first therapy session is about getting to know each other and creating a safe, welcoming space. I will start by introducing myself, explaining my role, and reviewing confidentiality and its limits. You’ll be invited to share what brought you to therapy and what you're hoping to get out of the process. It’s okay if you’re not sure about your goals yet—therapy can help you figure them out over time. I will ask open-ended questions to better understand your experiences, strengths, and concerns. You’ll also learn how our typical therapy session works, including the techniques I will use, and how these approaches might support your goals. This session is not about diving deep into trauma or fixing everything right away—it’s about building trust. You can ask questions and express any worries or hopes you have about therapy. Together, you'll begin to define what success in therapy might look like. By the end, you should feel heard, respected, and have a clearer sense of the path forward.
Creating a safe, supportive space where you can be fully yourself is at the heart of my approach to therapy. I believe that healing and growth happen when you feel seen, heard, and accepted without judgment. My goal is to walk alongside you as you define what being the best version of yourself means—on your terms, at your pace. I lead with empathy and compassion, not just as a therapist, but as a person who deeply values connection and self-expression. I understand how important it is to feel free to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly, and I work hard to make sure therapy feels like a space where that’s always possible. My background in both clinical practice and creative expression gives me a unique perspective in helping clients find meaning and strength in their own stories. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions—your journey is unique, and so is the way we’ll approach it together. Whether you're here to process pain, navigate change, or simply grow, I’m here to support you with honesty, care, and curiosity. Together, we can uncover what truly matters to you and build a path forward that feels right for your life.
My ideal clients are those who are ready to make meaningful changes in their lives and can benefit from a holistic, personalized approach to therapy that combines evidence-based practices with creativity, structure, and solution-focused guidance. If a person is struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues, dealing with life transitions, or simply looking for personal growth and meaningful change, they have to be open to the therapeutic process, which can often be uncomfortable. Change isn't linear; there might be some setbacks, but a person must be willing to continue to work on their therapeutic goals.
I have been practicing for 13 years and use Solution-Focused Therapy to help clients be future-oriented and envision their desired outcomes. SFT focuses on a client's strengths, resources, and previous successes to create actionable goals. I help clients identify what is working well, so they are encouraged to build on these strengths to overcome challenges. The therapy process is collaborative, with the therapist and client working together to identify practical steps toward change. SFT is often short-term, with therapy typically lasting a few sessions. It encourages clients to set clear, achievable goals, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-efficacy. Rather than analyzing past trauma or failures, the focus is on what the client can do now to improve their situation. This approach helps clients feel more hopeful and motivated to take positive action. Solution-focused therapy is a brief, goal-directed model that can lead to quick, effective results.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, directive counseling approach designed to help individuals resolve ambivalence and increase motivation for change. I use MI to focus on exploring and resolving this ambivalence by enhancing the client’s intrinsic motivation to make positive changes. MI is collaborative with the therapist adopting a non-judgmental, empathetic stance and guiding the client through discussions about their values, goals, and barriers. I use open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations to strengthen the client's own reasons for change. The goal is not to persuade but to evoke the client’s desire for change from within. MI is particularly effective in treating issues like substance use, anxiety, depression, and behavioral change, where motivation may be low or inconsistent. It helps clients explore the discrepancies between their current behavior and desired outcomes, fostering self-awareness. The approach is respectful of the client’s autonomy, allowing them to make their own decisions about change. In treatment, MI promotes sustainable, client-driven change by building confidence and increasing readiness for action.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based approach that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It helps clients identify and challenge unhelpful or distorted thinking patterns that contribute to emotional distress and problematic behaviors. CBT is based on the idea that by changing negative thought patterns, individuals can influence their emotions and actions in positive ways. CBT is goal-oriented and often includes homework or practice between sessions to reinforce learning. I work collaboratively with clients to develop coping skills and problem-solving strategies. CBT is effective for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress-related disorders. In practice, I use CBT to empower clients to take an active role in their own treatment by building awareness of how their thoughts impact their daily lives. CBT is typically short to moderate in duration, making it a practical and accessible option for many clients.
Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands the paths to recovery. It emphasizes safety, trust, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity in all aspects of care. I use this framework because many clients have experienced some form of trauma, even if it is not explicitly disclosed. By acknowledging this, I try to create environments that minimize re-traumatization and promote healing. I use trauma-informed care to guide assessments, treatment planning, and interventions through empathy and understanding rather than judgment. The trauma-informed care framework also empowers clients to have a voice and choice in their treatment, fostering resilience and self-efficacy.