LPC, 13 years of experience
Hello, I am Christina Rydeen. I have been a licensed professional counselor for 13 years. It took me a long time to make this a career and I used to just attract unhappy people wherever I went who needed to talk. Study and research led me to the excitement of learning that as we work on our lives--we really can break old patterns that no longer serve our self interest and we really can emerge into a newer version of who we want to be. A lot of times in life we stop growing, thinking, "I've got this," when we don't realize learning might be a process that doesn't have a stopping point. Is it possible various forms of growth may take our whole lives? Finding and achieving goals as well as the inner work of redefining what is going on in our minds and hearts is a possibility if you want to take it. Blessings and hope and a way to change our perspective might really be possible for everyone..
I am excited to learn all about you and the intake will start the process. So, what are your circumstances, your challenges, what led you to start therapy? Who are you in your career, with your family and friends, with your husband or wife, and with your children? Or are you alone? Are you lonely or are you challenged to the maxium? I have been honored in the past to share personal journeys during therapy sessions. You are the expert in your life and I am just the listener who can assist with tools I have learned and through encouraging you to gain strength with the hope that goals can be achieved, sorrow can be emerged from, and that sometimes the hardest paths may lead to the greatest strength.
Truth, kindness, possibilites, and encouragement whatever your circumstances... I am humbled to be a therapist and if there are results it will be because you wanted to make changes in your life.
Living a life we are proud of matters. I have worked the last few years with telehealth; with adults who had depression, anxiety, self esteem issues, weight issues, addictions, clients with negative self assessments; clients who were overwhelmed and exhausted; or clients just who needed to vent and then to decide to make adjustments either in their thinking or in their lives. I have worked with personality disorders, couples counseling, with groups, and I have always thhought that all of our lives matter. Feeling good matters. Without therapy, it might take longer to "get it right" and it is my hope that you "get it right" for yourself.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy shows the impact of the way we think and how it impacts our daily functioning. It can be helpful to realize what thoughts we use to define out reality and if we want to continue to think this way. Brain research shows how neuroplasticity helps us become more positive and to redefine what is important to us.
It is important to view our lives with compassion at the mistakes we have made, what needs to be rectified and what needs to be forgiven and how we can create a life that we are proud of; that defines who we really are.
Using deep breathing exercises and meditation help us calm anxiety, reduces depression, and inspires our growth.