Annemarie Cristino
In therapy, it's important for you to know that I'm here to offer a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings freely. My approach is collaborative and compassionate—I’ll work with you to understand your experiences and help you move toward meaningful change. I value honesty, curiosity, and respect, and I’ll always meet you where you are emotionally and mentally. You don’t need to have everything figured out before we begin; we’ll navigate this process together at your pace.
First session
In your first psychotherapy session, you can expect a warm and welcoming space where the focus is on getting to know you and your reasons for seeking therapy. I will likely ask questions about your background, current concerns, and what you hope to gain from therapy. It’s a time to build rapport, set expectations, and begin to establish a trusting relationship. You won’t be pressured to share everything right away—this session is about starting the journey at your own pace.
Strengths
Your psychotherapy approach stands out because it combines clarity, empathy, and practical tools in a way that helps clients feel both understood and empowered. You don’t just explain therapy models—you translate them into everyday language, metaphors, and actionable steps that make sense to clients. I also have life experience to many of the trials that people face. I have chosen to learn more about myself and a result; therefore I come with an understanding to engage others in their growth journey.
Ideal clients
Contemplation stage — Clients recognize something isn’t working and are beginning to consider change. They’re open to exploring therapy but may feel uncertain. Preparation stage — Clients are motivated and starting to plan concrete steps. They’re eager for tools and guidance. Action stage — Clients are actively practicing new skills, applying strategies, and testing changes in real life. Seek clarity — They want therapy explained in simple, relatable terms. Value collaboration — They see therapy as teamwork, not a lecture. Desire tools — They want coping strategies they can use outside sessions. Expect empathy — They need reassurance that their struggles are normal and human. Focus on values — They want therapy to connect to what matters most in their lives.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT teaches you how to stop fighting your inner experiences and start living a life that feels meaningful, even when discomfort shows up.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT helps you understand how your thoughts affect your feelings and behaviors. We’ll work together to spot unhelpful thinking patterns, challenge them, and practice new skills so you can handle situations more effectively.
Family Therapy
Family therapy helps everyone in the family understand each other better, communicate more effectively, and work together to handle challenges. It’s not about blaming anyone—it’s about improving how the family functions as a team.
Couples Counseling
Couples counseling (also called couples therapy or marriage counseling) is a type of psychotherapy where both partners work with a trained therapist to improve their relationship. The key idea is that the relationship itself is the client, not either individual.
Grief Therapy
Grief therapy is a supportive form of counseling that helps people process the pain of loss, adapt to life without their loved one, and eventually find meaning and stability again. It provides a safe space to express emotions, learn coping strategies, and move toward healing.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
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Licensed in
- New JerseyLicense 44SC05896900
- New YorkLicense 093685
- PennsylvaniaLicense CW020829