About Kristina (she/her)
I offer sessions in-person in South Pasadena, CA and remotely for clients residing anywhere in CA.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #84302), specializing in EMDR Therapy and Art Therapy. I received my master’s degree in Art Therapy from New York University (NYU) in 2008. I also completed EMDRIA-approved training in EMDR.
Over the last 15 years I have worked with a multitude of clients in residential, outpatient, and independent practice settings and served as director of community mental-health, residential and domestic violence treatment programs.
My Approach
My clinical approach is influenced by the unique needs of each client and the following considerations: 1) I engage the whole person - body and mind; 2) consider how neurobiological and other biological processes affect emotional health; 3) take into consideration how early events and relationships can affect our current lives; and 4) regard my clients with curiosity, empathy, and respect.
Clinical Focuses
I work with adults and older teens facing issues related to:
Trauma and adverse life experiences (e.g. domestic violence, sexual assault, accidents, bullying at school or work, loss)
Attachment/interpersonal trauma (sub-optimal childhood experiences and relationships impacting current relationships and self-regard)
Major life changes or events (e.g. divorce, break-up, move to new city)
Cultural/ethnic identity
Symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD/stressor-related
Self-worth/confidence
Grief/loss
If there is a topic of interest that isn't on this list, please contact me.
I am trained in the following evidence-based practices:
EMDR Therapy, a neuroscience-based, integrative therapy that rapidly alleviates the effects of trauma and adverse life experiences; Art Therapy ; Somatically-Oriented Intervention and Prevention Strategies; Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia; Seeking Safety, which develops skills to attain safety and cope with symptoms of trauma and/or substance abuse; and Strengthening Families and Non-violent Parental Disciplinary Practices, which improve parenting skills and family relationships and communication.
What to expect in our work
I provide ample space for you to share what’s on your mind and make sense of pressing matters, thoughts, and big feelings. While talking things out and gaining new insights can be valuable, sometimes there may be a disconnect between how you think and how you feel, between heart and mind: “I logically know I’m worthy of love, but sometimes I feel I’m not worthy .” When that happens, feeling something new and positive is important. Emotionally and somatically-focused therapeutic approaches, such as art therapy and EMDR therapy, help with this process. I also find it helpful to bring in some structure to keep us accountable and on track. The structure may include goals/intentions setting, building a resource “toolkit” and the framework around it, and discussing milestones.
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