Christina brings both experience and warmth to our practice at Thrive.
With her remarkable ability to forge immediate connections, she creates a comforting presence for everyone she works with. What makes Christina special is her gift for providing not just a safe landing place, but also cultivating an environment where change and growth can flourish naturally.
My and Christina’s professional relationship spans over a decade, beginning at the VA Hospital where we both served as clinicians in the PTSD program. What started as professional collaboration evolved into friendship, and I’m delighted that we continue our work together at Thrive. Christina is truly an exceptional human being and clinician, and I hope this blog offers you a glimpse into what makes her so special.
Currently, Christina sees adult patients (18+) through online sessions and is licensed to practice in both Ohio and Kentucky.
Understanding the demands of busy schedules, she offers convenient evening appointments starting at 5:00 pm EST and later. Her areas of expertise are diverse and deeply meaningful – she works with trauma survivors, first responders, individuals experiencing grief and loss, those dealing with traumatic loss, health trauma and anxiety, anxiety sufferers, and those with phobias.
To help you get to know Christina better, we’ve included a question-and-answer session below. We hope this gives you insight into her approach and helps you determine if she might be the right therapist for your journey.
Q: “What drew you to become a therapist, and what keeps you passionate about this work?”
Christina: Growing up, my mom was very sick, and she was constantly in and out of the hospital. I spent a lot of my childhood roaming the halls of the University Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic and was exposed to so many people in the helping profession. As an only child, I kind of took on the role of a helper and always knew I wanted to do something to help others when I grew up. At first, I was going to be a physician, but after a few psychology electives, I was hooked and changed my focus. I love being able to help people help themselves, to be a part of someone’s transition to becoming a healthier version of themself. I can’t imagine doing anything else. It’s beyond rewarding.
Q: “How would your clients describe your therapy style in three words?”
Christina: Compassionate, trustworthy, and authentic.
Q: “What’s your favorite way to practice self-care after a long day of supporting others?”
Christina: I love a nice soak in the tub with a bath bomb and some candles. Maybe listen to some music or a podcast. I also love nice long walks or hikes out in nature. It allows me to decompress and be present.
Q: “Share a book, podcast, or resource that has deeply influenced your approach to therapy.”
Christina: Book – probably a tie between The Body Keeps the Score and Mind Over Mood. I use a lot of concepts from both in my practice today. Mind-body connection, the power of our thoughts – good stuff. Podcast – love me some Brene’ Brown. Unlocking Us is exceptional – her guests really open up and demonstrate the power of vulnerability. I also love Armchair Expert with Dax Shepherd. He’s so honest about his own struggles and infinitely curious. And super funny.
Q: “What’s something your colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?”
Christina: Well, I know I can come across as pretty quiet and reserved, but I actually love to sing and was in show choir and musicals in high school and college. I also have three tattoos!
Q: “What area of mental health care do you find most rewarding to work in, and why?”
Christina: Anxiety disorders in general – they are actually very treatable and when folks choose to do the work, it is so cool to see them make changes right before your eyes. Trauma work, more specifically, for that same reason, but also because it highlights how resilient human beings really are and how we can come back from some pretty terrible things with the right help and support.
Q: “If you weren’t a therapist, what other career path might you have chosen?”
I really enjoy planning and coordinating events and also cooking. When I was in high school, I worked in a flower shop and learned how to arrange flowers, so maybe something related to wedding/event planning or catering? Still taking care of others, but in a slightly different way!
Q: “What’s the most common misconception about therapy that you wish you could correct?”
Christina: I think it’s getting a bit better, but the misconception that you are “weak” if you go to therapy or ask for help. Nothing could be further from the truth. It takes a lot of courage to be open to talking with someone and asking for support.
Q: “Tell us about a hobby or interest that helps you maintain work-life balance.”
Christina: I really love to cook. During the week, I keep it simple, but on the weekends, I love looking up new recipes and trying them out on my husband and son. I do love how you can take single ingredients and put them together to create something wonderful. I suppose that is another way I like to take care of people – by feeding them, LOL! But also, when I am focusing on stirring the rice to create a perfect risotto or spatchcocking a chicken, I am fully present, not thinking about what’s next, but rather, what’s right in front of me. Great mindfulness practice. Did I lose you at spatchcocking? It’s where you take out the backbone from a whole chicken, so it cooks more quickly, and you get the crispy skin outside while it stays juicy inside. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Q: “What advice would you give to someone who’s considering therapy but feeling hesitant?”
Christina: Take advantage of consultations – many therapists offer this to get a sense of their style and therapeutic approach. It allows for the chance to ask questions, understand the process, and see if the therapist is a good fit. It’s completely natural to feel hesitant about starting something new, but if you approach therapy as a means of self-improvement and an investment in your own well-being, it may help lessen the discomfort. We invest in ourselves by eating healthy food, exercising, and surrounding ourselves with people who build us up rather than tear us down. Therapy is just another way to take care of ourselves.
Q: “What’s your most-used emoji, and what does that say about you as a therapist?”
Christina: I had to check! I use and pretty equally. So “rolling on the floor laughing” and “thumbs up.” I don’t know what that says about me as a therapist. I do think it’s important to have some levity and humor, even during the dark times. Especially during the dark times. Laughter is therapeutic. And the thumbs up? I suppose that could mean that I’m supportive? I am definitely supportive, but, don’t expect me to co-sign any self-defeating thoughts or behaviors in therapy. 😉
Q: “If you could have any superpower to help your clients, what would it be and why?”
Christina: My initial response was some kind of healing power or to be able to take away people’s traumas or pain. I definitely want to help ease people’s pain, but I also think that the struggle of overcoming great pain can shape a person’s character and contribute to who they become. So maybe, I would choose a superpower like being able to show my clients how other people view them, because so many people only see their flaws or limitations and have a hard time seeing themselves as others do, which is generally as pretty incredible people.
Start Working With an Online Therapist in Ohio and Kentucky
If Christina’s warmth, experience, and authentic approach resonate with you, we’d love to help you take the next step. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation and see if working with Christina feels like the right fit for your journey. You can start the therapy process with Thrive Therapy Inc. by following these steps:
- Book a free 15-minute consultation call.
- Meet with our caring therapist, Christina
- Start finding lasting healing!
Other Services Offered by Thrive Therapy Inc.
Thrive Therapy Inc. is happy to provide support across Kentucky, Ohio, and New York. We know that people can experience more than one mental health concern at a time, which is why we are happy to offer a variety of in-person and online therapy services to support you. Other services offered include PTSD treatment, therapy for sexual assault survivors, first responders, and childhood trauma survivors. You can learn more by visiting our FAQ or blog pages today.