Hello

Christina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), trained Psychotherapist, addictions specialist and somatic trauma specialist. She was born and raised in Syracuse, NY and received both her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Syracuse University, graduating with her MSW in 2010. Christina has over 15 years of experience in the human services field working with a breadth of populations in a multitude of clinical and non clinical settings in Syracuse, New York, and Los Angeles.  

 

In addition to and alongside her robust career as a therapist, Christina has spent over a decade training and working as a dancer and performance artist/circus artist. Christina found movement and dance in her early 20’s, following the completion of her graduate program. After moving to New York City in late 2013, what began as a hobby and outlet evolved into a rewarding side career which she was intensely passionate about. 

 

Christina’s experiences and connections with the creative communities in NY and Brooklyn lead her to participate as part of a unique opportunity during the Summer of 2018. Christina volunteered with a ‘Social Circus’ refugee relief project in Athens, Greece. She was on a team tasked with providing recreational and therapeutic programming for displaced families residing in the camps. Christina and a colleague/friend taught basic aerial skills on Lyra (hoop) and Silks (fabric) to the children and teens. The programming was well received and yielded positive outcomes. This unforgettable experience was inspiring and allowed Christina  to think critically about how she could begin to blend her clinical background with her love of dance, movement and circus arts.

 

After 6 years in NYC, Christina moved to Los Angeles in late 2018 where she continued to work full time as a Therapist and part time as a performer. Christina has since engaged with further exploration, learning and received additional training on how to apply somatic (body centered) movement based therapy approaches to her work with clients. Christina continues to expand her training in this area at present. Christina has taken a hiatus from her work as a performer to shift the focus onto her endeavors in private practice. After working as part of a group therapy practice during the past few years, Christina is now operating independently in her own practice, where she is currently accepting new clients. Christina is clinically licensed to practice in the states of California and New York.

 

Christina most often blends elements of mindfulness, somatic techniques, breath work and cognitive behavioral therapy, describing this approach as ‘embodied, empowered, attuned and aligned.’ She is trauma informed, client centered and strengths based in her approach. She provides a compassionate, warm, nonjudgemental container for therapy which encourages and prioritizes the development of connection and emotional safety in the therapeutic relationship.

 

Somatic therapy centers the role of the body and nervous system in healing and recovery. Christina believes 'movement is medicine' and has expressed how movement practices have been integral in her own personal healing journey over the years. She strives to translate what has been so powerful and transformative for her, into client care. 

 

Christina lives in Los Angeles with her fiancé, Bo and their two cats, Bella & Havok. Outside of therapy and dance/circus classes, she loves quality time with friends, live music, spending time in nature, reading and going to the movies. 

 

Christina is excited to work with The Horror Community Foundation  in an effort to make mental health care and healing spaces more accessible to our community. She looks forward to meeting you and seeing what we can all accomplish together.