Growth & resilience with radical self compassion

Get to know yourself more deeply, find more ease in being you, while becoming the vision you have of your future self*. The beautiful person you are is already here, you just need to get to know them. 

— All of you is welcome —

Some reasons that people may seek therapy with me:

• to transform the impact of trauma - trauma as self-defined, life altering experience(s)

• to manage & heal anxiety and depression

• to understand emotions and how to identify, be with, regulate, and learn from them

• to get support with the experience of loss - grief, breakups, endings, transitions

• to get support with life transitions - changes in careers, school, relationships etc.

• to know who you are - your identity and how that can change & evolve

• to develop overall confidence and wellbeing

• to have a safe space to be heard, without pathology or judgement

Depending on your needs and experiences you will:

• step into being safely, confidentially heard & seen at a pace right for you

• discover your inherent strengths & resiliencies

• understand & work with activation or triggers in the mind-body

• connect more with the body through somatic awareness: meditation, reflection or movement

• develop self compassion & radically accept all parts of your self

• know your foundation, comfort zones & find your edges of growth

• practice unlearning & learning, with support and patience

We will co-create — work together to identify and discuss ways you can better know yourself and approach a situation. You are not alone in this process. Self awareness is best with equanimity, non-judgment and compassion; a non-pathologizing approach to mental health.

Live a meaningful life with a better relationship with yourself, connection in interpersonal relationships, increased self worth, compassion balanced with accountability, and more ease in being. Be you.

Those who come to meet with me often tend to be self reflective, intuitive and diverse. Diversity may be in race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender - or a general feeling of not following some societal “norm” or over-culture. I affirm you - your intersectionality, diversity, uniqueness, intuition and authenticity. You belong. Words from Toko-pa Turner on Belonging “To this world you belong. To this moment, in this place where you already stand, something greater has ushered you. To the momentum of a long line of survivors you are bound. From their good deaths, succeeded by new lives, and to the incidents of love that seeded them, your story has been woven. With the wild jubilation of nature, you are in correspondence. By every seasons conditions, and by the invisible holy inclination, your life has been hewn. … And yet you may feel as many .. the ache of a life orphaned from belonging.” You belong.

I am Christina Marie (She/Her/Hers)

I have over 12 years experience of providing individual therapy. A psychotherapist, licensed clinical social worker trained at the University of Chicago, and yoga trained in an eco-based multidimensional, mindfulness practice. (see more in “about”) I provide psychotherapy, mentorship/coaching, and support with learning trauma-informed meditation and yoga.

What others say about me…

“Christina’s North Star is driven by her kindness & compassion for helping others heal internal wounds thru meditation & self care. She creates a safe space for self expression & is a great listener. Her drive to help others find comfort especially during the covid-19 crisis is strong as she offers to teach and share her practice through guided meditation. I’ve learned from her to be more compassionate towards myself & others thru this very difficult time.”

“Christina is genuine, compassionate and open-minded. She listens without judging, and helps others find answers within themselves and the world around them. She has a deep connection to the earth and its elements, and brings this beauty to her work.”

“Christina is one of the most thoughtful, curious, kind, innovative, brave, funny, and wonderfully herself people I know. She has done and continues to grow and learn and explore. I admire her greatly and am so glad she is in the world. She cares so much and is such a great human.”

“Christina is warm, honest, and unconditionally accepting. She has the unique ability to gently support you while also challenging you to grow and create change. Her insight, wisdom, and humor create a safe space where you can be fully yourself.”

*This is feedback Ive received from those who have experienced my presence through yoga, meditation, circles and more (by ethical standards of NASW I cannot ask therapy clients for feedback).