Cristine Bruzzone

Welcome, and I’m glad you’ve reached out to me. My name is Dr. Cristine (Cris) Bruzzone and I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PhD) based in Torrance, California, and working with patients in Southern California via telehealth. I work with adults and older adults with a focus on depression, anxiety, life stage and relationship transitions, caregiver support, and issues of aging.

My approach

My approach to therapy is adaptive and is based on the individual needs of each patient with whom I work. Frequently, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) forms the foundation of my approach, but I also may add Humanistic and Depth Psychology to develop a greater comprehension of the individual’s psychic world. From this enhanced understanding, we can build a relationship of trust and work from a strengths-based, patient-centered perspective.

My focus

My style and therapeutic approach are often a good fit for adults and older adults who may be challenged by life stage and relationship transitions, evolving career changes, and pressures caused by multiple caregiver roles. At these times, depression and anxiety can often disrupt one’s emotional and mental health. Our work together is focused on the navigation of these periods of challenges and changes by examining the narrative in use, exploring personal strengths, and building skills to help patients feel better, become more resilient, and foster a more positive outlook on their lives.

My communication style

My communication style is clear, positive, and respectful. I use active listening to encourage individuals to feel comfortable talking with me, and I am genuinely curious to hear each patient’s own story.

My journey to mental healthcare

I chose to become a licensed clinical psychologist because I have always enjoyed learning about the human experience, combined with a lifelong fascination with understanding the whole of what makes us human: our struggles and our strengths. Beyond our brains, there lies a host of elements that combine to make each one of us unique. For me, helping others discover their best, authentic self is one of the most fulfilling parts of a shared therapeutic journey.

My goals for you

Setting goals with patients is highly individualistic, and first and foremost, it involves working together from a place built on mutual trust. Learning about the therapeutic process and how we can work together will help us establish patient-centered goals and gauge our progress.

My first session with you

A typical first session working together will be spent building a connection by my listening to you describe your current feelings and what may have influenced you to seek therapy at this time. I will ask questions to clarify my understanding of what you tell me so that we can develop a sense of where to go next. By actively listening to you tell me what you are experiencing, your uniqueness can be honored and informs the therapeutic process.