Christie Pfalzgraf

My name is Christie Pfalzgraf and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in San Jose, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and adolescents and specialize in trauma, coping skills, life transitions, loss and grief, relationship difficulties, and personal growth, using Mindfulness Based Psychotherapy, EMDR, The Flash Technique, Focusing, Somatic Experiencing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.

My approach

My approach to therapy is uniquely focused on the needs of each client I work with. I believe change takes courage and I deeply respect the choice to seek therapy, whether it is to assist in improving relationships, life challenges, or self-exploration. I respect the uniqueness of each individual and strive to assist people in reconnecting to their inherent wholeness. I provide mindful-oriented awareness and act as a guide in the journey of exploring the complexities of life while increasing self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-love. It is my hope that our work together will strengthen your ability to find your innermost truths and become able to express yourself with greater authenticity.

My focus

I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for teens and adults who are struggling with trauma, anxiety and depression, stress, life transitions, or relationship difficulties. Many of our problems, especially relational ones, arise from wounds from the past that have led us to believe that we may not be lovable as we are. I strive to help my clients in reconnecting to their true selves and move past old hurts and outdated beliefs that can cause us to close down our capacity to trust, both ourselves and others, and which can negatively impact our ability to love ourselves and others.

My communication style

I believe in creating an environment where acceptance and heartfelt expression are held with deep respect. I believe coming to therapy is a courageous act and I am honored to share a space of possibility and growth with each client. I am hopeful you will experience my communication style as open and inviting.

My goals for you

I will work closely with you on helping you set goals for therapy. I will encourage setting goals that are manageable yet effective and ones that might change over time as progress is made. It is important to review goals and to check in on progress often.

My first session with you

In our first session, I will want to know what brings you to therapy and what you want to gain from our work together. I will be asking questions about your life experiences and your hopes for the future. I will want to know what has worked for you in the past if you have had therapy before and also what hasn't been helpful, so we can build on the resources that best suit you. My hope is that you and I both will have a sense of possibility about our work together at the end of our first session.