Cristina Chessani, LMFT — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Cristina!

My own life experiences have inspired my passion for therapy and motivated my ambition to help others along their healing journey. I embrace a person-centered and strength-based approach that seeks to discover your potential, strengths, and readiness for change.

My focus

I work with children, teens, and young adults addressing childhood trauma, recovery, family reunification, co-parenting conflicts, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other stressors that impact safe functioning and family harmony. I particularly enjoy working with teens and young adults to overcome personal obstacles while bridging into adulthood.

My approach

My style has been shaped by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Family Systems. I believe the most meaningful changes are realized through human connection, validation, and earned trust. Through guided discovery and talk therapy, you'll explore your own barriers and learn to confront unhelpful patterns.

My communication style

I develop a comfortable, safe, and positive environment for growth and change. Building rapport is founded on empathy, respect, patience, paced trust, and unconditional positive regard. I create a relaxed, nurturing space for you to find solace and empowerment. I welcome feedback and always support clients to advocate for themselves.

My journey to mental healthcare

My own childhood experiences were a foundational motivation for my career as a therapist. From an early age, I knew that my calling was to be a helper for others. After diverse professional experiences, I've come to realize that the greatest strengths are born from adversity.

My goals for you

After an initial assessment, I'll work with you to define your personal goals for treatment and set realistic expectations for achieving desired outcomes. We'll return to those goals as the centerpiece for measuring your progress over time. I believe small steps equal meaningful and lasting change.

Our first session

Our first session will set the understandings and expectations through a relaxed conversation. I'll assess your motivation for therapy, the struggles that brought you here, your personal goals, and your strengths for achieving them. I want to get to know you as an individual, including your talents, hobbies, and dreams.

I identify as...

Female
Caucasian or White
Christian

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Child/Parent Psychotherapy

Motivational Interviewing

+ 3 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy
Family Therapy

Ages served

Adults
Minors

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 61 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Masters of Arts (MA) in Clinical Psychology from MFT - Antioch University.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Cristina Chessani