Christine Chester

Hello, my name is Christine Chester, I am an LCSW. My focus is a trauma-informed highly individualistic approach, utilizing modalities such as narrative, dbt, and cbt. I have worked for 10 years in healthcare including medical, psychiatric, and substance use treatment, and focus on providing services for caregivers, folks with a chronic illness, and those working through a major life transition.

My approach

My focus is a trauma-informed highly individualistic approach, utilizing modalities such as narrative, dbt, feminist, and person-centered cbt. Each client is unique and has different goals for therapy and individual sessions.

My focus

We begin each session by asking - how would you like to spend this time? We may do some breath work or other mindfulness exercises to ensure clients can enter into a therapeutic space in a telehealth setting. I'm comfortable and enjoy treating clients who are motivated for healing, gathering self-awareness, and valuing curiosity. I am sensitive to important environmental contexts such as a history of religious trauma, or recovery from a high-control setting or relationship. We explore thoughts, feelings, and neurology to better understand our needs to replace the reflex of shame, pity, or self-pity.

My communication style

My tone can best be described as direct and light. I am here for you and can accompany you where you are and want to go. We work to distinguish concepts like pain vs urgency to stabilize a distressing situation or mentality. I am curious about you and work to be your advocate in identifying your needs, values, losses, and hopes.

My journey to mental healthcare

As a mental health professional in an acute care setting, I am seeing the overwhelming need for quality psychotherapy. I see firsthand how the lack of meaningful support can impact our health, and lead to disease, crisis, or distress. I enjoy meeting with clients in an affirming space where the client truly leads the direction and outcome of therapy. The therapeutic process has been healing and transformative in my life and the lives of so many. We work to not only understand illness but to build a robust understanding of health and flourishing.

My goals for you

This is the fun part and where I am different. Many clients are used to working with a therapist who guides or encourages certain goals or outcomes. I enjoy hearing from the client about their goals and together we format a treatment plan that is highly specialized and tailored to the goals of the client.

My first session with you

The first session will begin by exploring a bio-psychosocial assessment, building rapport, and establishing goals. We will begin by tackling one item that the client would like to walk away with some additional insight.