My Story

I first saw a therapist from late 2013 to early 2015, while living in New Mexico during a period of deep personal struggle. I had recently graduated from Notre Dame, only to experience panic attacks and a diagnosis of anxiety. Medication was tried and ultimately not effective for me, so therapy was recommended. My first therapist, an older woman with a quiet presence, helped me begin to process anticipatory grief and navigate the emotional distress of my father’s terminal illness. She also guided me through my childhood, helping me understand how growing up with parents who struggled with lifelong illness and an unhappy marriage had shaped my coping mechanisms and the way I saw the world. Sessions were a place to explore, unpack, and slowly build tools to manage stress, grief, and uncertainty.

From mid 2018 to early 2024 I returned to therapy, seeking guidance as I faced the end of my marriage and the challenge of envisioning life beyond it. My second therapist supported me through one of the most transformative periods of my life: filing for divorce, applying to and attending grad school, navigating a brief foray into dating, walking the Camino, and starting my corporate career. Together, we explored not only practical life decisions but also the deeper questions of my values, dreams, and the role of hope. At our last session he said, “Christina, I want you to hear that I did not change your life. You changed your life. You showed up every single week, and put in the work. Your life now is a reflection of this hard work.” This sentiment has stayed with me, and it is a guiding principle in how I approach growth, wellness, and the challenges of life.

Therapy has not been about viewing myself as broken and in need of fixing. It has been about showing up, week after week, to reflect, learn, and grow. It has given me a framework for understanding myself, my reactions, my fears, and my strengths. I often remind people they seek medical attention from all types of healthcare professionals to improve their health and wellbeing, and therapists improve mental health in a similar way. Therapy allows you to show up at your best, even when life feels chaotic or uncertain. I would not be who I am today without my investment in therapy.

Where to Begin

1. Check your insurance coverage and see which providers are in-network

2. Ask for recommendations from family and friends

3. Search online for local therapists with high ratings who specialize in the type of therapy you are seeking

4. Ask your primary care doctor