A Bit
About Therapy
Personalized attention, Tailored to you
What is therapy?
Therapy is for “crazy people only”? That old assumption has been busted. I think society finally has acknowledged that maintenance work on both body and mind is important. It has become more mainstream to acknowledge emotional vulnerabilities and we dare to speak more about mental health and well-being. Most agree that lives are better led if we are prioritizing mental wellness. We service our car regularly, we have frequent physical exams to make sure our bodies are healthy, and it is now more an accepted truth that the most important organ to maintain and take care of -- is our brain.
There comes a time in most people’s lives when they feel like they are not moving in the direction they want, they are stuck in a negative pattern, keep repeating the same mistakes, or keep having the same negative thoughts and feelings. Therapy can help break through these negative patterns with analysis, compassion and understanding, some coping strategies, and a different angle.
My speciality is working with individuals experiencing issues with stress, difficulties reaching their potential, anxiety, panic, depression, sexual issues, adult attention and organizational problems, addiction, over-eating, relationship problems, grief and trauma.
I am passionate about a healthy lifestyle, and often combine my certifications and knowledge on nutrition, creative outlets and physical activity into treatment plans.
Native to Norway, I also enjoy working with fellow ex-pats, managing acculturation and acclimation processes.
My Approach
When looking for a therapist, many have learnt some schools of thought that they assume may be the best fit for them. It is good to learn a little about the approach therapists use when “shopping” around for a therapist.
My approach is eclectic and client centered, which means I will tailor the treatment for each individual, not just utilize a manualized one-size-fits-all approach.
First step is typically to identify the existing strengths and barriers to change. We find the current coping strategies you’re using to deal with the stress and emotional strain.
Together, we sort out the underlying problems and identify more effective coping strategies to deal with the every-day stressors and overwhelming emotional reactions to current and past stress and trauma.
I work holistically and eclectically — some approaches are good for some clients, and for others; not so much. As a trauma-informed therapist, I use a client-centered approach and help clients map strengths and triggers through a narrative (NT) lens. I use solution focused (SFT) and cognitive behavioral (CBT) tools frequently, and often suggest homework and readings and self-directional worksheets, so that the work can continue between sessions (DBT). I strongly utilize mindfulness techniques to increase emotional awareness and regulation.
The goal is to boost the sense of self and self-worth while striving for increased control and self-efficacy.
Cristina has unparalleled insight, patience, focus, and genuine compassion for her patients.”
Cristina has helped me grow, laugh, cry, deeply reflect, and – most importantly – heal from a knot of intersectional obstacles and traumas.”
Change and Growth
Different stages of life often come with different sets of problems. I will help you “re-frame” your reactions and provide you with valuable tools to cope with life’s obstacles. From existential problems, to self-worth issues, to grief and trauma, there is actually hope for healing.
Changing how we think and what we focus on can change how we feel and behave, and we will feel more in control of our emotions and actions.
It is essential to keep in mind that therapy is not a magic pill or a quick fix. Therapy is work. Hard work! It is a healing process that necessitates participation and investment from the patient. But in the end, making small changes to self-defeating behaviors and coping with feelings of sadness, fear, and pain, can bring life-altering results.