Welcome

Hi, I'm Christy, licensed counselor & therapist. My path to psychotherapy started as an active, creative child — running was my meditation and visual art was my therapy. As a young adult, my commitment to helping others deepened: volunteering at an orphanage in the Dominican Republic, teaching at the Boys & Girls Club in Raleigh, NC, and coaching a girls running and social skills group, Girls on the Run. Looking back, I was destined to become a psychotherapist.

In my practice today, I emphasize personal agency and self-determination. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all systems or rigid procedures. Instead, I collaborate with you to create an experience that honors your individuality — your needs, your strengths, and your goals.

Our first few meetings will focus on unpacking and exploring what has brought you here. From there, we’ll work together toward your goals in session, while the work you carry with you between sessions deepens the process and helps you see meaningful results. If you're interested in exploring what our collaboration could look like, I invite you to contact me. I look forward to working with you.

What I offer

Creative, warm, solution-focused.

Individual & Couples Therapy

My approach is warm, collaborative, and direct. I combine creative tools with relational and behavioral methods to help you ease anxiety, manage stress, and create meaningful change. In couples therapy, I help partners break cycles of conflict, heal wounds, and reconnect. I support couples dealing with anger, infidelity, addiction, and depression. Even if therapy hasn't worked before, my gentle-but-direct approach may help you get unstuck.

Coaching Courses

My coaching programs are designed for creative and competitive thinkers who want to optimize focus, build resilience, and find new tools for navigating the unique pressures of their craft. We'll use creative exercises in our meetings and you'll have assignments to complete in-between. I love helping driven people strengthen their mindset, protect their well-being, and thrive—in their creative work, business, competition, and beyond.

A lifetime of caring & creating

Education & Experience

California Institute of Integral Studies

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Expressive Arts Therapy, 2013-2016

North Carolina State University

Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, 2007-2010

Bachelor of Arts Spanish Language & Literature, 2007-2010

Education

Licenses & Ongoing Training

Key Experience

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist 111261

2019, California Board of Behavioral Sciences

Professional Medical Interpreter Certificate

2010, Duke University - Bridging the Gap Program

I continue to deepen and refine my skills through ongoing consultation and mentorship in Motivational Interviewing, Couples Therapy, and Expressive Arts Therapy

Sonoma County Behavioral Health

Health Program Manager, Youth & Family Services, 2023-2025

BH Clinical Specialist, Youth & Family Services, 2022-2023

Behavioral Health Clinician, Adult Services, 2020-2022

Family Paths, Inc

Bilingual Therapist, Medi-cal field-based program, 2016-2020

Bilingual Therapist Trainee, clinic program, 2015-2016

Book a consult

If you’re interested in exploring therapy or coaching with me, I invite you to contact me for a complimentary 15-minute consultation or use my calendar below.

The Poker Shrink

My Substack, at the intersection of therapy, personal life, and poker.