Restore strength and resilience - live vibrantly.

Approachable mental healthcare

My name is Cristina and I want to help people live healthy, adaptive, and authentic lives. My goal as a therapist is that you can shift your perspective to view yourself as whole and that the love you have for yourself and your life can flourish. By using a gentle, compassionate, and non-judgemental approach we can shift the parts of your life that are no longer serving you and create ways to live that are in alignment with your values. I don’t like to put people into boxes and believe that a vibrant and genuine life looks different for everyone.

My therapeutic approach

Therapy can look exactly how you want it to look. We don’t have to sit in stillness while we work through the challenging areas of your life. We can chat, listen to music, light a candle, practice mindfulness, or go for a walk. Life is hard enough and while therapy is hard work, it should not add to your stress.

As a therapist, I bring a mix of mindfulness, Compassion Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Somatic Therapy, and Emotion Focused Therapy to our work together. By using these approaches I try to ease the shame that so many people carry for having challenges and make space for the messy and expansive experience of being human.

Areas of Specialty

Trauma Focused Therapy for First Responders and Frontline Workers: Caring for others can be a fulfilling career and a calling, and it can be exhausting. Burnout, acute and vicarious trauma, high demands, stress, challenging workplaces, and intense situations all add up regardless of mental resilience. The burdens that we carry can make us feel small, drained, and like we are constantly in a state of just surviving. I want to help you unburden yourself from all that you carry from work and life and live in a way that is more expansive and freeing.

I worked for years as a wildfire fighter in British Columbia and I feel more comfortable in busy, demanding environments which can help me to connect to first responders. I know what it is like to thrive in a state close to chaos and have learned how to feel equally as alive in calmer environments.

Together, we can work on any concerns that you might have and come to a place where you can live in a more adaptive way. Trauma, stress, PTSD, depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, identity, substance use, and burnout are all areas we can dive into together and come up with a plan to unburden you from what no longer serves you.

Depression and Anxiety: Find solace and support in navigating the complexities of depression and anxiety through counselling. In a safe and empathetic environment, discover personalized strategies to manage overwhelming emotions, alleviate symptoms, and regain a sense of balance. Together, we'll explore coping mechanisms, mindfulness techniques, and tailored approaches to empower you in overcoming these challenges. Take the first step towards healing, reclaim your mental well-being, and embrace a life with renewed hope and resilience.

Sex and Relationship Therapy: Embark on a journey of self-discovery and intimacy as we navigate the complexities of human sexuality together. In sex therapy, expect a safe and nonjudgmental space where your concerns are heard with compassion and understanding. Explore communication techniques, delve into your desires, and foster healthier relationships. Whether addressing individual challenges or partnering with a loved one, discover pathways to a fulfilling and empowered sexual life. Additionally I work with people interested or engaged in open relationships, non-monogamy, and polyamory.

Passion, Purpose, and Existential Concerns: Discover clarity, meaning, and direction in life through existential and purpose-focused counselling. Uncover the depths of your being, explore existential questions, and navigate life's uncertainties with a compassionate guide. We'll delve into your values, passions, and aspirations to unveil a clearer path forward. Embrace self-discovery, confront existential dilemmas, and ignite a renewed sense of purpose as you journey towards a more fulfilling and authentic life.

Rates

Talk therapy

Online or in-person, this is designated for individuals aged 10 and up to process and explore their thoughts and devise plans for more adaptive living. Typically, meetings are weekly or bi-weekly.

60 mins | $200 | Get started

Couples therapy

Online or in-person, this time is designed for couples to come in and explore what is going well in their relationship and what areas need work. Open and welcoming to all relationships, including LGBTQAI2S+, non-monogamous, and polyamorous.

60 mins | $225 | Get started

Get started with Cristina, today.

See availability on jane at https://cristinasherrenpsychology.janeapp.com