I am a 2021 graduate from Antioch University Seattle, with my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I also earned my certificate in play therapy through the Antioch Play Therapy certification program in 2018. During my education, I completed a clinical internship at Youth Eastside Services, a local community mental health agency. Before working here at the Center for Child and Family Therapy, I worked for Atlas Counseling, a group practice serving clients from the ages of 3 to 65 in the greater Seattle-area from February 2021 to January 2024. I also have non-clinical educational experience teaching theatre and improvisational skills from 2013 to 2018.
As an integrative therapist, my belief is that therapy is not “one size fits all”. My goal is to apply various theoretical approaches to provide the best treatment for each of my clients. Every individual brings their uniqueness and originality to each session and comes with distinct views and experiences. I believe that once a safe space and a secure container for challenging topics is created, healing can begin. This all begins with and leads with respectful curiosity.
I lean on my training in psychodynamic therapy, family systems therapy, and with a person-centered approach. I will also utilize my training in child-centered play therapy, narrative therapy, strength-based therapy, expressive art therapies, all through multicultural lenses.
I treat clients from the ages of 3-65+ and treat struggles around the following:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Divorce
- Post-traumatic stress
- Family conflict
- Parenting challenges
- Low self-esteem
- Suicidal ideation
- Poor communication
- Attachment/relationship building
- Self-harm
- Grief and loss
- Gender identity and exploration
- Neurodivergent challenges
I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and families. In my therapy sessions, you can expect to find me on the floor, marker streaks on my arms, or sand all-over my hands because it’s my mission to be fully present with my child clients. I often call on my background in expressive arts such as drama, art, writing, and movement for providing meaningful therapy. I value building relationships and engaging in playfulness to not only speak to children’s natural language, but also to understand all my client’s inner worlds. All stories are so special and deserve to be told.
If you are a current client. Click on this link for Telehealth appointment https://doxy.me/cristinavazquezlmft