Teletherapy for 47906

My goal when working with clients is to assist them toward their goals and life plans. My work is holistic. We work with your mind, body and spirit to transform you into a physically and emotionally healthy human being. I am Psychodynamically trained, so relationships are important. Not only the relationship between you and I, but also the relationships in your past and present. You become who you are because of relationships, good and bad. As we unravel your relationships, we resolve your issues, thereby moving you to a healthy, happy relationship with yourself and others.

In an increasingly stressful world, it becomes more and more exhausting trying to do it all on your own. I strive to help clients navigate their way through anxiety, depression, past/present trauma, and other struggles. I believe that each individual is the expert of their own life, but sometimes needs assistance in navigating life’s curveballs. My training is grounded in the “generalist” practice of counseling psychology, and I have specific training and experience in working with LGBTQ+ identity development, self-compassion, trauma, and relationship and family of origin concerns.

For more than ten years, I've worked with teenagers (15+) and adults of all ages to address a multitude of concerns: self-esteem, life changes, grief, anxiety, interpersonal problems, chronic illness, loved ones struggling with addiction, depression, and issues specific to LGBTQ+ folks. I also strive to consider the importance of race, disability, body size, gender identity, sexuality, and many more intersecting, marginalized identities within sessions. I'm committed to counseling that is anti-racist, is queer friendly, and rejects diet culture.

My practice utilizes an integrative (i.e., CBT, interpersonal, and humanistic) approach through a multicultural lens. I enjoy working with adults with diverse backgrounds, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, economic status, nationality, and cultural values. Specific areas of experience include insomnia (treatment modality is CBT-i), anxiety (e.g., generalized anxiety, OCD), mood (e.g., dysthymia, depression), stress, life transitions (e.g., transitioning to college, changing jobs), and chronic medical management (e.g., diabetes, heart disease).

I am a holistic & inclusive trauma & sex therapist. I love to help clients work on the issues most important to them and to talk about those things that you may not be able to with anyone else. Trauma, sex, relationships, everything is on the table, because it is all YOU! I approach issues from a holistic lens, which includes all aspects of your life experience. My work is strengths based and client centered, meaning I believe you are the expert on your life and you possess unique strengths to help you on your journey. Together we will foster and build your strengths as we embark on the path towards self-discovery and healing.

I'm Cristina Alba, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to fostering positive change and well-being. With a compassionate and client-centered approach, I believe in creating a safe space where individuals can explore, heal, and grow. I specialize in providing support to adults and children who have experienced trauma, guiding them on a path of healing and resilience. My therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy and collaboration. I work collaboratively with clients, utilizing evidence-based practices to tailor interventions to individual needs.

Life can be stressful! When relationships struggle, work feels exhausting, and home life is chaotic, it's easy to break down, give up, or bury how you feel. Questioning your decisions, who you are, what you’re doing with your life can be paralyzing. Our emotions can be so intense and overwhelming that it's like walking on eggshells around our partner, family and friends, coworkers. These experiences can make daily life stressful and lead to more long-term problems if people avoid working through them.

I am a Licensed Social Worker with a passion for decreasing the stigma surrounding mental health and promoting the health and well being of my clients. For my undergraduate degree, I moved from Central Jersey (Yes! It exists!) to South Jersey to attend Stockton University. I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work with a Minor in Behavioral Neuroscience from Stockton, and then moved on to attend graduate school in Philadelphia. I received my Master of Social Work Degree with a clinical concentration from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice in May of 2020.

We will work together to help you heal your wounds from the past, and learn skills to help you thrive in the present. I am passionate about working with those who belong to the LGBTQIA2S+ community and other marginalized communities; helping professionals; military/veterans; and those with complex trauma. I currently see adults, adolescents aged 16 and older, and families and partners, including those in polyamorous/CNM relationships.