Christina Brown

Psychotherapy

Healing Starts Here

Everyone faces challenges at some point in life. Whether you are feeling stuck, anxious, self-critical, relationally dissatisfied, burdened with more than you can carry, burned out, or unable to break free from harmful cycles, you don’t have to do it alone. There is space for you here.

Services

  • Therapy office with a gray armchair, a wooden side table, a patterned area rug, a sideboard with decorative items including a salt lamp, small vases, and plants, a round mirror mounted on the wall, and framed green botanical art on the wall.

    Individual Therapy

    I provide individual therapy for teens, young adults, and adults. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, a lack of direction, challenging relationships, or trauma, there is hope for something better.

  • A cozy waiting area with two white armchairs with wooden frames, a small dark wood table with magazines, a potted plant, a second smaller table with books, and two abstract art paintings on the white wall behind.

    Family Therapy

    Many families face conflict and challenges. Whether it is frequent arguments, challenging communication, a recent loss, a traumatic event, or something else, you don’t have to carry it alone.

  • Therapy office with a light gray sofa adorned with striped pillows, a large patterned area rug, framed colorful artwork on the wall, a potted plant near the window, and fluorescent ceiling lights.

    Couples Therapy

    No matter what stage of your relationship you and your partner are in, seeking help from an objective third party can be beneficial. Whether you are a new couple, married, or have been in a committed relationship for years, help is available to you.

Each session is 50 minutes in length. I provide services in person at my Pasadena office location and via telehealth.

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About Me

After facing various challenges and mental health struggles in my own life, I turned to therapy as a source of growth and healing in my late teens and early twenties. I was able to experience clarity, healing, and positive transformation that ultimately changed my life for the better. My personal journey in therapy is what led me to pursue a career as a therapist. I not only became passionate about mental health and well-being in general, but I also wanted to help others in their healing journey, just as my therapist helped me.

I have experience working in private practice and community mental health settings, which has provided me with a diverse array of experiences. I have found I am most passionate about helping clients navigate issues related to relationship trauma (domestic violence, infidelity), sexual trauma (sexual assault, rape, incest), childhood trauma (physical/emotional abuse, neglect), relationship issues (conflict, poor communication, disconnection, dissatisfaction), complex family dynamics, codependency, anxiety, OCD, low self-esteem, identity issues, and challenges related to a loved one facing alcoholism/addiction.

Credentials

Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #149246 

Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #18226

Under supervision of Stanley Rushing, LMFT#33618

Education

Bachelor’s of Science in Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior from University of California, Davis

Master’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary

Certifications

Restoration Therapy, Level 1 & 2 Certified

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My Approach

Therapy with me is compassionate, client-centered, and collaborative. No matter what you are coming in with, I will provide a non-judgmental and safe space for you to share your story. We will explore the challenges you are facing, talk about the hard things, and navigate your journey towards healing and lasting change together. As we get to know each other better, I will not be afraid to gently challenge you where appropriate.

I understand that every client I see is not the same and may not respond the same to one therapeutic approach. This is why I practice from an eclectic approach where I utilize several therapeutic techniques and interventions to best fit each client. You can expect your experience to be tailored to your unique needs.

Specialties

  • Whether you experienced trauma in childhood or adulthood, trauma’s aftermath can grip you and not let go. Symptoms can include intrusive memories, flashbacks, psychological/physiological dysregulation, hyper-vigilance, irritability, disconnection from others, distorted perceptions of self/reality, and more. This doesn’t have to be the end of your story.

  • Sexual trauma can cause a whirlwind of emotions and experiences: shame, guilt, embarrassment, self-blame, feeling “dirty,” confusion, isolation, disconnection from self/others, emotional and physical intimacy issues, anger, hyper/hypo-sexuality, and more. Whatever it is you are facing, help is available and there is hope for healing.

  • Low self-esteem can result from many things: bullying, criticism from others, others’ unrealistic/misplaced expectations of you, trauma, failure, regret, and more. It doesn’t have to stay this way. With intentional reflection and work, self-esteem can improve, leading to a better relationship with yourself and others.

  • Do you ever feel like you don’t know who you are? Or you have been falsely defined by others and you feel stuck? Or you over-identify with your achievements and work but feel empty at your core? Identity is multi-faceted and sometimes complicated. Many experience identity confusion for one reason or another. 

    Whatever your challenge is, we can explore it together, identify your goals, gain insight about challenges/barriers, and help you discover who you want to become.

  • Having a loved one who struggles with addiction can take a toll on you. Being in relationship with an addict can be confusing, disappointing, harmful, and frustrating. Whether you avoid your loved one or are overly involved in their life and addiction, talking to someone about the challenges you are facing in this relationship and how you can can better cope can be helpful.

  • Codependency can take many forms. On one hand, it can look like relying on another person or system for validation, daily functioning, and more. On another hand, it can look like taking on too much responsibility for others or “saving” people. This can result in cycles of shame, guilt, exhaustion, and resentment. I hope to journey alongside you in discovering the roots of your codependency patterns and explore meaningful and productive ways of ending the cycle.

  • Item descriptionDomestic Violence, also known as Intimate Partner Violence, plagues many relationships. Domestic violence can include emotional, mental, physical, sexual, or financial abuse. This can be a sensitive and difficult topic to discuss due to the feelings of shame that can be associated with it. I hope to provide a safe and shame-free space to process and work through this challenge with you and your partner. 

  • Whether it be a partner, family member, or friend, everyone faces relationship challenges. Issues with trust, emotional connection, communication, and conflicting desires/needs are just a few things that can impact relationships. Sometimes inviting a non-judgmental third party to mediate and work through these challenges can be beneficial.

  • Family is complicated. The people we are meant to be the closest with can sometimes cause the most harm. Family conflict is very common and you are not alone. Whatever familial challenge you are facing, I hope to help you and your family find common ground, communicate and engage in healthy conflict resolution. 

  • Infidelity often causes a significant rupture in romantic relationships as feelings of mistrust, betrayal, and disconnection often result. This can be a challenging problem to face in the aftermath. I hope to help you and your partner talk about the challenges in the aftermath, take steps in relationship reparation, and find a productive path forward. 

    Please note, if there is active infidelity taking place, I am not able to provide couples therapy. In order for couples therapy to be successful, infidelity must have ended and both partners must be committed to repairing the relationship. 

  • Anxiety can be overwhelming and demanding of attention to the point that it gets in the way of living the life you want to live. Fortunately, there are ways to combat and cope with anxiety to help you gain control of your life and future.

  • Obssessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a challenging and often misunderstood mental health condition. Comprised of obsessions that produce anxiety and compulsions to reduce the anxiety, OCD can take control of your life in ways that impair your relationships, daily living, and more. With insight, intentionality, the right coping skills, and exposure therapy, challenges associated with OCD can be improved.

Fees

  • As a potential client, you have the right to know how much therapy costs before meeting with a provider. See the information below to know what to expect. when it comes to costs.

  • Individual Session: $150

    Couples/Family Session: $175

  • I unfortunately do not accept insurance at this time. However, I am able to provide you with a detailed superbill that you can provide to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Check with your insurance company to determine if they accept superbills.

  • I accept debit and credit card. Payments are expected at the time services are delivered.

  • No cancellation fee if I am notified 24 hours or more prior to the session start time.

    Appointments cancelled within 24 hours of session start time will still be charged the full session fee.

Get in Touch

I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation for potential new clients.

Whether you have questions, would like to book a consultation, or are interested in working together, feel free to reach out. I’ll connect with you soon.

Location

595 E Colorado Blvd Pasadena, CA 91101

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