When a therapist is welcoming and non-judgmental, it is much easier to seek help. I am passionate about working with clients to find more effective communication strategies. You can make positive changes in your life. There are ways to regulate anger and anxiety and I can help. I can also show you the path toward healing unresolved grief and loss, as well as trauma. These issues can keep you from living your best life without shame and sadness.
I have spent most of my working life in a helping profession. I have been providing counseling for 14 years. Before becoming a licensed therapist, I had a career as a special education teacher. That experience informs my work today whether I am working with children, adolescents, couples or adults. I stay current on clinical research and the many writings in the areas of psychology, sociology and marriage and family therapy. My specialized training includes (but not limited to) cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma and abuse, domestic violence and play therapy. I look forward to meeting potential clients and joining them in their path toward becoming their best selves and living their best lives.
I have an eclectic toolbox that includes many aspects of different psychological theories and interventions. At the beginning, there is an assessment process taking place for the first few sessions. I determine at that time what drawer in the toolbox would work most effectively. I may have the client complete certain questionnaires as part of the assessment. Throughout therapy, there is a fine tuning of the process.
It is important to mention that during the initial phase of therapy, the primary focus is on meeting the client where they are. This is a collaborative relationship that is driven by the direction the client needs to go and my experience and knowledge in helping them get there. I am very curious and observant, as every good therapist should be. Some of the therapies I utilize are Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, Psychodynamic and Narrative. We can certainly go into greater detail about these orientations when we meet.
Additional areas of focus: Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Aging and geriatric issues, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Communication problems, Control issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
CA LMFT 48371
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Susan Cristol. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Susan has been there for me during the most challenging time of my life. She is caring, helpful, non-judgemental and always responsive.
Written on Jul 27, 2023 after therapy with Susan for 2 years and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and grief
Susan is a very careful listener who helps me to pay better attention to myself and the people around me. I'm glad I'm visiting her!
Written on May 02, 2023 after therapy with Susan for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and sleeping disorders
Susan is very understanding and knowledgeable. Highly recommended!
Written on Feb 09, 2023 after therapy with Susan for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
I've been very happy with Sue as a therapist. She is supportive, sensible, knowledgeable; but also does not hesitate to speak truth to power. Her insights are thoughtful and she guides me to figure out my own solutions. She is a good match for me & I highly recommend her.
Written on Nov 17, 2022 after therapy with Susan for 9 months on issues concerning self esteem, family conflicts, and parenting issues
To say she’s a great therapist is an understatement. She’s such an incredible human alone. I have so much respect and love for her. She’s insightful. Her advice is the medicine to cure the problem. Her perspective on things really is brilliant and has opened my mind on deep rooted problems that I only saw through tunnel vision. I’m so grateful for being matched with her. Since knowing her, I feel at peace and with her making me feel like I’m not alone because she never fails to be there when I feel I need to talk, it has helped me be stronger mentally. I feel like she’s truly taught me how to handle anything that comes my way in a more logical and healthy manner. She has this energy and vibe that makes me feel comfortable opening up about things I’ve never imagined I could talk about to anyone. Susan is the best.
Written on Oct 13, 2021 after therapy with Susan for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Susan is a great and caring listener. Highly recommend.
Written on Jul 25, 2021 after therapy with Susan for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues