Cristina Spataro , LMHC

Cristina Spataro is a New York State licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with 18 years of experience supporting people in crisis. She has spent nearly two decades helping individuals navigate moments when choices feel unclear and consequences leave them doubting themselves. Cristina believes that meaningful change is possible for anyone who truly wants it, and she brings that conviction to work with clients facing intense emotional challenges.

While much of her practice has focused on providing support during severe distress, Cristina prefers to help people earlier in their struggles so problems do not escalate. She works with those wrestling with relationship difficulties, career decisions, and persistent mental anguish or illness, offering practical guidance and compassionate listening. Her approach centers on helping clients make sense of their circumstances and find clearer paths forward.

Grounded in real-world experience and a commitment to client resilience, Cristina encourages individuals to seek help before problems become overwhelming. She can help life make sense again.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Cristina Spataro integrates client-centered therapy with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address emotional and practical challenges. Client-centered therapy focuses on creating a respectful, nonjudgmental space where the therapist listens closely to the client's experience and helps the individual identify personal strengths and goals - this approach is useful for issues like relationship struggles, self-esteem, and life transitions. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) emphasizes identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through structured techniques, which can be effective for managing anxiety, depression, and stress-related patterns.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Cristina works collaboratively with each person to determine what fits best based on their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors techniques from these approaches to align with how clients want to work and what they hope to achieve.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and communication styles. These formats make therapy more accessible for people balancing work, family, or mobility constraints and allow licensed professionals to provide consistent, ongoing support without requiring travel.