GET TO KNOW your therapist

Christina Gilsdorf, LCPC

“I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship.” – Louisa May Alcott

Insurances I Accept:

Ages I work with:

Languages I speak:

English

Who Am I?

Hi, my name is Christina (she/her) and I’m a licensed clinical professional counselor. I am a cisgendered, white mom of two toddlers and a rescue dog. I’ve worked in a variety of settings helping people achieve their therapy goals and improve their lives. I consider myself an open-minded, realistic, and honest person with a goofy sense of humor.

I love working with:

Adults (18+) with all types of anxiety (generalized, social, obsessive-compulsive, phobias), individuals struggling with self-esteem and body image issues, relationship problems, depression, substance abuse, trauma, and major life transitions.

Some of my favorite approaches include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, feminist, and client centered, all within a strengths based framework. As we get to know each other I tailor my approach to your personality and the issue at hand, and pull from relevant techniques and styles what would be most beneficial to you.

HOW I HELP

I provide a safe, non-judgmental space in which real work can be done. Together we will identify therapy goals, increase your self-awareness, dismantle negative beliefs, and construct healthy boundaries. I seek to empower you through helping develop and utilize your strengths and by increasing your knowledge through psychoeducation. I meet you where you are at in your journey, and go at a pace that is comfortable to you.

Beliefs section:

I believe that therapy works best when the relationship between counselor and client is authentic, trustworthy, and secure. The relationship we have serves as a microcosm in which you’re able to build trust, work through issues, and learn how to relate in healthy ways. It is also the secure base from which you can feel confident to take risks and confront challenges.

I believe that you have unrealized strengths and are capable of learning new skills to accomplish your goals, whether they are coping with change, breaking out of negative cycles, or gaining a deeper understanding of your emotions and how to manage them.

What a typical session is like:

The session is your time – if you come ready to discuss a particular topic or issue then we’ll devote our attention to that; if you feel like you’d benefit from some gentle guidance or more structure, we can create that. You steer the ship and I ensure we stay on course. My role is to collaborate with, support, and challenge you on this journey in a comfortable, judgment-free zone. I like to check in periodically to see how you feel therapy is progressing and to collaborate on the direction we head in next.

More about me

The majority of my time outside of work is spent raising my 2 and 3 year old kids, who keep me very busy! When they’re napping or otherwise occupied, I enjoy reading (mostly fiction; my favorite book is Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood), playing video games, baking, and writing in my Journal. I’m an indoor animal, generally averse to hot temperatures (I wish autumn would last all year!), but I love going on family walks with my spouse, kids, and 12 year old rescue dog, Zen.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Schedule your first appointment. For follow up appointments (existing clients), please contact your therapist at 773-774-4444.