Cristina Spataro , LMHC

Cristina Spataro is a New York State licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with 18 years of experience working with people in crisis. She believes that change is possible when someone truly wants it, and she brings steady guidance to clients who feel stuck by difficult choices and their consequences. Life often presents decisions that leave people questioning themselves, and Cristina helps make sense of those moments so forward steps feel more attainable.

Although much of her work has focused on supporting individuals when circumstances become acute, she also seeks to help people earlier in their struggles so problems do not escalate. She offers practical, compassionate assistance for concerns such as relationships, career decisions, emotional distress, and mental health challenges. Cristina aims to create a thoughtful space where life feels more understandable and manageable again.

Grounded in years of crisis work, her approach combines empathy with clear direction, helping clients identify options and build skills for change. For those navigating hard choices or persistent emotional pain, she offers experience and a steady presence to support the journey toward greater clarity and resilience.

Approaches and Online Care with Client-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral Methods

Cristina Spataro often uses Client-Centered Therapy, an approach that emphasizes a supportive, nonjudgmental relationship where the client leads the pace and focus of sessions. This method helps people explore feelings, build self-understanding, and strengthen their own capacity for change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another core approach she employs - it focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and patterns and developing practical strategies to manage symptoms and improve daily functioning. CBT is commonly used for anxiety, depression, stress, and coping with life changes.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the work itself. Cristina collaborates with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts interventions as progress unfolds. This collaborative stance helps ensure treatment aligns with what matters most to the client.

Online therapy with Cristina can include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and communication styles. These options make it easier to access support from licensed professionals without needing to travel, and they can accommodate people balancing work, family, or other commitments.