Krystina Cespedes

Have you ever thought, “Nobody will understand what I’m going through?” Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, self-isolation, or a negative internal voice? Have you had an experience making it difficult to move forward and live a fulfilling life? Are you feeling “stuck?” Though I will never know exactly what it’s like to step into your shoes, I thank you for the opportunity to let me enter your support system. I believe in normalizing mental health and these feelings we experience as humans. Attending to our physical, personal, social, and spiritual wellness is important. Healing is holistic, and though it may not always be easy, it is achievable. You are allowed to feel like this, and you are also allowed and able to live a more free and fulfilling life.

I believe therapy is about inspiring self-growth and exploration, beginning with the therapeutic relationship. I want you to feel like you’re in the driver's seat, and I’m a passenger cheering you on, helping you navigate your personal story. I want to help you explore how your habits and self-talk impact how your story is told. I am here to aid you in handling your challenges and stressors and find meaning throughout the journey. I hope to build a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore, feel unconditionally supported, and grow during and beyond our time in session. I want you to feel comfortable and empowered while you learn how to best support yourself as you experience life's intricate human emotions. Therapy is a brave step, and I’m so glad you’re taking the time to attend to your needs. I’m excited to meet you, work alongside you, and help you meet your goals!

I completed my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I have had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and people of different races, ages, gender identities, religions, and sexual orientations. I have worked previously in substance abuse and crisis-intensive outpatient settings.

I work with clients who may be struggling with anxiety or trauma related to past negative experiences. During our initial sessions, we will delve into your current stressors, and collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps you get your life back. I use EMDR to address trauma to help people live in the present instead of the past without having to retraumatize themselves.

I practice from a person-centered lens, working collaboratively with you to determine the best interventions for you. I will use EMDR therapy to help specific memories, beliefs, and experiences become "unstuck" so you can live in the now and develop adaptive thoughts. I believe the most important aspects of our work together are the trust and respect we cultivate with each other. I focus on using a strength-based approach and attention to habits, self-talk, attachment styles, and trauma-informed care. I use different theories and techniques depending on what works best for each individual because every person is different and unique. I hope to work alongside you collaboratively to explore how to support you best. It would be an honor to meet you and learn more about how I can fit into your support system. You matter right now and at every stage of your journey. You are worthy of a more joyful future.