Hello, I’m Christina.
Feeling stuck is wisdom.Therapy is a bridge from your current life to the one that is calling you.
—Christina Sheehan, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor
What I know About My Clients.
I know you sense that there is a meaningful and heartfelt role for you in this changing world, that you don’t think you’ve reached your highest potential. You have more dreams, ideas and thoughts then you can count - when you are not rushed and over scheduled. You are a Visionary, a Rebel (even if only on the inside), a Deep Thinker & Feeler and you long to liberate and empower others as well as yourself.
I know you have grown up in a shame based society that told you that you were too fat, feminine, masculine, short, tall, skinny, ugly, pretty-whatever it was that you were or were not. I know you usually feel either not enough or too much.
I know that you are exhausted and feel there is nothing to be done about it. Too many responsibilities and people depending on you. You want to let go, but fear disaster if you are not in control. I know you feel pressure from friends/family/society to be ok, think happy thoughts, just do yoga, try this diet, stop being so sensitive, meditate 3 hours a day—and Oh the real reason I called you, can you do me a favor?
I know that it feels like putting yourself first is selfish. I know that the over thinking, replaying conversations and worrying about making someone upset is exhausting, and I know there is more in life for you then to-do lists, and fulfilling others priorities.
I’ll bet there has always been a little whisper of “I was meant for more” or “I think my life is suppose to be a little bit larger”. You don’t share this often because it sounds conceited, boastful, selfish, ungrateful and plain crazy.
You don’t think it is possible to follow your own path.
But I believe that voice is telling the truth.
I think you do too.
What I Believe In
Depth.
Depth Therapy is based on the psychology of Carl Jung and believes you have a conscious and an unconscious life. The unconscious can be running the show without your knowledge. In this type of therapy I guide you through a process to help you access self awareness and inner wisdom as we gently uncover the parts of you that need conscious healing. We work from the inside out & we always uncover without shame or blame. This is how we start becoming more of who we are & less of who we are not.
Transparency.
Some people come to therapy expecting to go to a couple of sessions until the counselor tells them what to do about their problem. I don’t do that. You are the only one who can solve your problems. But I do have the training, experience and intuition to guide you to the places within yourself that have the answers you seek. Therapy shouldn’t mysterious, you should know how you made a shift in a pattern and why you are feeling better and how to recreate it. My ultimate goal for you is to become your own therapist, so I will often explain why certain questions are helpful and inquire about how you made the change and how you know something is different.
Compassion.
Compassion is the back bone of all the work I do, and self-compassion is the foundation. The most important part of any therapy is the relationship between client and therapist. If after a few sessions, you don’t feel compassion from me, then we will find a therapist that works for you. Remember that not all compassion comes as hearts & flowers. Fierce therapeutic compassion can say what is needed even when it is hard to hear. It’s ok to get pissed at your therapist. Talk about it. We can handle it.
Humor.
For me humor is an essential part of my life. It brings entertainment, perspective, new ideas, relief from boredom and overwhelm. Humor helps us through the hard times and celebrates with us during the good times. The ability to laugh at yourself, to not take your self so seriously gives you the energy to fight for what you are passionate about. And you have more fun. Laughter is often a part of therapy, and being able to laugh at ourselves a bit can help us put things into perspective when all seems dark.
Worth.
We are living in very challenging times, and we need new ways to cope, thrive and help the world. By learning how to access and trust our intuition, grow compassion for self and others, and learn to engage our empathic souls, we can begin to heal ourselves and others-just by becoming more of ourselves. When we believe in our own worth we move through the world wanting to boost up and empower others. Can you imagine a world where everyone felt their own intrinsic value, worth and power?
Modern.
I’m not the kind of therapist we envision from classic tv shows with the couch & the nods and smiles. I’m pretty active in session. I‘m curious and investigative and I want to dig in deep so your understanding and compassion for yourself can start to emerge and aha moments can begin. I will encourage you to turn the inner insights you have through our sessions into steps in the outer world. This is a gentle process that goes at your pace. I typically work with my clients long term, anywhere from 6 months to 6 years. Our work is about more than just alleviating symptoms, it seeks to help you build a life full of purpose, meaning and love.
Qualifications
Education
Masters in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, Portland State University
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, University of Portland
Accreditations
Licensed Professional Counselor with the state of Oregon.
Board Certified as a Nationally Certified Counselor: 2015-2022
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor: 2015-2022
Post Grad Trainings
Grief & Loss Mastermind with Diane Heller
Secure Attachment Skills in Times of Crisis Mastermind with Diane Heller
Body Trust Certification Training with Be Nourished
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
Promoting Body Trust in Your Practice with Be Nourished