Christopher Konopa

I'm a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Life Coach, practicing under the direct supervision of Dr. Thomas Lucking. I earned my B.A. in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University and my M.A. in Holistic Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University, where I also completed an Academic Certificate in Trauma Studies. Before becoming a therapist, I served in the United States Coast Guard, where I worked in law enforcement and search and rescue — that experience shaped my commitment to service, and as a veteran myself, I'm passionate about continuing to serve those who've served. I have a special interest in working with people who carry diagnoses of ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and those on the Autism spectrum — in this area I work under Dr. Lucking's direct supervision, since he's a published author, speaker, and expert in autism and neurodiversity. I also have a special interest in working with neurodiverse couples, particularly supporting neurotypical partners dealing with Ongoing Traumatic Relationship Syndrome, using Dr. Lucking's "Island of Shared Meaning" model to help bridge the gap these relationships often struggle with.

My approach is unique to each individual I work with — I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all method. I like integrating Solution Focused, Somatic, Attachment Based, Internal Family Systems, and Strength Based therapy, and I try to bring Mindfulness and the healing elements of Nature into sessions whenever I can. I'm deeply interested in Polyvagal Theory, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and meditation, and I draw on these as I work. When I'm supporting children, teens, and adults in building organizational skills, social skills, and emotional intelligence, I lean on Dr. Lucking's book and Daniel Goleman's research on emotional intelligence, along with Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication and Dr. Lucking's own ISM Communication model.

Since my approach is tailored to the individual, I'd expect to spend our first session really getting to know you — your situation, your history, and what you're hoping to get out of therapy or coaching — before deciding which of my modalities fits best. If you're coming to me around ADHD, ODD, autism, or a neurodiverse relationship dynamic, I'd likely ask more specific questions in those areas given my specialized focus there. That said, I can't speak with certainty to exact intake logistics or session structure from this bio alone — for those specifics, it's worth checking directly with me or my practice's intake materials.