Cristina Arenales

Hi my name is Cristina, my pro nouns are she/her. I went to two private institutions and graduated with my masters of science in Clinical Psychology. While In grad school I had the privilege of working with children in inpatient pediatric mental health for two years at CHOC Children's Hospital of Orange County. Shortly after I began working in residential addiction treatment with adults at AKUA in Newport Beach for another two years. While at AKUA I graduated from grad school and left to focus my attention in private practice where I currently center LGBTQ+ and POC clients and allies.

I believe that our creative and determined psyche allows us to “make it through” whatever life throws our way. We develop ideals, patterns, behaviors, and ways of thinking about the world, ourselves, and others. These things that at one point were meant to be protective and preserve us can overtime unknowingly to us be the very thing that gets in our way preventing us from living the life we ultimately desire. It can manifest itself in ways such as feeling frustrated with ourselves, self hate, feeling stuck, disconnected from our body, or even frozen with anxiety, depression, and maybe suicidal thoughts.

I focus on addressing defenses as they arise in your day to day life and in therapy while in an established therapeutic relationship with you so you can experience the insight and courage you need to make positive change. As a Queer Woman of Color, I work best from an integrative psychodynamic approach while offering a culturally sensitive and open space for you to examine your thoughts and feelings. Then after examining, we decide what you need and we go from there together.

I have helped people work through relationship difficulties, negative patterns, move form confusion to clarity, struggles related to sexuality, and obsessive thoughts. Finally, I specialize in helping others build a deep understanding and acceptance of themselves while uncovering the root of the problem and assist you in living a life that fulfills you.