Dr. Cristina Castagnini

I’m a licensed psychologist with a PhD from USC, a master’s degree from Pepperdine, and a bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Cruz. I’m also a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and have spent many years working with individuals navigating eating disorders, body image concerns, perfectionism, people-pleasing, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and chronic stress.

I specialize in helping high-functioning adults who feel stuck in cycles of self-criticism, burnout, or “never enough” thinking—people who often look like they’re holding it all together on the outside while struggling internally. Many of my clients are caregivers, professionals, parents, or achievers who have spent years prioritizing others and are ready to finally take care of themselves.

My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and practical. I integrate evidence-based therapies (including CBT and mindfulness-based strategies) with a relational, trauma-informed lens. I also work from a weight-inclusive, anti-diet framework and focus on helping clients build a healthier relationship with food, their bodies, and themselves.

On a personal level, I understand how messy real life can be—and how hard it is to slow down when you’re used to pushing through. I bring both clinical expertise and genuine humanity into the room. Therapy with me is not about fixing you; it’s about helping you reconnect with who you already are, build resilience, and create meaningful, sustainable change.

I work primarily with adults and young adults and aim to create a space that feels safe, grounded, and supportive—where you don’t have to perform or have it all figured out.

I believe that every day up until now has helped you to be the person you are today, and find it helpful to explore your family of origin dynamics to help in giving you some insights about your current functioning and relationships with others. While exploring the past, however, I find that my patients are coming in for symptom reduction, and not just insight. Which is why I am also very solution-focused. Through the combination of the two, my clients typically see a decrease in current symptoms, yet gain insight into preventing them in the future.

I am in this field for one purpose only--to help people heal. Having any type of psychological pain can feel scary or confusing because you can't touch it nor see it. Yet, it is very real to anyone experiencing it. Therapy is the first step in healing pain.

I have made it my life's goal to provide healing in a personalized, caring manner. I have years of experience in working with all ages, from children to older adults, and feel that this experience has allowed me to understand a wide range of disorders and emotional pain.

Your first session is a chance for us to slow things down and get grounded together. My priority is helping you feel safe, heard, and understood—without pressure to have everything figured out.

We’ll start by talking about what brought you in, what you’re struggling with right now, and what you’re hoping to get out of therapy. I’ll ask thoughtful questions to understand your history, relationships, patterns, and strengths, but we’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

You don’t need to prepare anything or know exactly what to say—just come as you are.

My style is warm, collaborative, and practical. Along with listening deeply, I may offer gentle insights, reflections, or tools you can start using right away. Together, we’ll begin identifying goals and creating a path forward that feels realistic, supportive, and aligned with who you are.

Most clients leave the first session feeling clearer, more supported, and less alone.