Cristina Freese

Living with a chronic illness or caring for someone who is? I specialize in helping clients navigate emotional stress, life transitions, and health challenges—especially related to MS and other chronic conditions. I have extensive experience supporting clients in finding balance, strength and emotional resilience in all aspects of their life.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 21+ years of experience. I provide a warm, collaborative, and supportive space for clients to feel heard, understood, and empowered. I’ve worked with individuals from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds in patient settings, outpatient settings, and in private practice.

Life is hard and it does not come with a guidebook, so let's collaborate to help you become less overwhelmed, more grounded and joyful!

My therapy style is integrative and tailored to your unique needs. I draw on a mix of practical tools and emotional support to help you build resilience, cope with stress, and reconnect with what matters most to you.

Whether you’re adjusting to a new diagnosis, managing long-term illness, or seeking more balance in your life, I’m here to walk alongside you. My goal is not only to help you feel better emotionally—but to make real, sustainable changes in the way you respond to stress, care for yourself, and find meaning even in difficult circumstances.

Together, we’ll explore tools to calm your nervous system, shift unhelpful thought patterns, and reduce the overwhelm that can come with chronic conditions like MS. I welcome both individuals living with illness and caregivers seeking support.

Specialties

• Chronic Illness (esp. Multiple Sclerosis)
• Stress & Anxiety
• Life Transitions
• Caregiver Support
• Grief & Adjustment
• Depression
• Populations ServedAdults & Older Adults
• Individuals & Couples

Conditions I Commonly Treat

• Living emotionally well with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Other chronic health issues
• Emotional complexities from Autoimmune Disorders
• Generalized Anxiety
• Adjustment Disorder
• Major Depression & Dysthymia
• Anxiety and/ or Depression related to illness or life changes
• Caregiver burnout
• Emotional stress and overwhelm
• Therapist support and burnout

Our first session is all about getting to know you—what brings you in, what you’re hoping to change or explore, and how I can support you. You don’t need to have all the answers or know exactly where to start. This is a judgment-free space where you can share your story at your own pace.

We'll talk about your current challenges (such as managing a diagnosis, feeling overwhelmed, or navigating life changes), review any relevant history, and identify what goals you’d like to work toward. I’ll also explain how therapy works, answer any questions you have, and begin tailoring a plan that fits your unique needs.

I know the first step can feel vulnerable, but you're not alone. My goal is to make the process feel grounded, compassionate, and empowering from the very beginning. You can expect to leave our first session feeling heard—and with a sense of direction for what comes next.