Cristina Freese

Living with a chronic illness or caring for someone who is? I specialize in helping clients navigate emotional stress, life changes, and health challenges—especially related to MS and chronic conditions.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20+ years of experience, I provide a warm, collaborative, and supportive space for clients to feel heard, understood, and empowered. I’ve worked extensively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and specialize in helping people facing chronic health conditions, life transitions, and stress-related concerns.

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 & Populations Served

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

Conditions I Commonly Treat

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other chronic health issues
• Generalized Anxiety
• Adjustment Disorder
• Depression related to illness or life change
• Caregiver burnout
• Emotional stress and overwhelm

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.