Cristina Lerma

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 16 years of experience in education and mental health support. I hold a Master of Education in Counseling and Guidance from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

My professional background includes extensive experience as a school counselor, which has strengthened my ability to support individuals through life transitions, emotional challenges, and personal growth. Over time, my clinical work has expanded to include adolescents (15+), adults, and older adults.

I enjoy working with clients navigating anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem challenges, life transitions, and relationship concerns. I also have a strong passion for working with older adults as they reflect on life experiences, cope with changes in health or independence, and find meaning and purpose in later stages of life.

In addition, I work with couples and married partners who are seeking to improve communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen their connection. I support couples in navigating conflict in healthier ways and developing a deeper understanding of one another.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and strengths-based. I strive to create a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives

My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and strengths-based. I believe that each client brings unique life experiences, strengths, and resilience, and my role is to help guide and support them in building on those strengths to create meaningful change.

I work from a person-centered and solution-focused lens, while also integrating practical coping skills and emotional awareness strategies tailored to each client’s needs. I place a strong emphasis on creating a safe, respectful, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable exploring challenges, emotions, and life patterns at their own pace.

In the first session, clients can expect a welcoming, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where we begin building a comfortable therapeutic relationship. I typically spend time getting to know you, understanding what brings you to therapy, and learning about your goals, current challenges, and background.

Together, we begin identifying what you would like to change, improve, or better understand in your life. This may include emotional struggles, relationship concerns, life transitions, or personal growth goals. I also gather relevant history to better understand your experiences and how they may be impacting you today.

By the end of the first session, clients often leave with a clearer sense of direction and initial goals for therapy. My intention is for you to feel heard, supported, and more hopeful about the path forward, with a collaborative plan to guide our work together.