Starting therapy, especially as a teen or young adult can feel like walking into a story you’re not quite sure how to tell yet. There may be questions you don’t know how to ask, emotions you don’t quite know how to name, and pressure (from school, family, social media, yourself) that feels constant. In my office, all of that is welcome. I offer a steady, thoughtful, and warm space where we can sort through the noise, understand what’s going on beneath the surface, and explore who you are, without judgment, without pressure to be anything but authentic.
I’m Christina Lis (she/her), a therapist who works primarily with teens and adults, and I specialize in helping young people navigate anxiety, stress, identity questions, mood shifts, family tension, and the challenges of growing up in today’s world. I bring a calm, cozy presence to therapy and genuinely care about the people I work with. I’m a listener, a collaborator, and sometimes, a translator, helping you connect the dots between what you’re experiencing and where it’s coming from. My style is grounded in insight and empathy, and I’m not afraid to use creativity, art, or even a well-timed metaphor if it helps us explore something in a new way.
My clinical background includes experience with depression and mood disorders, anxiety, neurodivergence (including ADHD and spectrum-related experiences), school and academic pressure, attendance-related concerns, and identity development. I also work with teens and young adults managing behavioral or conduct-related issues, emotional dysregulation, and family conflict. I have a deep respect for the complexity of adolescent development, and I work to integrate education around brain and body changes so that teens can better understand what’s happening internally. When clients have the language and framework to make sense of their experiences, they often feel more empowered to respond with compassion and intention rather than frustration or shame.
I’m especially passionate about working with first-generation youth, LGBTQIA+ teens, and BIPOC clients who may feel like they’re carrying the weight of cultural expectations, identity questions, or experiences that aren’t always easy to talk about. I understand how important it is to be seen, not just for what you’re going through, but for who you are. Therapy with me is a space where all parts of your identity are welcome, explored, and respected.
My approach blends psychodynamic and person-centered therapy with practical skills from CBT and DBT. I also incorporate trauma-informed practices and developmental neuroscience to help clients understand not just what they’re feeling, but why. Whether we’re processing early experiences, building emotion regulation strategies, or working on communication, my goal is to support each client in growing their self-awareness and emotional intelligence in a way that feels affirming and sustainable.
Clients often connect with me over my love of Halloween (yes—it absolutely counts as a holiday), my enthusiastic Cubs fandom, and the adventures of my dog, Luna. I bring humor, heart, and curiosity into therapy, and I believe that connection is one of the most important tools we have for healing.
After working together, I hope my clients leave therapy feeling more grounded in who they are and more confident in how they move through the world. Whether you’re navigating a big transition, trying to make sense of overwhelming feelings, or just need a place to talk about the hard stuff, I’m here to help you figure it out—one step at a time.
Let’s start the conversation.
