Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Chula Vista, CA

Hola, Soy Christina Zapata, mi pronombre es ella. Hello, I'm Christina Zapata, my pronouns are she and her. I am bilingual (English/Spanish), bi-and pan cultural. My professional training is in clinical social work. I started out in depth-oriented psychotherapy in 2012, moved to family work with foster and adoptive families in the middle part of my career and have returned to psychodynamic, systems-oriented psychotherapy with individuals and families since 2017. I have experience working with Transgender individuals, those in current or former relationships where intimate partner violence is present, foster and adopted youth, and Spanish speaking political and economic refugees and immigrants. I am trained in EMDR. I have undertaken a three year grief training to help people stay connected to, sit with and move through pain. More recently, I am adding to my practice work around supporting individuals who are experiencing stress and confusion in their workplace.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, and I have really wanted to build

something of my own for a long time. Going into private practice was not an impulsive decision. It is something I have thought about carefully, and I am committed to making it work well for the people I work with. My background includes clinical work with adults and families

across a range of settings from psychiatric hospitals, to non profits and private practice. I am based in the Coachella Valley and serve clients throughout

California via telehealth. I am also in the process of establishing an in-person office here in the

valley, because I know how hard it can be to find consistent, quality mental health care locally.

I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. I also work with people dealing with chronic stress, relationship challenges, and the kind of emotional weight that builds up when life keeps asking more of you than you feel you have to give. I have a

particular connection to working with Latino and bicultural clients, single parents, and people who are navigating coparenting and the identity shifts that come with it.

More that fifteen years of teaching English and drama at a Los Angeles public high school taught me many things - primarily, it taught me how often people's barriers to achievement are not due to any lack of skill or ability, but rather from emotional barriers stemming from stress, adversity and trauma. So, I went back to graduate school to pursue a new career as a therapist so that I could help in a different way. My training and experience has focused on treating anxiety disorders, PTSD (including Complex-PTSD) and also couples - helping them to navigate challenges and triggers so that they can reset and reconnect.

Whether you are struggling with depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, building intimacy in relationships, responding to emotions, or the stress of being human, it is key to know that you are not alone. I offer a safe and comfortable space to explore these struggles.

Life's challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, grief, or the transitions that come with different stages of life. You don't have to navigate these experiences alone. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to move toward meaningful change from an eclectic evidenced based approach that promotes hope, stability, and wellness, including faith-based perspective.

I specialize in working with adults and older adults experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, intimate relationship conflict, and couples counseling.I believes my purpose is to assist individuals to live life healthy and with hope.

I have extensive experience with substance abuse, holding a previous Certified Alcohol Drug Certificate (CADC) in Illinois, previous certification as an Emergency Services Prescreener with mental health, certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional, trained in level 2 of the Gottman Couples Method, experienced with anxiety, depression, grief & loss, and intimate relationship conflict. I received an outstanding excellent therapy award in 2021 and am committed to lives being changed. I am inspired daily by my husband, two adult children, and in love with my five grandchildren. In my spare time I love exercising, running miles, and reading educational/spiritual literature to keep myself sharp to assist others in sharpen themselves.