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Be Strong Enough to Stand Alone, 

Be yourself apart to Stand Apart,

But be wise enough to stand together when the time comes.

About

Chris, she has a diverse range of experience in several aspects of criminal law with an associate degree in Paralegal, a bachelor's degree in Criminal Behavior/ Psychology, and a master's degree in Mental Health Counseling specializing in Forensic Counseling. With her expertise in Forensic Counseling she has also, completed Play Therapy Certification requirements, and she is a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual (CCTS-I), also completed EMDRIA training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, EMDR Child Specialist, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Chris can assist trauma with EMDR for adults and children.  

 

Chris is a forensic mental health professional that provides specialized psychological mental health and assessment services to clients associated with the court. Each assessment and treatment is individual to the case. Counseling children between conflicts is assisted with an awareness of co-parenting children together, with the child’s needs in mind. The treatment needs of forensic clients can be as diverse as the cases themselves.

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I work with all ages; children, adolescents, and adults. 

 

As the wife of a Fire Captain, Chris has a deep understanding of the stressors of First Responders, she has the knowledge and experience to counsel and treat this niche as well. Chris utilizes the best therapy strategy for you.  

I have a membership with American Psychological Association and within this organization hold,

   Division 18 - Psychologists in Public Service

   Division 19 - Society for Military Psychology

   Division 37 - Society for Child and Family Policy and Practice     Division 37 Sec 1- Child Maltreatment                                                     Division 56 - Trauma Psychology

           

I am also a member of International Association for    Correctional  and Forensic Psychology, National Association of Forensic Counselors, and American  Psychology-Law Society Division .            

   

 I was a Court Appointed Special Advocate for a high profile child abuse case. Also, have worked in the Criminal Superior Court of Arizona,  Maricopa County  Sheriffs  Office;  Classification, Department of Corrections; Time Computation, and has worked for several law firms in Arizona.                               

 

My husband and I have several animals including dogs, horses, mule, and donkeys. We enjoy traveling and enjoy the view where ever we go.  


 I am here to help you on your journey. I go your pace with your care in mind. 

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About Me
Treatment

Specializing in Anxiety, Depression,EMDR, Trauma and Play Therapy

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma

Occasional anxiety is an expected part of life. You might feel anxious when faced with a problem at work, before taking a test, or before making an important decision. But anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. For a person with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, school work, and relationships.

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and various phobia-related disorders.

Depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.

Some forms of depression are slightly different, or they may develop under unique circumstances, such as:

Persistent depressive disorder

Postpartum depression

Psychotic depression

Seasonal affective disorder

Bipolar disorder

Trauma is the experience of severe psychological distress following any terrible or life-threatening event. Sufferers may develop emotional disturbances such as extreme anxietyanger, sadness, survivor’s guilt, or PTSD. They may experience ongoing problems with sleep or physical pain, encounter turbulence in their personal and professional relationships, and feel a diminished sense of self-worth due to the overwhelming amount of stress.

Although the instigating event may overpower coping resources available at the time, it is nevertheless possible to develop healthy ways of coping with the experience and diminishing its effects. Research on trauma identifies several healthy ways of coping, such as avoiding alcohol and drugs, seeing loved ones regularly, exercising, sleeping, and paying attention to self-care.

EMDR Therapy

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.  Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal.  EMDR therapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma.  When you cut your hand, your body works to close the wound.  If a foreign object or repeated injury irritates the wound, it festers and causes pain.  Once the block is removed, healing resumes.  EMDR therapy demonstrates that a similar sequence of events occurs with mental processes.  The brain’s information processing system naturally moves toward mental health.  If the system is blocked or imbalanced by the impact of a disturbing event, the emotional wound festers and can cause intense suffering.  Once the block is removed, healing resumes.  Using the detailed protocols and procedures learned in EMDR therapy training sessions, clinicians help clients activate their natural healing processes.

Play Therapy

Although sometimes used with adults, play therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach primarily used to help children ages 3 to 14 explore their lives and freely express repressed thoughts and emotions through play. Therapeutic play normally takes place in a safe, comfortable playroom, where very few rules or limits are imposed on the child, encouraging free expression and allowing the therapist to observe the child’s choices, decisions, and play style. The goal is to help children learn to express themselves in healthier ways, become more respectful and empathetic, and discover new and more positive ways to solve problems. Bringing the child’s curiosity, and emotions to life. We are being directed by the child without right and wrong. Letting the child be safe to express and accepting their repetition.

Contact

Contact Me

For any questions you have, you can reach me here:

 In our initial call together, I ask a few questions about what kind of support you’re looking for and I propose some options for what therapy could look like if we worked together.

I do not take insurance. If you are looking for a provider for your insurance, call your insurance and they can assist you with an in-network provider. 

Christina Van Arsdale, CCFC, NCC, LAC

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