Deanna Cristel, MA, LMFT

Phone: 253-858-2224 ext. 321
Email: deanna@cristelcounseling.com

Deanna brings 20 years of therapy experience to her work with individuals and families. Deanna graduated from the University of San Diego with a MA in Marital and Family Therapy in 2001. She enjoys working with tweens, teenagers, and adults.

Deanna specializes in working with those dealing with the effects of trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and perinatal challenges(moms and dads.) Deanna is well seasoned in partnering with struggling parents and helping them get unstuck from frustrating patterns at home. She offers Emotion Coaching that teaches families to co-regulate, manage big emotions and build stronger bonds.

Now more than ever, our young people need emotional support and effective interventions to help them successfully navigate today. In light of the constraints COVID created, many young people struggle to integrate back into a new normal. Undoubtedly, the impacts of a pandemic have added some complexity to our children’s development. They must know that they are not alone in their struggle. Kids are resilient, and research from neuroscience informs us of the benefits of intervening sooner than later, as their young brains are still developing and ripe for healing and repair.

Deanna’s clinical work is grounded in family systems, attachment theory, and neuropsychology.  Attachment theory informs us that we all have a biological drive toward and need for safety and security. We can not change on any level without it being present and available. This is the “nest” or secure base from which Deanna works. Providing a safe and secure space in therapy is the springboard for discovering the benefits of the latest clinical interventions in neuropsychology. The field of neuropsychology is being revolutionized by brain science! She is daily inspired by interventions that target the brain’s plasticity, which means our ability to change.

Deanna is certified in Lifespan Integration therapy, a powerful mind-body technique that brings health, healing, and neural integration to a person. LI works to decrease anxiety and depressive symptoms, significantly improve self-regulation, heal the mind and body from trauma, help to establish a core sense of self-love and compassion, and repair attachment. Deanna is also certified in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders from Postpartum Support International (PSI). She has received training in CIMBS™ (Complex Integration of Multiple Brain Systems.), which maximizes the mind’s ability to modify the brain’s structure.

Both in-person and telehealth are options for care.

Office Confidential Voicemail: 253-858-2224 ext. 321

Deanna invites you to learn more about her and her practice at www.cristelcounseling.com