Christina Leanza is a dedicated Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University. She earned her Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Monmouth University in West Long Branch, where she completed her formal training to become a psychotherapist.
Christina has clinical experience providing therapeutic services to teens and adults at the Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) levels of care, both individually and in group settings. She has treated clients in detox and short-term residential programs for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Additionally, Christina has worked as a Mental Health Associate, supporting teens struggling with self-harm and suicidal ideation.
Christina works with adults, children, and teens facing a wide range of challenges, including life transitions, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship issues, PTSD and trauma, adverse childhood experiences, substance use, chronic illness, personality disorders, and other mental health concerns. She utilizes a person-centered, trauma-informed counseling approach, emphasizing the therapeutic relationship as a catalyst for healing. Christina ensures each client is met with compassion, empathy, and authenticity, collaborating with them to achieve their goals.
She integrates evidence-based treatment modalities, including techniques from Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Attachment/Relational Therapies.
Outside of her work as a therapist, Christina enjoys spending time in nature, especially at the beach. She is passionate about music, loves attending concerts, and expresses herself through singing and playing the piano. Christina also enjoys traveling, exploring new places, learning new things, and watching documentaries.
Supervised by Megan Rudman, MSW, LCSW