Dr. Joanna Kristeva , LCSW, LISW

Dr. Joanna Kristeva is a licensed psychotherapist with twelve years of direct clinical experience, licensed in both New York and Ohio. She combines a cognitive-behavioral orientation with depth-oriented training to address trauma, grief, depression, and challenges with self-esteem and life transitions. Her multicultural background informs a person-centered, strength-based way of working that aims to meet each person where they are and build on existing resources.

Dr. Kristeva holds LCSW and LISW credentials - Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Independent Social Worker - and completed postgraduate study at New York University before earning a doctorate in philosophy. She received specialized clinical training in psychological trauma treatment and complicated grief counseling at Columbia University, and her scholarship includes several peer-reviewed articles and books.

In practice she draws from multiple modalities to tailor care to presenting needs, addressing issues such as attachment wounds, dissociation, abandonment, and questions of life purpose and self-love. Her approach integrates evidence-based techniques with exploratory work to help people navigate loss, process difficult experiences, and strengthen coping in the face of change.

Integrating therapeutic approaches for online care

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning - it is often used for depression, anxiety, and difficulties with mood and self-esteem.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, teaches practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness - it can be especially helpful for managing intense emotions, relationship challenges, and patterns that feel overwhelming.

Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates on understanding and processing traumatic experiences in a paced way, supporting recovery from trauma and complicated grief while addressing symptoms like dissociation and attachment wounds.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Dr. Joanna Kristeva works with each person to explore goals, preferences, and needs, and she adapts techniques from these models to create a tailored plan. Licensed professionals and therapists will often combine methods to match what best supports the individual.

Online therapy offers flexible access to care through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life transitions, and connect with a therapist from different settings. These options support ongoing work while honoring practical needs for accessibility and convenience.