- CBT methods
- Trauma-focused work
- Attachment issues
About Joanna
Dr. Joanna Kristeva is an LCSW and an LISW practicing in New York with 12 years of clinical experience. She works with adults facing trauma and abuse, grief, low self-esteem, depression, and life changes. Her background includes postgraduate study at New York University and a doctorate in philosophy.
She uses cognitive-behavioral approaches as a core part of her work and integrates other psychotherapeutic methods. That means sessions often focus on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and trying different behaviors to see what helps. She also draws on psychodynamic and Jungian ideas to look at recurring life themes and relational patterns.
Dr. Kristeva has clinical training in treating psychological trauma and complicated grief from Columbia University. In practice she helps people deal with abandonment and attachment issues, dissociation, and the loneliness that follows major life changes. She also addresses questions about life purpose and self-love in straightforward conversation.
Sessions involve talking through what is happening now, reviewing past patterns when useful, and trying concrete skills such as grounding or emotion regulation. She may use elements from Dialectical Behavior Therapy and trauma-focused work for people coping with intense emotional reactions. The approach is collaborative and paced to each person's needs.
Her writing appears in peer-reviewed journals and books, and that background informs how she blends theory with practical help. People who are unsure what comes next after a job change, a loss, or a shift in relationships often seek her out to clarify priorities and cope with transitions.
How her approaches translate to online work
Dr. Kristeva uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused Therapy, among other methods. CBT focuses on identifying patterns of thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and testing new ways of thinking and acting. Trauma-Focused Therapy centers on stabilizing responses after traumatic events and building skills to manage intense reactions and difficult memories.Finding the right approach is part of the work. She will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit best based on their needs, goals, and preferences. That might mean starting with CBT skills for daily coping, then bringing in trauma-focused techniques when someone is ready.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life - for instance a shorter check-in during a lunch break or avoiding travel time. Phone sessions can be useful when a lower-bandwidth option is needed, while video lets a person see facial cues during conversation. Discussing format choices is part of the first scheduling steps so sessions can fit practical needs.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
New York, Ohio
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she commonly address?
She works with trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem, depression, and people coping with life changes. Additional areas include abandonment, attachment issues, dissociation, and questions about life purpose.
How does she approach feeling stuck or directionless?
She draws on cognitive-behavioral methods to identify unhelpful thoughts and test new behaviors, while also using psychodynamic and Jungian ideas to explore recurring patterns that affect decisions.
What is her clinical experience?
She has 12 years of direct clinical experience and has completed postgraduate work at New York University plus a doctorate in philosophy.
What credentials and location are listed for her?
She holds LCSW and LISW credentials and practices in New York. She also has licensure connection to Ohio noted as LISW.
Which languages and international availability are supported?
Sessions are offered in English. She is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
The original biography did not specify session formats; please confirm the current session options before booking.
How are costs handled for sessions?
Cost varies by location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.