Cristina Oliver (She/Her)

LCSW, MSW

Undergraduate Degree - Central Connecticut State University
Masters Degree - University of New Hampshire
Specialty/Age Groups Treated - I provide a solution-focused, whole-person care approach to therapy with a social work perspective, understanding the impacts of systemic oppression. I specialize in the treatment of adolescents, younger, and older adults with complex trauma, specifically in areas of domestic/intimate partner violence, sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking. I also work with individuals experiencing transitional life changes, depression, anxiety, and dissociation. I am trained to facilitate EMDR as well!

  • I provide body based somatic treatments in healing and regulation of the nervous system. I facilitate EMDR in both stabilization and memory based reprocessing. I enjoy DBT: Dialectical Behavior Therapy as a "go-to" intervention, in addition to expressive arts therapy to explore creative outlets of emotional regulation.

  • After conducting an Intake, our first session consists of building a foundational relationship to explore personalities, to ensure a good match and create a comfortable space to simply, be you! Engagement is necessary to understand and address your concerns, and can be normal to feel uncomfortable! I like to provide awareness and normalize what may be happening for you, through psycho-education and discussing your goals for therapy and desires of healing.

  • I have the same birthday as my little brother, 15 years apart! I believe in spiritual synchronicity and symbolism!

I'm Cristina Oliver, originally from Connecticut. I graduated from the University of New Hampshire and have been living on the Northshore since 2018. I’ve been working in trauma recovery since 2015, with extensive training in complex trauma. My experience includes providing outpatient psychotherapy, clinical case management, psychoeducational trauma retreats, and healing workshops. Having worked with crisis centers and residential programs for trauma, I pursued training in EMDR, which I now facilitate at Artful Life.

Approaching therapy through a social work lens allows me to address not only mental health needs but also the broader impacts of oppressive systems such as race, class, and gender as crucial components of healing. I have three cats and enjoy traveling, exploring new cultural experiences and traditions, and making time for balanced self-care. I use art to find freedom from the noise of society and to calm my mind.

— Cristina Oliver