About
A Bit About Me
We are all affected by biological, psychological, and social factors, many of which are unintentionally minimized and invalidated. I come from a place of curiosity and will address these intersectional factors and relationships with you. I take you, your concerns, and your goals seriously and you can expect that I will be an engaged and perceptive member of your team throughout your therapeutic journey.
I am a Black, southern-raised Virgo and have lived in Los Angeles for over 10 years. Originally from North Carolina, I am Southern hospitality meets So-Cal vibes.
I believe in
- prioritizing mental health and the power of connections and relationships
- destigmatizing mental health in Black communities
- the importance of allied LGBTQIA+ mental health and care
- establishing boundaries as a way to elevate life satisfaction
- the qualities and capabilities you possess that will help you attain your goals
Education
Training
Resources
Education
- M.S. with Distinction in Counseling & Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, California State University – Northridge, CA
- B.A. in Drama, Ithaca College – Ithaca, NY
Training
Being systematically trained, Crystal received a Level One Certificate in the Gottman Method for those in a relationships and completed the Emotionally Focused Relationship Therapy (EFT) Externship. Additionally, Crystal has provided counseling and psychoeducation to individuals on the Autism Spectrum and their families.
Professional Development
- African American Mental Health Conference -2019
- AAMFT National Conference – 2019
- Therapy Reimagined Conference – 2020
- Affirmative Couch Training on Polyamory -2021
Resources
Clients often ask for recommendations in order to supplement the work we do in sessions. Additional resources—books, podcasts, videos, blogs, even Instagram posts—can enhance, educate, and deepen our understanding, as well as open us to new experiences and perspectives.
Selected Readings
- Interracial Couples, Intimacy & Therapy: Crossing Racial Borders, Kyle D. Killian
- Normal Family Processes: Growing Diversity and Complexity, Walsh, F.
- Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma and Consensual Nonmonogamy, Jessica Fern
- Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury & Healing, Dr. Joy Degruy
- Set Boundaries Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself, Nedra Glover Tawwab
- The Body Keeps The Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, Bessel van der Kolk
- The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, John Gottman
- The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity, Ester Perel
Websites
https://highlysensitiverefuge.com/
Podcasts
“Relationships are the agents of change and the most powerful therapy is human love.” – Dr. Bruce Perry