Anxiety and Trauma Support with Christina Mellilo

About Me

I am a Mental Health Counselor at Purposeful Living Mental Health Counseling. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, after which I gained experience working in residential and day program settings with adults experiencing mental health challenges. Following this, I earned my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Hunter College in NYC. During my graduate studies, I completed my practicum and internship in private practice settings, where I worked with a diverse range of ages and populations, broadening my clinical skills and understanding of various mental health concerns.

My Specialties

I am passionate about supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, identity, shame, body image, self-esteem, interpersonal conflict, ADHD, OCD, and complex trauma. I have also successfully worked with sexuality- and gender-diverse clients, including those who are polyamorous or ethically non-monogamous. I approach therapy through an anti-oppressive lens, recognizing systems of oppression and helping clients unlearn internalized stigma to foster healing and self-acceptance.

What Inspired Me To Be A Therapist

Growing up, my inner critic was very loud, which led me to move through the world quietly and apologetically. Therapy became a safe outlet, providing me with the space to discover and express my authentic self. Working in the nonprofit sector with individuals experiencing mental illness fueled my passion for destigmatizing mental health care, fostering a sense of self-efficacy, and encouraging self-expression in others. Through my own therapeutic journey and professional experiences, I have learned the importance of developing coping skills and prioritizing well-being. I am deeply inspired by the transformative power of therapy and am committed to sharing that growth with others..

My Approach

Through humor and vulnerability, we will collaboratively create a judgment-free space where your authentic self can flourish. I prioritize relational, mindfulness-based approaches, including ACT, DBT, and parts work. The structure of our sessions will be tailored to your unique needs and goals. Together, we’ll focus on our therapeutic relationship to explore the thoughts and feelings that arise, strengthen our alliance, and deepen your understanding of how you show up in relationships. I will regularly check in to reassess goals and collaborate on areas that may need attention. We will work on identifying challenging thoughts and feelings, developing new ways to respond to them, and fostering a sense of compassion, curiosity, and acceptance toward all aspects of yourself.

When I'm Not Working, I Like to...

Make collages, paint with watercolors, go camping, watch TV, or spend time outdoors.

Services I Offer

I love working with individuals of any gender.