About Chrissy Kortenhoeven

I am a Christian Counselor and a member of Focus on the Family’s Christian Counselor Network. Upon request, I am happy to incorporate faith-based, Christian counseling into your therapy. Christian counseling integrates faith with sound psychological principles to support mental and emotional well-being, drawing on biblical teachings to promote healthy coping and lasting healing.

During your first session, we will discuss whether you feel comfortable incorporating prayer, Scripture, and biblical principles into your psychotherapy. Your preferences, beliefs, and comfort level will always be respected.

Treatment is individually tailored for each client in a supportive environment where you can feel accepted, safe, and understood. Research consistently shows that clients who trust their therapist and feel comfortable in therapy experience better outcomes.

One of my favorite passages of encouragement is found in Isaiah 43:2–3a:

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

These verses remind us that no situation is beyond hope. God walks with us through every trial and lifts us up with His faithfulness, offering peace that surpasses all understanding. Trusting in Him makes all the difference — He promises never to leave us nor forsake us.

If you struggle with self-imposed expectations, feel defined by others’ standards, or have internalized negative messages about your worth, therapy can help you rediscover your identity in Christ. Together, we can identify harmful beliefs and replace them with God’s truth about who you are — wonderful, beloved, and deeply valued. If you are seeking support, I would be honored to connect with you.

Education and Training

 

Chrissy received her Bachelor of Arts from Westmont College in Santa Barbara in 1992, followed by her teaching credential from the same institution in 1993. After 19 years as an educator, she sensed a calling to serve as a conduit of God’s hope and encouragement by connecting deeply with people’s hearts and struggles through compassionate listening. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton, in 2002.

During her graduate training, Chrissy interned at the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center, where she provided individual and group therapy to men in recovery. She also served at Casa Youth Shelter, offering individual and family therapy to adolescents working toward reunification with their families. These experiences provided extensive exposure to crisis intervention, high-risk behaviors, substance abuse, trauma, attachment issues, and a wide range of mental health concerns.

She later worked as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at The Vine Counseling and Psychological Services. In private practice, she gained experience treating mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, and provided therapy across the lifespan — working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She is skilled in identifying maladaptive coping patterns and helping clients develop distress tolerance skills and healthier strategies to improve emotional regulation and overall mental health.

Therapeutic Approach

 

My passion is partnering with clients as they face life with courage, offering encouragement and support while empowering them to flourish in hope, freedom, and growth. Clients leave sessions with practical tools and meaningful insight to move beyond the challenges they face. I recognize how difficult it can be to seek change and ask for help, and I am honored to walk alongside clients in this process.

Psychotherapy is tailored to the unique needs and goals of each individual. I take an eclectic approach, using the therapeutic methods best suited to the client and situation. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and trained in EMDR therapy.

Common therapeutic modalities I utilize include:
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Narrative Therapy
• Attachment-Based Therapy

I am also a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS).

I have a deep compassion for those experiencing grief and specialize in grief counseling. I also have a heart for supporting women navigating fertility challenges, providing compassionate care during these deeply personal journeys.