Chris grew up in the Ithaca area and attended Cornell where he studied Human Development (B.S.) before earning his Master's in Mental Health Counseling at SUNY Albany. He approaches therapy from a person-centered perspective with an understanding that the journey of healing work has depth to it that often takes time to unfold. Having been in competitive environments, such as rowing during high school and being an undergraduate at Cornell, he understands the challenges of being under high-stress as well as the rewards it can bring in the long term. Chris specializes in working with clients who are struggling to meet their full potential - in work, school, or socially - because of anxiety or self doubt. As a counselor, Chris has helped people in the workforce navigate workplace struggles as part of an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), worked with families in residential services, as well as clients across the lifespan in community mental health. Chris' approach to counseling combines multiple modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral and Psychodynamic, to fit each client's needs. His perspective in counseling is also informed by having volunteered as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Colombia, where he helped teach English in schools. He lived with host families and worked speaking only in Spanish, which gave him insight into how difficult, and enriching, it can be to experience life away from his home culture. While Chris is not fluent enough in Spanish to practice counseling bilingually, he welcomes anyone struggling to integrate into community or find belonging, whatever their challenges may be.
Email: chris@lifestagescounseling.org
