"Everything precious, including our dignity can be taken from us. The one thing that cannot be taken away is our power to choose what attitude we will take toward events that have happened." - Victor Frankel
A Bit About Me
In addition to knowing I’ve been a practicing psychotherapist since 1981, some things you may like to know about me are that I’ve been married, divorced, re-married, and helped raise three children to adulthood. Psychotherapy is my “second” career, previously I worked in Human Resources for Fortune 500 companies. I’m an escapee from corporate America. The reason I changed careers is that I wanted to go beyond management training and employee development, to a deeper level with people. After all this time, psychotherapy, the process of working with people to improve their lives, continues to be my passion and an honor.
USING ANIMALS FOR THERAPY
Over the years, I have explored many ideas for enhancing therapy. After a year of research, what I discovered is that the animal-human bond (which has been studied for decades) has an extremely positive affect not only on decreasing blood pressure and levels of cholesterol, but also in helping humans heal and cope with mental challenges.
Research has shown when animals are utilized in a psychotherapy practice, they help promote a feeling of safety and comfort within the therapy office. Therefore, an extra added benefit in my office, is my “assistant,” Ryan (see photo). The feedback I have received from clients while having Ryan with us, has been exceedingly positive.
One severely depressed client told Ryan, after several sessions which included him, “My heart, oh my heart, you are healing my heart.” Ryan keeps us “in the moment,” and adds still another dimension to the therapeutic process.
“We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made.
ARE YOU STUCK?
Many times getting a new perspective on your situation and the challenges in your life, can allow you to change your attitude and how you respond to things that are bothering you. If you feel that you’re doing the same things over and over, and aren’t getting the results you want, let’s talk. Get off the tread-mill and start living your life the way you want.
DO YOU WANT A GOOD RELATIONSHIP?
A good relationship begins with two relatively healthy individuals. I believe there is no relationship that can’t work. That is, if both people are willing to work on it!
Due to my extensive training in couple’s therapy, some of my colleagues consider me an “expert” with couples. A key factor is not to wait until the problems are overwhelming; early intervention can help you resolve your differences and get you working as a team. Check out the article on “The Difference Game.”
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IS PRICELESS
Quality therapy doesn't have to break the bank; I can discount rates for those in need, and have specific time slots available for lower income clients. In some instances, fifteen minute introductory meetings are arranged, at no charge. I am generally in the office Wednesdays through Saturdays and see clients from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For additional information, call (805) 652-0971.
Christina Bjornstedt, M.A. is an individual, couples and family counselor providing psychotherapy and counseling to adults, children, and adolescents who are suffering from depression, anxiety, or relationship problems in Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Ojai, and the Santa Paula area. Don't let yourself or someone you love spend another minute moving alone through relationship problems, anxiety, or depression. I offer a full-spectrum of psychotherapy help for Ventura County residents.
Christina Bjornstedt, MFT – Marriage Counseling and Family Therapy – Ventura CA
Telephone 805-652-0971
