Therapist for teenagers and adults in Pasadena and Northeast LA
Finding a therapist can be overwhelming, especially if you’re already trying your best to feel better.
Sometimes the stress and frustration can feel so big, the idea of opening it up for someone new can feel like too much. I want you to know that therapy with me is a non judgemental space where I can join you as a collaborator in navigating your
real life.
I get it, because my own journey through healing made me realize I wanted to become a therapist when I was 18. I tried therapy, I opened up and walked away feeling like I was talking to a wall.
What I needed wasn’t silence or vague nods. I needed someone engaged. Someone who could help me make sense of what I was feeling without judgment or shame.
I didn’t want answers handed to me, I wanted a collaborator. An adult who actually saw me and believed in the kind of life I was trying to build.
Once I got to college, I knew I would become the therapist I never had. One who shows up with warmth, honesty, and a real investment in healing.
In our space you can let go of...
❋ Feeling ashamed because you believe that you should already have it all figured out.
❋ Feeling like you will be judged by your therapist for where you're at in your life
❋ Hiding important parts of your identity such as your sexuality, gender identity, ethnic background, neuro-differences, subculture life and the things that make you happy
Your journey through life is unique and
we are all
being told to feel ashamed of parts of ourselves that don’t “fit” with the mainstream. With more self-compassion and understanding, your uniqueness can become your super power.
This is the space you need to reclaim your inner wisdom, process what’s weighing you down, and build a life that you actually want: rich, meaningful, and aligned with who you are becoming.
My unconventional therapy style isn’t just talk therapy…
I bring a mix of EMDR, mindfulness, body-based tools, and creative arts into the room. I often teach people how their nervous systems work and we might practice new skills together, use expressive arts or somatic tools to help you access what words alone can’t reach.
All of it is grounded in deep respect for your lived experience, culture, and the life you want to build.
I’m Cristina Lugo, LCSW
Hey there
A licensed therapist who is focused on supporting Gen Z and Millennials find success and happiness in a challenging world
I’ve been helping people like you over the past 15 years and I’m passionate about helping teens, young adults and families feel more connected and aligned with the lives they truly want.
I believe that community empowers and heals.
For the first decade of my career, I dedicated myself to public mental health. I received my clinical training responding to crisis calls at crime scenes and supporting young people in play and art therapy sessions afterwards.
After becoming licensed, I continued as a community-based therapist. I met with teens in their homes, schools, and neighborhoods. I also worked in Spanish, supporting their parents who had immigrated from Latin America.
Eventually, I worked with unhoused and severely mentally ill young adults on the streets of Los Angeles. In 2020, I transitioned to the Institute for Girls' Development where I tightened my niche working with teenage girls and 20’s & 30’s adults. After five years there, I started this independent practice out of my mission to bring culturally conscious therapeutic services to the community.
A little more about me
I've been studying psychology and been interested in wellness my whole adult life. I'm passionate about cycling, hiking, body practices like yoga and breath work and learning about mindfulness. I'm always up for trying a cold plunge, accupuncture or experimenting with the newest wellness apps. I feel that it's my job to help the public learn about how to live their happiest, healthiest lives and I openly share information, resources, events and tools.
I'm also a huge art lover and constantly inspired by all forms of art and culture. I enjoy going to art events and appreciating art from all over the world. I have a pottery practice on the side and I'm a proud second-generation Puerto Rican :)
Qualifications
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (#71254) - 2014
Certified Expressive Arts Practitioner - 2015
EMDR Certified Therapist™ - 2025
Selected trainings
The Integrated IFS & EMDR Model Level 1 by Kendhal Hart
Practicing the Heart of ACT with Dr. Robyn Walser
ACT and EMDR: Integrating Trauma Techniques with Toni Didona, PhD
ACT for Beginners with Dr. Russ Harris
EMDR Basic Training Level 1 & Level 2 & 20 hours of certification consultation with Larisa Traga, LCSW
Expressive Arts Certificate Program with Dr. Jane Goldberg.
Education
Bachelors of Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University - 2007
Masters of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University - 2010
Languages
Spanish - Professional proficiency level
And here is the cute little corner of Pasadena where we’ll meet!
Welcome to your calming, cozy space filled with light, plants, and small things that make a big difference. Whether we’re using art materials, sipping tea, or using my light bar for an EMDR session, you’ll love in-person therapy.
