Crista Shaw , LCPC

Crista Shaw is a licensed clinician in Maine with 15 years of professional experience supporting people through stress, anxiety, family conflict, trauma and abuse, and anger management. As an LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor), she draws on that experience to help clients explore difficult feelings and build practical strategies for coping.

She focuses on creating an open, nonjudgmental space where thoughts and emotions can be expressed honestly. In sessions she encourages clear communication and collaborative problem-solving so that clients feel heard and can work toward meaningful change at a pace that suits them.

Recognizing that beginning therapy takes courage, Crista honors the first step of reaching out and helps clients move forward with empathy and practical support. Her approach emphasizes respect, active listening, and gradual progress aimed at improving daily functioning and relationships.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Client-centered therapy emphasizes an empathic, collaborative relationship in which the therapist follows the client's lead, offering support and reflection to help individuals explore their thoughts and values. This approach is useful for those seeking a respectful, person-focused space to process feelings.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) examines the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, teaching concrete skills to manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. CBT is often goal-oriented and helpful for clients who want practical strategies to change unhelpful patterns.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) combines acceptance and change strategies to improve emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT techniques can benefit clients who struggle with intense emotions, impulsivity, or relationship difficulties.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Crista works collaboratively with clients to identify which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as care progresses.

Online therapy options such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging offer flexibility for scheduling and make it easier for clients to connect with licensed professionals from varied locations. These modalities allow therapists and clients to maintain continuity of care while fitting sessions into busy lives.