Dr. Joanna Kristeva , LCSW, LISW

Dr. Joanna Kristeva is a New York based psychotherapist who focuses on trauma, grief, depression, self-esteem, and life transitions. She blends a cognitive-behavioral approach with person-centered and strength-based methods, drawing on a multicultural background to tailor care to each individual's history and values. With twelve years of direct clinical experience, she brings a steady, informed presence to complex presentations such as attachment struggles, dissociation, abandonment concerns, and personality-related challenges.

Dr. Kristeva holds a postgraduate degree from New York University and earned a doctorate in philosophy. She completed clinical training in the treatment of psychological trauma and complicated grief at Columbia University, and she has authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and books. Her professional credentials include LCSW and LISW - explained as Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Independent Social Worker - reflecting licensure and clinical training in social work.

Known for integrating practical coping skills with deeper explorations of meaning and identity, Dr. Kristeva offers a framework that addresses symptoms as well as underlying patterns. Her approach aims to strengthen resilience, clarify life purpose, and support the development of self-love and forgiveness over time.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Dr. Kristeva

Dr. Kristeva commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - a skills-based method that helps people identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. She also draws on Trauma-Focused Therapy, which concentrates on processing traumatic memories and building strategies to manage trauma-related reactions and complicated grief. When appropriate, elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy are integrated to teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Dr. Kristeva works collaboratively with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts techniques over time to find the best fit for healing and growth.

Online appointments via video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer practical flexibility for busy schedules and varied needs. These options make it easier to maintain consistent care from home or while traveling, provide different ways to communicate depending on comfort level, and support continuity of treatment when in-person meetings are not feasible.