Our therapists are the heart of Expressive Connections
Our therapists are not only highly qualified, they are wonderfully relatable humans. We value authenticity and transparency at Expressive Connections and our clinicians make coming to therapy feel safe and comfortable by showing up as humans first so that you and your family can too.
Our Founder and Director
Christina DiBernardo, LMHC, MSED, BCB, ACS
Christina DiBernardo brings over a decade of experience as a licensed mental health counselor, founder of the therapy practice Expressive Connections, and an engaging keynote speaker on workplace wellness and mental health awareness.
She founded Expressive Connections in 2020, rapidly growing it to a team of 15 therapists focused on creative arts therapies for children, families, couples and individuals. Christina is passionate about destigmatizing and supporting mental health through clinical work, speaking engagements, advocacy and consulting organizations on customized wellness programs.
A sought-after speaker, Christina shares research-backed insights that equip audiences with motivation and tangible tools to boost resilience. When she’s not managing her successful practice or speaking, Christina serves on the boards of the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County and St. John’s University Counselor Education Advisory Council.
Our Practitioners
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Annie specializes in working with adults, LGBTQ+ clients, veterans, culturally diverse clients, and those with specific mental health conditions (life transitions, anxiety, PTSD) through modalities like CBT, humanistic therapy, mindfulness, DBT, and ACT.
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Joanna treats adult trauma survivors and those with conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD using CBT, DBT, and art/play therapy modalities.
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Lena provides therapy for LGBTQ+ clients, trauma survivors, and diverse populations using CBT, mindfulness, and art/play therapies.
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Paisley works with young children and adults with specific mental health conditions using psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, REBT, ACT, and solution-focused modalities.
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Michelle works with older children, teens, and adults using CBT, psychodynamic therapy, humanistic approaches, art/play therapy, and REBT.
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Erica supports supports children, teens, adults and couples with conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD using CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and art/play therapy modalities.
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Chelsea works with young children, older children, and teens using therapies, including CBT, humanistic therapy, and art/play therapy.
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Crystal works with adult trauma survivors struggling with conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD using psychodynamic therapy, humanistic approaches, mindfulness, and narrative techniques.
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Jemimah works in our Schenectady location with teens, adults, and diverse populations using DBT, art/play therapy, and somatic therapy and has additional trauma-informed care certifications.
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Sarah provides therapy to young children, older children, teens, and trauma survivors using humanistic therapy, DBT, and art/play therapy approaches.
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Nydia supports young children, older children, and teens using therapies like CBT, humanistic approaches, and art/play therapy.
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Kelly supports adults, couples, parents, and those experiencing workplace stress and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression using CBT, mindfulness-based approaches, and ACT.
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Vassiliki supports older children, teens, young adults, and those with specific mental health conditions through modalities like psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, ACT, and strengths-based approaches.
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Celine is a motivated mental health counseling intern from St. John’s University. She values the importance of trust and connection in the therapeutic process and is committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their emotions, cope with daily stressors, and develop self-confidence and resilience.
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I am a BCIA board-certified Neurofeedback Practitioner & certified Executive Function Coach. I also administer qEEG assessments or "Brain Maps" as part of the intake process. I have a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alabama and studied Biopsychology at Southern New Hampshire University.
