Profile / United States
Dr. Joanna Kristeva, LCSW, LISW
New York
Dr. Joanna Kristeva - LCSW, LISW; trauma and mood concerns
See online therapy options- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Trauma focused work
- Grief and loss
About Joanna
Dr. Joanna Kristeva is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in New York and a licensed independent social worker (LISW) in Ohio with 12 years of direct clinical experience. She focuses on trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes. Sessions are conducted in English and international clients are not accepted.
She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a core method alongside dialectical behavior therapy, psychodynamic and Jungian approaches, and trauma-focused work. In practice she helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and habits and test different ways of responding. She also works with issues connected to abandonment, attachment, dissociation, and isolation or loneliness.
Her background includes a postgraduate degree from New York University and a doctorate in philosophy. Clinical training in trauma treatment and complicated grief counseling was completed at Columbia University. She has written peer-reviewed journal articles and books related to her work.
In sessions she tends to be practical and structured. She helps people map specific patterns that keep problems going, then tries new skills to change them. For example, someone with low self-esteem may track critical self-talk, practice alternative thoughts, and test small behavioral steps.
She asks about each person's goals and life context before planning treatment. The focus is on observable changes in thinking, feeling, and behavior over time. To begin, the site asks users to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
How her approaches translate to online work
Dr. Kristeva practices Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and trauma-focused methods along with elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new ways of thinking and behaving to reduce distress. Trauma-focused therapy concentrates on processing past events and building coping skills for trauma-related symptoms. DBT contributes practical skills for managing intense emotion and improving interpersonal effectiveness.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. She will review your concerns, goals, and preferences and suggest which methods to prioritize. The plan is collaborative and can change as progress is tracked and priorities shift.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available online session options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit meetings into a busy week, avoid travel time, and use shorter check-ins when needed. Many people find remote sessions helpful for working on thought records, skill practice, and gradual exposure exercises while keeping therapy integrated with everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
New York, Ohio
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address most often?
She focuses on trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes. Additional areas include abandonment, attachment issues, dissociation, and isolation.
How would she describe her therapeutic approach?
She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside DBT, psychodynamic and Jungian ideas, and trauma-focused methods. The work is practical and structured, aimed at changing thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going.
What is her clinical background?
She has 12 years of direct clinical experience, a postgraduate degree from New York University, and a doctorate in philosophy. She also completed trauma and complicated grief training at Columbia University.
Which credentials and location are listed?
She is listed as LCSW in New York and LISW in Ohio, and her practice is based in New York.
In what language are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not accepted.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats. Confirm current session options before booking by checking the platform's online therapy options.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.