About
Meet Cristeta Rillera, LMFT
I am a therapist specializing in anxiety, trauma, and relationships. I help individuals and couples overcome barriers in order to lead meaningful and authentic lives.
I know that your physical and emotional symptoms from stress, anxiety, and trauma are simply exhausting. You’re looking to feel seen and heard. But you also need the right space to process the pain and to learn effective skills to help you feel better.
This is where I come in. I provide the support and validation in creating the space you’re looking for so you can be your authentic self.
The warm and empathic environment I create allows the pain to unfold and the healing to begin. I’ll be your guide by teaching you skills from evidence-based methods (i.e., CBT, EMDR, and the Gottman Method) that you can practice outside of session.
It’s time to invest in yourself and live the life you deserve.
You’re in the right place.
Our Value
My lived experiences make me a better therapist.
Just like you, I have intersecting identities: I’m a daughter, granddaughter, partner, friend, colleague, teacher, therapist, and hold several roles in blended families (just to name a few). With your intersecting identities comes competing life priorities and responsibilities. Sometimes overwhelm and trauma take hold and affect your ability to function.
I had my first panic attack at 17 years-old (on an airplane!) and spent the subsequent 10 years struggling with anxiety in silence, fear, and shame. It was a nightmare! I finally found solace in therapy, my community, family, and friends. Our work in your healing journey is one part of the solution.
When we work together, you won’t just get a trained therapist. You’ll get someone who truly understands what you’re going through.
My guiding principles
I am guided by four core principles that shape my approach to working with clients: empathy, warmth, non-judgment, and humor. I believe that empathy is crucial to understanding and connecting with my clients, and I strive to create a safe and supportive space where they can feel heard and understood. I also believe that warmth and a non-judgmental attitude are essential to building trust and fostering a therapeutic relationship that can facilitate growth and change. Finally, I value humor as a way to break down barriers, relieve tension, and bring levity to difficult or heavy topics. These principles are at the heart of my practice, and I work tirelessly to uphold them in everything I do.
Empathy
Deep understanding of your struggles and feelings, from your point of view.
Non-judgment
Unbiased witness to your truth and removing shame from feelings and past experiences.
Warmth
Genuine care and concern for your well-being.
Humor
Recognizing the absurdities in life.
Service Area
I am happy to provide telehealth and in-person therapy services to those in California. Those in the Sacramento, Davis, Woodland, and Yolo County areas can reach out to me at any time to schedule a free initial appointment to discuss your needs and goals.
Through telehealth services, I aim to provide a comfortable, familiar environment for those seeking therapy. My office in Woodland is also available to those who are looking for a reassuring environment outside of their home.
Yolo County
Training | Education |Experience
Licensure
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #134855 – Verify License
Training
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 1 & 2)
Clinical Anxiety Treatment
Sacramento County 5150
Experience
Adjunct Professor, St. Mary’s College of California
Mobile Assessment Team (Emergency Room), Sacramento County
In-home therapist, Contra Costa County Health, Housing, & Homeless
Education
MA, Counseling – St. Mary’s College of California
BA, Anthropology – University of California, Davis
AA, Liberal Studies – Solano Community College
