Hi, I’m Dr. Christina Clemons, PhD
I provide trauma informed therapy for individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that meaningful change begins with a strong therapeutic relationship where you feel understood, supported, and safe to be yourself.
I have a particular passion for working with individuals from AAPI and LGBTQIA+ communities and strive to create an affirming space where every part of your identity is welcomed and respected.
Who I Work Best With
My clients tend to be thoughtful, empathic, and usually appear to have it "all together". They're often high-achieving and very very hard on themselves — the kind of person who has been managing "fine" on the outside while carrying a lot underneath. I want to know what's underneath. Many have been in therapy before, or sometimes this is their first time because either life got busy or because they weren't sure they'd find someone who'd really understand them. Or want to take the time to get to know them. I also work with a lot of people from the AAPI and LGBTQIA+ communities because that makes them feel comfortable.
My Approach
My style is warm, empathic, and present. I believe in connecting with people and being "in the moment" with them, so I don't take notes and I listen. I am also not a wall and will sometimes share personal information. You can't expect a person to open up and create a meaningful relationship by being only 1-sided. Connection cannot be created in isolation and specifically with trauma, this is a very important part of the healing process. I ask questions, point out discrepancies, and provide psychoeducation. It is important for individuals to understand what they're feeling and why, and if they want some neurobiology they can have some of that too. I also laugh, because something is genuinely funny or someone makes a joke. It doesn't always have to be so serious. Therapy is funny that way. I also welcome people to disagree with me, ask me questions, and point out anything that doesn't make sense because I am also human. The goal is to create a relationship that provides enough safety to be real. I want the real version of you, not the version that feels safe to show to the world.
I work from a psychodynamic and trauma-informed framework, which means I'm curious about your family, your culture, your history, AND your patterns — not just what is going on now, but what led you here- all of your parts. Everyone has a different map and I want to know yours. What is working and what isn't working so well. What physically hurts and where. Together we look for the seeds that have been planted over time. I believe in understanding, growth, and not always taking the easy path. I landed in this field in a roundabout way, and my own map hasn't been easy to read. I don't believe there's one right way to get somewhere, so let's figure this out together.
Your First Session
I hope that during the first session you feel understood and that there is hope that some real and meaningful work can be done. I try to connect with you and really listen, not just to the words, stories, and experiences but also to how you tell me what is going on. Are you connecting to what you are telling me? Are you looking at me or is that difficult to do? I am genuinely curious about you as a person, not just what you are telling me. By the end of the session, you should have an idea of whether you like me as well and if you want to work with me. It is a two-way street and you should have a genuine sense of whether this feels like the right fit, because that matters more to me than anything else. I try to make the first session feel purposeful without being overwhelming — grounded, human, and a little warmer than you might expect.
My Background
My journey to becoming a psychologist wasn't a straight line—and I see that as a strength.
After high school, I attended culinary school with dreams of opening a restaurant. That path shifted when I enrolled at the Hotel School at Cornell University and later spent a summer living in Sydney, Australia, while pursuing a career in hospitality.
As my interests evolved, I found her way into the world of psychology. I completed my BA in New York City, earned a master's degree, and ultimately received my PhD in Counseling Psychology from Fordham University.
Throughout my training, I’ve worked in a range of clinical settings—including The Child Mind Institute, Bellevue Hospital, and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. I completed my pre-doctoral internship at the New Jersey VA Healthcare System, where I worked extensively with veterans and strengthened my commitment to trauma-informed work.
Each step along the way—even the unexpected turns—helped shape the psychologist I am today.
Education & Licensure
PhD in Counseling Psychology, Fordham University
Licensed Psychologist
New York
New Jersey
Florida
Former clinical appointments
Child Mind Institute
Bellevue Hospital
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
NJ VA Healthcare System