MENUChristi Burton, LICSWA
Christi Burton’s Therapist Disclosure Statement <<< (Clickable)
Hi! My name is Christi Burton (She/Her/Hers) and l look forward to getting to know you! I am a PNW native, originally from the Oregon coast. I have worked in the social work field since 2006 and come to Refresh Therapy with a background in non-profit leadership, schools, treatment centers, and counseling agencies.
I strive to create a safe and affirming space where people can exist authentically, without judgment, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community. In this work I have the honor of witnessing people’s courage and their development of self-acceptance as they break down barriers of shame and unhelpful coping mechanisms. I have a collaborative, strengths-based approach to therapy, as I see each person as the expert on themselves and their experiences. While I primarily work with teens, I enjoy working with people from all walks of life to achieve their goals. I’m fluent in American Sign Language and welcome Deaf clients to my practice.
As a therapist, my goal is to help clients discover their strengths, while introducing coping skills and theories to help them improve their overall well-being. I borrow from many different theory bases, including Gender Affirming Model, Creative Arts Therapies, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. If you want to create art while in session, I’m your gal!
I graduated with a Masters in Social Work from Portland State University in 2016. I am a Licensed Social Worker Associate Independent Clinical (LSWAIC) in Washington State.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, trying out new restaurants, traveling, appreciating nature and creating art. I also love decorating for and celebrating holidays! I have 2 awesome kids, 2 dogs, one cat, and lots of plants at home.
Specialties and areas of focus
- LGBTQIA+
- Deaf Culture
- Kids/Teens (7+)
- Women
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Gender Dysphoria
- Sexuality
- Self-Esteem
- School Issues
- Creative Arts Therapy
- Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Q&A with Christi
1.) Some therapists are more comfortable addressing the immediate problem, while others want to focus on the deeper issue. Which are you?
I believe in a client centered approach, meaning the client sets goals for themself and brings their concerns to therapy. I also recognize that therapy can provide an opportunity for clients to explore deeper issues that may or may not have been the primary reason for coming to therapy.
2.) Do you tend to lead the session, or follow my lead?
Overall, I follow the client’s lead. In some instances, clients come in knowing what they would like to talk about while others may want my guidance based on my insights and questions. Sometimes kids/tweens/teens need help coming up with topics to explore, especially when we are getting to know each other. I have therapeutic tools including fun/interesting question cards, games, and other interactive tools that can help get the conversation going. I’m also open to using art as a therapeutic tool, rather than talk therapy, or a combination of both. The needs of the client vary based on their individual personality and sometimes simply by the needs of the day.
3.) What are your strengths as a therapist?
Some of my strengths are open-mindedness, compassion, humor, and creativity. I also love connecting with tweens/teens through creative therapy.
4.) If you had one superpower, what would it be and why?
I’ve given a lot of thought to this throughout the years! If I had one superpower it would have to be teleportation. This way I could travel all around the world quickly. Visit friends who are far away and experience new places whenever I want.
5.) What makes you laugh?
My kids and my pets! Also, funny internet memes. I have lots of memes saved for rainy days and I always find them to be helpful!
6.) Who would you have dinner with, dead or alive?
