Licensed clinical social worker recordNew York
Dr. Joanna Kristeva, LCSW, LISW
New York
Licensed clinical social worker - trauma and grief
Continue with JoannaCredentials check
- Credentials
- LCSW, LISW
- Licensed in New York
- LCSW, licence 084403
- Licensed in Ohio
- LISW, licence I.2102717
- NPI
- 1790033439
- Experience
- 12 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- New York
These details come from information Joanna supplied to BetterHelp. A licence can be checked with the social work board of the state that issued it, and an NPI with the national registry.
AAbout
- CBT methods
- Trauma focus
- Grief counseling
About Joanna
Dr. Joanna Kristeva is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in New York and an independent clinical social worker (LISW) in Ohio with 12 years of direct clinical experience. She focuses on trauma and abuse, grief, low self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes. Joanna uses clear, practical language and aims to help people manage everyday disruptions and difficult emotions.
She trained at New York University and completed additional clinical training in treating psychological trauma and complicated grief at Columbia University. She also holds a doctorate in philosophy and has written peer-reviewed articles and books related to mental health. Her background informs a thoughtful approach to complex problems.
In sessions she draws on cognitive-behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thinking and change behavior. She also uses elements of psychodynamic and Jungian work to look at patterns that repeat across relationships and life stages. Trauma-focused strategies are used where past events continue to affect daily functioning.
Joanna works in a practical, problem-oriented manner. Typical steps include clarifying current struggles, setting short-term goals, and trying concrete skills between sessions. She talks through how symptoms show up in everyday life and helps people build approaches that fit their routine.
People who want direct feedback and structured tools often find this style useful. She combines skill-building with attention to deeper emotional patterns so that immediate coping and longer-term change are addressed together.
BHow sessions work
How Joanna's approaches translate to online therapy
Dr. Kristeva uses cognitive-behavioral therapy to help people identify unhelpful thoughts and try specific behavior changes. CBT sessions often focus on short-term goals and practical exercises to reduce symptoms like low mood and anxiety.She also draws on trauma-focused therapy to address how past events affect current functioning. Trauma-focused work may include learning grounding and stabilizing practices and gradually processing difficult memories in a paced way.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist and client will review goals, symptoms, and preferences together and agree on whether CBT, trauma-focused methods, or a psychodynamic lens fits best. That collaborative planning can change as needs evolve.
Confirm the exact session formats available before booking since the profile does not list formats. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, shorten travel time, and allow follow-up conversations between in-person visits. They also let people pick quieter times and use phone-only check-ins when video is not practical, helping therapy fit everyday life rather than interrupt it.
CAreas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
New York, Ohio
Languages
English
DQuestions
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She addresses trauma and abuse, grief, low self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes, plus related issues such as abandonment and attachment concerns.
What is her therapeutic style?
She uses cognitive-behavioral methods alongside psychodynamic and Jungian approaches, with trauma-focused strategies when needed. The style combines skills training and exploration of repeating patterns.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 12 years of direct clinical experience working with adults on complex emotional and trauma-related concerns.
Which credentials and locations are listed?
She holds LCSW in New York and LISW in Ohio and practices out of New York as indicated in her profile.
What languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she accept clients outside the United States?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions scheduled and what about formats?
Confirm current session options before booking; the profile advises using the site's scheduling flow to see available formats and times.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, call 911, or call or text 988. More crisis numbers