Wholeness Healing Center

Introduction to Staff – Christina Larsen

Hi! I am Christina Larsen, PLMHP.  I graduated from Lamar University in Beaumont, TX with a Masters in School Counseling in 2017 and finished the certification program in clinical mental health counseling from Lamar in May 2021. I also earned a Masters degree in Literacy from Concordia University in 2016 and a Bachelors degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Wayne State College in 2006. I have been an educator for fourteen years and worked as a school counselor for the last six years.

I began my teaching career in 2007 as a part-time preschool teacher and paraprofessional at Anselmo-Merna Public Schools. The following year I accepted a position as the fourth-grade teacher at A-M and was in the classroom for seven years. In my time as an educator, I have interacted and developed relationships with children from various developmental stages and economic backgrounds, as well as collaborated with many various professionals in the education field. I served on many committees and volunteered in a variety of activities. I have experienced multiple realms of the education system from working as a paraprofessional to serving in the role of technology director.

As a classroom teacher, it was challenging for me to continually meet all of the emotional needs of my students while maintaining the focus on educational goals. Our children are growing up in a unique time, and they need continuous support from caring adults to help them navigate the issues they are facing in our society. As I progressed as an educator, I knew a career in counseling would be a better fit for my professional goals. I began working as the school counselor at A-M in 2015 while working to finish my school counseling coursework. I enjoyed my work as a school counselor, but I quickly realized the need for more licensed counselors in rural Nebraska and embraced my calling to provide that service.

Relationships are the cornerstone of my work as a counselor. Sitting and visiting with someone who really understands can give clients the confidence needed to open up and be vulnerable. In my work as a counselor, I love getting to know people, building trust with them, and empathizing with the situations they face. This relationship is the most important part of therapy, giving people the power to heal in ways they are not able to see on their own. My approach to counseling includes cognitive behavior therapy and solutions focused therapy. I am planning to continue my growth as a professional by studying different intervention techniques that I can bring to my work with children and adults.

At the conclusion of my certificate program in the spring of 2021, I began working as an intern for Wholeness Healing Center. As a new therapist, I am excited to bring my knowledge of the education system and child development into my practice. I am excited to be joining the team of amazing professionals at Wholeness Healing Center! .