Dr. Christina L. Aranda
Founder of Sandstone Psychological Practice
Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist
Counseling is one of my greatest joys and being a therapist is a true privilege. In my practice, I work with adults (18+) on a wide variety of concerns and have particular expertise and interest in the following areas:
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Trauma
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Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
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Anxiety and Stress Management (including Test Anxiety)
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Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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Grief and Loss
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Relationship Problems
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Life Transitions
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Career Counseling
Therapeutic Approach
My therapeutic approach is integrative and guided predominantly by evidence-based Interpersonal Process Therapy (IPT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I also utilize a multicultural framework for learning about clients’ values, cultural background, and the contexts that influence their lives.
With all clients, I work to create a therapeutic space that feels safe, empowering, and collaborative. Together, we set treatment goals and I often check in with my clients about their experience in counseling. IPT relies on the therapist-client relationship for making wanted changes and also highlights the role of social context and relationships in current concerns. CBT techniques can help clients increase self-awareness by understanding the interplay of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors- and practicing new ways of being.
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Please note that I am an advocate of social justice and believe in protected human rights for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, or any other dimension of identity. I best match clients who share this fundamental value system.
Education and Experience
I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Stanford University, where my love for psychology and counseling were first fostered. My doctorate is in Counseling Psychology from the University of Oregon (UO), a program that I chose specifically due to its commitment to multiculturalism, advocacy, and social justice. I completed my pre-doctoral internship at the UO Counseling and Testing Center, where Dr. Janell “Nellie” Mihelic and I met and began dreaming of a group practice we would open together. I then returned to California to complete a post-doctoral fellowship at Counseling and Psychological Services at UC Santa Cruz, where I focused on assessing and treating ADHD, including creating a therapy group program for students with attention problems.
Over the course of my career, I have immersed myself in counseling, volunteer, and research experiences that have prepared me for work as a Psychologist. I have worked in many settings, including: a college counseling center, university counseling centers, career centers, a child and family clinic, an advocacy agency for survivors of interpersonal violence, and a community agency specifically for adults with low-income. I have taught several courses in the areas of career development and psychological assessment.
I am committed to mentorship and have helped build the training program at Sandstone. Since 2015, I have served as a supervisor for therapists in training, including students from UNLV’s Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program, Post-doctoral Fellows, as well as students from various Master’s degree programs.
Personal Interests
On a personal note, I am originally from El Paso, Texas where I was born and raised. I have also lived in California and Oregon. I moved to Nevada in 2014 and have loved exploring the area and creating a wonderful network of friends and colleagues. I am grateful to live in a town that offers so much to do in terms of good food, concerts, little adventures, and meeting new people. In addition to Sandstone, I love being a mom, horseback riding, traveling and road tripping, reading, writing, picking up new hobbies, and searching for the perfect cup of coffee at the newest cafe. I strive for balance and authentic living. I also value life-long personal, spiritual, and professional growth. My favorite quote and philosophy that has served me well is- "Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire."
Henry Finn
Therapy Dog
Henry Finn is Dr. Aranda's therapy dog, who is a 4-year-old Shih Tzu. He often joins sessions and provides cuddles and emotional support to clients and staff. He has completed numerous training courses at Michael's Angel Paws. Dr. Aranda will check with you on your comfort with dogs prior to Henry joining sessions and to make sure there are no allergy concerns. One of his favorite tasks is greeting clients in the waiting room and bringing them back to the office. In addition to working at Sandstone, he loves telling his goldendoodle older brother, Oliver, what to do and riding in the car to drop kids off at school. His favorite things are: meeting new people, pup cups, popcorn, napping on his humans, and waiting patiently (sometimes impatiently) for snacks from dinner. He is highly suspicious of the pool cleaner.
