- Humanistic approach
- Narrative methods
- Self compassion work
About Christie
Christie Carol Spahr is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with 26 years of experience. She works with people coping with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, low self-esteem, depression, and life changes. Christie also supports clients dealing with issues such as abandonment, attachment concerns, body image, communication struggles, and guilt and shame.
Christie uses humanistic, existential, and person-centered approaches to help people get clearer about who they are. She draws on motivational, narrative, and spoken-word methods to encourage reflection and honest expression. Sessions focus on practicing self-compassion, building trust in oneself, and developing tolerance for difficult feelings.
Her background includes a BA in Religious Studies from the University of Oregon and an MA in Psychology with a specialty in Marriage and Family Therapy. Before graduate school she worked in sports marketing and studied Indigenous cultures in Australia and the U.S. These experiences shape her interest in cultural and philosophical perspectives on meaning and identity.
In sessions she often helps people refocus on belief in themselves and practical ways to manage painful experiences. She uses conversations and narrative techniques to unpack patterns in relationships and self-image. Therapy can include work on communication, setting boundaries, and responding differently when guilt or shame comes up.
Outside of clinical work she is an avid runner and mentions lessons from marathon training about persistence and honesty with oneself. That personal history often informs how she talks about endurance, goals, and realistic expectations in therapy.
Evidence-informed methods and online sessions
Christie works from humanistic and person-centered perspectives that prioritize listening and understanding the person behind the problem. These approaches focus on respectful conversation, helping people name their feelings, and noticing what matters to them most in life.She also uses narrative techniques, which involve looking at the stories a person tells about themselves and their relationships. Narrative work helps separate a person from unhelpful labels and offers new ways to view guilt, shame, and recurring patterns. These methods are commonly used for relationship concerns, identity questions, and anxiety linked to self-judgment.
Choosing an approach is part of the work together. Christie will help figure out which combination fits a client's needs, goals, and preferences through collaborative discussion and trial. Adjustments are made over time based on what feels effective.
The original biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Licensed professionals can adapt conversational and narrative work to the online setting so clients can focus on processing feelings and practicing new ways of relating without changing their daily routine.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
26+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, self-esteem problems, and coping with life changes. Additional areas include attachment concerns, body image, communication difficulties, and guilt and shame.
How does she approach guilt or shame in sessions?
She uses person-centered and narrative methods to let clients talk through painful feelings and the stories that keep them stuck. Work often focuses on practicing self-compassion and building trust in oneself.
What is her professional experience?
She has 26 years of professional work experience in mental health settings. Her history includes roles before graduate school and long-term clinical practice.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is a LMFT licensed in California and practices from that state. The credential is stated as LMFT.
Does she work with clients who live outside the U.S.?
International clients are accepted and sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Confirm current session options before booking to know which formats are available.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing depends on the chosen plan and region.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.