Cristina Leal, AMFT
Hello, my name is Cristina Leal. I am a registered associate marriage and family therapist (AMFT # 148255) working under the supervision of a licensed clinician. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University, as well as a Master’s degree in Developmental and Psychological Sciences with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development from Stanford University.
My training and experience in community and school settings have given me a strong foundation in both developmental and counseling psychology. As a parent, I bring an understanding of both the challenges and inherent strengths that come with raising children in a multicultural society.
I work with children, teens, young adults, and adults, supporting clients navigating depression, anxiety, neurodivergence, trauma, and major life transitions, including adjusting to college, parenthood, and immigration. I also work with parents and caregivers, helping them better understand their child’s development while strengthening protective factors and communication within the family system.
As a bilingual (Spanish/English) and bicultural therapist, I am committed to providing culturally responsive care and supporting individuals navigating multiple cultural identities. I understand the complexities of balancing cultural values, expectations, and identity, and I aim to create a space where clients feel understood and grounded in their lived experiences.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and integrative, drawing from relational-cultural, cognitive- behavioral, mindfulness-based, family systems, and psychodynamic perspectives. I use a developmental lens to understand how past experiences shape present patterns, while also offering practical tools to support insight, coping, and meaningful change. I strive to meet clients where they are and support them in building self-awareness, strengthening relationships, and navigating life’s transitions with greater clarity and intention.