Online in Florida
(Online Only)
If you are autistic, neurodivergent, and/or LGBTQIA+ and tired of therapy that feels designed for everyone but you, we might click. I'm an autistic therapist who supports fellow neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ adults through trauma, anxiety, chronic illness, and the day-to-day challenges of navigating a world that feels incompatible with who we are. By exploring your unique experiences, communication style, and ways of relating to the world, I aim to create a space where you can drop the mask, heal what pains you, and discover what it means to be unapologetically yourself.
Client Focus
Session Format: Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: LGBTQ+, Persons with Disabilities, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Art Therapy Uses creative activities like drawing, painting, or sculpture as a way to express emotions. It is especially helpful when words are hard to find.
- Brainspotting A therapy that uses eye positions to access and process unresolved trauma. It helps release emotional and physical pain held in the body.
- Existential / Humanistic Therapy Encourages people to explore meaning, freedom, and authenticity in their lives. It focuses on personal growth and living in alignment with one’s values.
- Experiential Therapy Involves hands-on activities to bring emotions into the present moment. It helps clients process feelings more deeply than through conversation alone.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Relational Psychotherapy Emphasizes the healing power of the therapist-client relationship. It uses trust and safety as a foundation for change.
Approach Description: Trauma and difficult experiences often live in the body, beyond what words or the rational mind can define. Healing happens when we not only explore our thoughts and memories, but also reconnect to our body and sensory experiences. The expressive arts, inner creativity, relational experiences, and somatic approaches, such as Brainspotting, can guide this process. My person-centered approach means your experiences, needs, and pace shape the work, creating a space that's meaningful, supportive, and fully yours.
Education & Credentials
Kristina Risola RMHCI, CRC, NBC-HWC
- Female
- License # IMH 26194
- Licensed in Florida
- Practicing Since 2011
Education: Master’s in Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling (2011) and a Bachelor’s in Psychology (2008) from the University of South Florida. Currently supervised by Sara Deese, MA, MCAP, LMHC-QS License #MH18260.
Finances
Fees
- Average Session Fee $100
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- I operate on an equitable sliding scale model where all clients are invited to review their financial resources and choose the fee that works best for them. Fees are between $80-$120 per session.
- Out of Network
- I do not accept insurance.
Kristina Risola Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available Online for residents of Florida
- Online Therapy Details: Teletherapy via Sessions Health
We are likely to be a good match if you want therapy that is collaborative, creative, and a bit different from the rest. You can expect a laid-back yet deeply curious presence - I ask lots of questions, reflect on the patterns I notice, can't hide my facial expressions, and show up believing you're not broken or in need of fixing. Together, we'll listen to what your body and mind are telling you, make space for what's been carried in silence, and create a life that feels authentic, grounded, and genuinely worth living.
Sessions typically include a check-in to see how your week has been and to see if there is anything taking up space that you want to explore. If we've been working on a specific goal or topic, you can expect me to touch base and see if you'd like to explore it further. I'll probably also ask you the vibe you are feeling for the session, which could include talking, expressive arts, Brainspotting, trying something experiential, or a combination of whatever feels right. Ultimately, we work together to find the pace, rhythm, and approaches that work best for you.
More information can be found on my website www.beacrookedtree.com