Holistic health, psychology and education have been my passion for the last 15 years.

Sometimes we know something in our lives needs to change, but we're not quite sure where to begin. You may feel overwhelmed, stuck in familiar patterns, disconnected from yourself, or uncertain about a relationship or direction in life.

I work with adults and couples navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm, relationship challenges, life transitions, self-doubt and recurring patterns that can leave you feeling stuck.

My approach is warm, collaborative and depth-oriented. Together, we explore what is happening beneath the surface, including the different parts of you that may be pulling in different directions. Rather than judging or trying to get rid of these patterns, we become curious about what they are trying to protect and what you may need now.

The Philosophy Behind My Work

At your core, there is a Self within you that is whole, undamaged, and quietly steady.

Beneath the surface of your thoughts and emotions, this Self remains calm, clear, and present. Around it, different parts of you have formed over time. Some protect, some carry pain, some hold longing, and some try to keep everything in balance. Each part belongs. Each part has learned its role through your lived experience.

Some of these parts may be understood as Adaptive Child parts. These are the younger parts of us that learned how to adapt in order to belong, feel safe, receive love, or navigate the world around us. They may carry old beliefs, fears, needs or ways of responding that once made sense, even if they no longer serve us in the same way today.

As adults, we can also cultivate what I think of as the Wise Adult within us: the part of us that can pause, observe, reflect and respond rather than automatically react. The Wise Adult can hold the different parts of us with compassion and perspective. It doesn't judge the Adaptive Child for the ways it learned to cope, nor does it allow protective parts to take over. Instead, it can listen, understand and make choices from a more grounded place.

Life shapes us in layered and meaningful ways. We adapt in order to belong, to be safe, to be loved. The patterns you carry are not mistakes. They are intelligent responses to what you have lived through. Even when they feel confusing or overwhelming, they are expressions of care.

In our work together, we do not try to fix or force change. Instead, we slow down and begin to listen. With curiosity, compassion and respect, we create space for each part of you to be seen and understood. We can become curious about the Adaptive Child, the protective parts that have developed around it, and the Wise Adult who can begin to relate to these parts with greater compassion and understanding.

As these parts begin to feel safe, they can soften. And from beneath them, something deeper naturally emerges: a sense of clarity, a grounded presence, an inner knowing that feels both steady and true.

This is the place I trust. In you, and in the unfolding process.

My Educational & Professional Background

I hold a B Psych Honours degree in Psychology and Psychometry from the University of Pretoria, as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from UNISA. I am a Specialist Wellness Counsellor and Psychometrist, registered with the ASCHP and the HPCSA. I am also an Integrative Enneagram Practitioner with iEQ9 and an IFS (Internal Family Systems) trained practitioner, certified through IFSCA in Canada.

My work is rooted in a holistic understanding of wellness. Wellness counselling, as a primary health care service, moves beyond a purely medical or mechanistic model and embraces a more integrative, noetic perspective. This perspective honours the dynamic interplay between mind, body and spirit, and understands each person in the context of their relationships, environment and lived experience.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/counselling/christina-nova/1298959

ENDORSEMENT

Jana, Psychologist, PhD, HPCSA Clinical Psychologist, endorsement

Christina is that rare person, a therapist who shines as a caring human being first and foremost. She always has her clients' best interests at heart, beaming great warmth, intelligence and insight, plus her sense of humour is a treat. Highly recommended.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/counselling/jana-lazarus-glencairn-wc/828642

CLIENT FEEDBACK

“I’ve had a wonderful experience working with Christina. She is incredibly kind, patient, and genuinely attentive during each session. I always feel heard and understood, and her feedback during and post-session is both thoughtful and practical. Each conversation has left me with new insights.  I’m very grateful for the support and care she has provided.”

“Christina has a very calm and present way of holding space while gently guiding you through a session. The IFS model was a new perspective to exploring my feelings. Thank you.”

“Christina is a great listener and affirmer. Her sessions are life transforming.”

“I am incredibly grateful for my sessions with Christina. She is an exceptional therapist who truly listens with empathy and compassion. Her non-judgmental approach made me feel validated and understood. Christina also offered valuable resources and practical tools that have been instrumental in managing my anxiety and depression. I’m looking forward to booking more sessions with her and continuing this positive journey.”

“Christina was very helpful, and I really left the session feeling equipped and empowered. I would definitely recommend her service. She was very kind and empathetic, and encouraging.”

“What a pleasure it was talking to Christina. Christina was an absolute star during our session. The most gentle approach to “therapy” I have experienced – very knowledgeable and authentic. Thank you Christina!”

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