Cristina Isaza-Chapman

Cristina graduated from La Sabana University, Colombia with a degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Education. After moving to the USA, Cristina received her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from The Notre Dame de Namur University in 1994. She has received training as a Multisystemic Family Therapist from the Family Services Research Center in South Carolina and has five years of family systems training (research based approach) as well. Cristina has developed four psycho-educational curriculums for parents, youth, and new immigrants. Her joy is working with the Latino Community and providing bilingual services.

Cristina has worked in prestigious places in which she has grown not only as a therapist but also as a human being. The Giaretto Institute in San Jose California provided extensive training in the areas of sexual abuse treatment (youth offenders, victims, and their families) with a format of therapy delivery in which family reunification was the ultimate goal. At Youth Contact, Cristina spent five years working as a staff therapist in the areas of family therapy within the systemic approach. She received invaluable clinical supervision and direction from several strong family system clinicians at the MRI Institute in Palo Alto California. The community awareness council from Northern California and The Youth and Family Assistance have also provided Cristina with remarkable work experience and personal fulfillment.

Cristina's treatment philosophy is based on the view that family involvement in treatment is the most effective way to help youth with their problems. She sees family members as full collaborators in the treatment planning and delivery process. In her treatment approach, she encourages not only the behavioral change but also the spiritual healing.

Phone: 971-998-5783

E-mail: cristinai@mhfcs.com