CHRISTENE LOZANO, LMFT
Hi, I’m Christene.
I work as a sex and relationship therapist, but you might also call me a sexpert and relationship first responder. I’ve also been referred to as a sex whisperer, which is quite the compliment - I’ll take it!
Who do i Help?
I help people who wish they could be accepted for all parts of themselves - the parts they love and the parts they loathe - but fear that others will judge them if they shared who they believe they truly are on the inside.
I guide them to decrease feelings of shame and isolation so that they can break free from unhealthy behaviors and live a life that is authentic, connected, and whole.
I also help people who want to have a genuine and fulfilling relationship but feel stuck, oftentimes in the pain of being emotionally or sexually betrayed. I support them in feeling more grounded and empowered so that they can heal from the anger and heartbreak of betrayal.
I know from my own journey to wellness and from over 10 fulfilling years as a therapist that reflecting on your own “shit” and being vulnerable can evoke some really uncomfortable and overwhelming emotions - maybe sweep this under the rug and try to ignore it until it goes away, sound familiar? I’d like to help you move through the challenging emotions so you can live a life with less chaos, filled with more balance and peace.
What is it like working with me?
Here are a few of my values in both my personal life and in my professional work:
Humor: My clients and I laugh together. While we discuss a lot of heavy stuff, we also incorporate some fun and lightheartedness into our work together.
Down to Earth: My clients usually get a sense of my personality and spirit, and you may get a dose of it every so often. I don’t have a perfect life, and I don’t have all the answers. What I do have is extensive training as a therapist and my own personal healing journey to passionately provide effective and down to earth therapy.
Compassion & Honesty: My clients thank me for my ability to balance being both a compassionate supporter and a straight shooter. I often let my clients know that if they aren’t feeling challenged by me, I’m not doing my job. The most growth happens outside our comfort zone.
Cultural Consideration: My clients come from an expansive range of diverse backgrounds - culturally, ethnically, religiously/spiritually, age, sexuality, sexual experiences, socioeconomic status, and so forth. I respect and consider the different aspects of my clients’ backgrounds. While a part of my role is to help you better understand yourself and your relationships, you are the expert of your own life. I am intentional in remaining open and curious about your life experiences in order to best understand you. We all have a rich history that deserves to be heard, understood, and honored.
how i view my work
Being a therapist is a tremendously challenging job. It takes a special skill set, solid boundaries, and an open heart. It is an art and a science. At the same time, I find my work, and helping the clients I work with, incredibly fulfilling. It goes so far beyond simply listening to a person’s concerns.
To be a part of your life journey - through the intense pain, trauma, tears, and joy, through the breakdowns and breakthroughs as you find your way to healing and peace - is an invaluable gift. I feel very blessed to wholeheartedly love what I do. Getting to know your inner world and being allowed into your most vulnerable space is truly profound and transformative.
It is essential that I continue growing my comprehensive training and experience as a therapist. Therefore, I regularly attend clinical workshops, trainings, conferences, and continuing education in order to provide high quality therapy - this also nourishes the sex and relationship nerd in me.
While I have the academic and clinical training to treat a variety of issues, I also have personal experience facing my own challenges. I am a survivor of trauma and betrayal, and I understand the triggers and difficulties of healing first hand. I believe part of being an effective therapist is working on my own “shit” through my own personal therapy. I have had some badass therapists of my own who have guided me through some beautiful healing, and I continue working with my own therapist to help ensure I stay grounded. Life obstacles and challenges have been opportunities and invitations to my own growth and expansion. I want to practice what I preach, and I believe mental health is just as important as physical health!
OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE
Outside of the office, I love practicing yoga. Yoga has been my medicine and a wonderful supplement to my own healing. It has been so effective for me that I obtained training in India and became a Certified Yoga Teacher. This has deepened my yoga practice and has allowed me to share this knowledge with my therapy clients.
In addition to yoga, I enjoy rock climbing. I find that both yoga and climbing complement each other very well - the pairing of movement and breath, the presence and focus of the mind, the meditative zone, and the building of connections and community with others.
Gravel biking is another activity that I love. Climbing unpaved hills, zipping through forests, and descending down gravel roads while the wind brushes against my skin… heavenly. There is something empowering about traveling a far distance knowing that I pedaled my way there.
Yoga, climbing, and biking are therapeutic for me. While they are mentally and physically active, the sense of peace they bring me is beyond words.
Traveling is another activity I find joy in - cliché, I know. Immersing myself in diverse cultures and experiencing different lifestyles are incredibly humbling. This helps me continue expanding my perspective on living.
I do my best to practice the work/life balance many of us struggle with sometimes. Gifting myself these forms of self-care (yoga, rock climbing, biking, traveling) are fun and restorative for me. Self-care is the best healthcare. True self-care is creating a life that you do not want to escape from. These activities help me “show up” in my personal and professional life better. It’s a win/win all around.
I believe that being the healthiest version of ourselves can truly change the world. Our mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, and sexual health ripple out and impact not only every part of our lives but also the lives of others. That is why I hope you are ready to start your journey to healing.
Certifications and Professional Trainings
AASECT Certified Sex Therapist
Asian Americans in Sex Therapy Instructor | Modern Sex Therapy Institutes (2023)
IITAP Certified Sex Addiction Therapist
Intensive Outpatient Program Director | Sano Counseling Center (2014-2018)
Sex & Porn Addiction Psychoeducation Instructor | Sano Counseling Center (2014-2018)
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention Instructor | Sano Counseling Center (2016)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (MFC96658)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Vermont (100.0134309)
AAMFT Approved Supervisor (in training)
Certified Yoga Teacher
EMDR trained
Domestic Violence Certification (CA)
Credentials
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy | Northwestern University
Bachelor of Science in Human Services, emphasis in mental health | California State University, Fullerton