A warm, relational, depth-oriented way of working.
I'm Christine Donaldson, an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) practicing in Mill Valley, California and via telehealth throughout the state. I work with individuals and couples who are seeking to transform their inner conflicts into insight and growth.

I believe that emotional pain often serves as a signal that something deeper is asking for our attention. Whether you're feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck in painful relationship patterns, navigating a major life transition, or simply sensing that something isn't working the way it used to, therapy can offer a space to slow down, listen more closely, and reconnect with yourself.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and depth-oriented. I see therapy as a relationship we build together—one rooted in curiosity, trust, and compassion. You don't need to have everything figured out before coming to therapy. In fact, many people begin therapy because they don't fully understand why they're struggling; they simply know they want something to feel different.
Together, we'll explore not only the challenges bringing you to therapy today, but also the experiences, beliefs, and relationship patterns that may be shaping how you move through the world. I often find that when we have space to talk openly about our thoughts, emotions, and experiences, they become less overwhelming, less frightening, and easier to understand. From there, meaningful change becomes possible.
I work with adults and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, burnout, relationship challenges, perfectionism, life transitions, and questions of identity and purpose. I have a particular interest in supporting high-achieving professionals who may appear successful on the outside while feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or uncertain beneath the surface.
My work is informed by psychodynamic, relational, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness-based, somatic, and strengths-based approaches. Rather than focusing solely on symptom relief, I aim to help clients understand the deeper patterns that shape how they relate to themselves, others, and the world around them. I believe healing happens when we can approach our experiences with curiosity instead of judgment and feel supported as we move toward meaningful, lasting change.
Before becoming a therapist, I spent nearly two decades working in the technology industry. That experience gives me a firsthand understanding of the pressures many professionals face, including career stress, burnout, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and the challenge of balancing achievement with personal well-being. My professional life began with music — I earned my undergraduate degree in Jazz Studies from the USC Thornton School of Music and performed as a musician before transitioning into tech. Alongside this, I became a certified yoga teacher. These experiences deepened my appreciation for creativity, deep listening, mindfulness, and the connection between mind and body, and they continue to inform the way I show up as a therapist today.
Above all, my goal is to create a space where you feel genuinely seen, understood, and accepted. I believe that each person already possesses an innate capacity for growth and healing, and that therapy can help uncover what has been there all along. It would be a privilege to support you as you deepen your understanding of yourself, strengthen your relationships, and create a life that feels more connected, authentic, and fulfilling.
Education, training & clinical grounding.
MA, Clinical Counseling
Northwestern University
Graduate training in clinical mental health counseling rooted in a psychodynamic theoretical orientation, with emphasis on integrative, evidence-based practice.
Psychodynamic Consultation
with Laura Rose, LMFT
Ongoing weekly consultation to deepen relational and depth-oriented clinical work.
Social Work Support
Under the guidance of a highly experienced team of psychotherapists, I trained for two years at a community mental health nonprofit clinic. There, I developed a strong foundation in trauma-informed, culturally responsive care.
EMDR Trained
EMDRIA Approved Training
Completed EMDRIA-approved EMDR basic training to support trauma-focused, memory-based therapeutic work.
BA, Music Performance
USC Thornton School of Music
A background in music that deepened my capacity for deep listening, creativity, and attunement — qualities that continue to shape my work as a therapist.
Certified Yoga Teacher
A longtime yoga practice that informs my body-aware, mindfulness-based approach to therapy.
What I work with.
The practical details.
- Sessions
- 50 minutes, typically weekly. After-work times available several days a week for busy professionals.
- Format
- In-person at 655 Redwood Highway, Mill Valley. Telehealth throughout California.
- Fees
- $200 individual session · $280 couples session
- Payment
- ACH bank transfer, Apple Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover
- Who I See
- Young adults, adults, and elders — individuals and couples. LGBTQ+ allied.
- Consultation
- A free 15-minute phone call before we begin.