Christina Upright Counselor MS ALC

Hi, I’m Christina Upright, I’m an Associate Licensed Counselor here at Connections Counseling Collective. Let’s be real. Nobody wants to stop what they’re doing to shop around for a therapist. Who has the time, the energy, or the emotional bandwidth for that? You’re scrolling through profiles hoping someone gets it—someone who understands what it feels like when your mind won’t slow down, when anxiety keeps calling the shots, or when you're exhausted from trying to outthink every "what if." If you've made it this far, you're probably looking for support that feels human, practical, and grounded. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, OCD, panic, perfectionism, intrusive thoughts, or the constant need for certainty, you don't have to figure it out alone. Here's the good news: you don't have to have your life perfectly sorted before starting therapy. If you did, I'd be out of a job—and honestly, I like my job. I work with people who are carrying too much, overthinking everything, feeling trapped in cycles of worry or compulsions, or wondering why their brain just won't let them move on. My approach is down-to-earth, compassionate, and straightforward. I'm not here to stare at you silently or ask, "And how does that make you feel?" in a dramatic therapist voice (unless comedy helps—we can absolutely laugh while we do meaningful work). I want our sessions to feel like real conversations where you can exhale, be honest, and begin untangling the patterns that have been keeping you stuck. I specialize in working with anxiety disorders, social anxiety, OCD, and related conditions. Using evidence-based approaches like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), we'll work together to help you change your relationship with anxiety instead of letting it run your life. Therapy isn't about getting rid of every uncomfortable thought or feeling—it's about learning that you don't have to obey them. Together, we'll build the confidence to face uncertainty, reduce compulsions and avoidance, challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, and create more space for the life you actually want to live. Whether you're navigating generalized anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, relationship stress, burnout, major life transitions, or simply feeling stuck in a loop, we'll work together to create lasting change. I'll bring practical tools, evidence-based strategies, warmth, and a sense of humor to help you move forward—not toward perfection, but toward freedom, flexibility, and a life guided by your values instead of your fears. If you're ready to feel a little lighter, a little clearer, and a lot more supported, I'd be honored to walk alongside you. And if you're still scrolling through profiles, I get it—I won't take it personally. But if you circle back, I'll be here.