Christina Leanza(She/Her/Hers)

Christina Leanza is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) who supports children, teens, and adults navigating a wide range of emotional and mental health challenges. She works with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, trauma, relationship stress, substance use, chronic illness, and personality disorders. Christina is especially passionate about helping clients who have experienced adverse childhood experiences, self-harm behaviors, or moments of deep emotional distress.

Christina’s approach to therapy is warm, trauma-informed, and grounded in the belief that meaningful change begins with a genuine therapeutic relationship. She creates a safe, collaborative space where clients feel heard, respected, and supported. Christina incorporates a variety of evidence-based modalities—including Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Attachment- and Relational-based techniques—to tailor sessions to each client’s unique needs and goals.

Christina’s professional background includes providing individual and group therapy within Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs, as well as supporting clients in detox and short-term residential treatment for substance use and co-occurring disorders. She has also worked closely with teens struggling with suicidal ideation and self-harm as a Mental Health Associate. These experiences allow her to bring deep empathy, clinical insight, and stability to clients working through difficult moments.

Christina completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice at Rutgers University and earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Monmouth University. She currently offers both in-person sessions at Exceptional Wellness Counseling’s Manalapan and Shrewsbury locations, as well as virtual therapy for clients throughout New Jersey.

Outside her professional work, Christina finds joy in nature—especially trips to the beach. She is passionate about music, enjoys attending concerts, and expresses herself through singing and playing the piano. She also loves traveling, exploring new places, learning new things, and unwinding with a great documentary.