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Cristina enjoys helping group members form deep bonds, support each other through ups and downs, and learn helpful parenting strategies. Facilitating these connections and providing a sense of camaraderie and competence for parents is what she does best. Research seems to validate Cristina’s passion for making sure people feel connected to each other.

According to a New York Times editorial on 7/14/23 called, “If Loneliness Is An Epidemic, How Do We Treat It?” by Eleanor Cummins and Andrew Zaleski, more than one-fifth of Americans over age 18 say they often or always feel lonely or socially isolated. Chronic loneliness is related to a range of physical and neurological problems including increased susceptibility to infections and cognitive decline.

In the book called The Good Life, authors Waldinger and Schulz distill what makes people find happiness based on the world’s longest scientific study of happiness to date. One thing became irrefutable: strong relationships most accurately predicted people’s happiness throughout their lives. They are “intrinsic to everything we do and everything we are,” the authors write.

One thing became irrefutable: strong relationships most accurately predicted people’s happiness throughout their lives. They are “intrinsic to everything we do and everything we are,” the authors write. When the participants in the happiness study were asked how they overcame adversity—illnesses, war memories, and losses—their connections always remained a cornerstone of hope in their lives, whether they recalled the person who lent them money when they didn’t have anywhere to turn or their fellow soldier who kept them afloat when they fought (many of the participants served in war). As they aged, the participants who shared regrets mainly bemoaned how little time they spent with family and friends and how much they cared about the seemingly trivial—success and money.

Upcoming Groups

See below for upcoming groups…

Tools For The Teenage Years (Connecticut Version)

This group offers Moms a safe, comfortable space in which to enhance their parenting tool kit while developing connections with other, like-minded Moms—all under the guidance of a caring professional.

Time: Thursdays, 9:00am-11:00am (2 hours)

Dates: October 12, November 16, January 11, February 1, February 29, April 11, May 2

Location: Riverside Yacht Club, Riverside, CT

Facilitated by Cristina Young

More Details

Tools For The Teenage Years

(Miami Version)

Time: Tuesdays, 11:00am-12:15pm (75 minutes)

Dates: October 10, 17, and 24. November 7, 14, 28

Location: TBD (we will meet in group member’s homes)

Facilitated by Cristina Young

More Details

"The single best decision I've made as a parent is to work with Cristina. I have had the distinct honor of participating in multiple parenting groups with Cristina over the last several years, and her insights continue to help me be a more thoughtful parent and form even more meaningful relationships with my children as they grow. She is incredibly well-researched, and has decades of experience both in schools, in private practice, and obviously in her own family, which all lend to her well-rounded, calm, and rational advice."

Hillary Carter
(Riverside, CT)

Cristina Young should be the marking stick for a great therapist. Her reputation is impeccable and word of mouth praise from long time clients speaks volumes about her effectiveness as a therapist. She is a compassionate listener and quick study. With her years of training and experience working with families, she can quickly help patients identify issues and, most importantly, collaborate with them on action steps they can take to address the issues. She’s solution driven and not in an overwhelming way. Step by step. Incrementally. Just what you can handle at that moment. Cristina is different from many therapists in that she draws from her own life to give examples. She is a great model of how it is to live with authenticity and vulnerability so one can be more joyful and free.

Callie Dunn
(Greenwich, CT)

“The group sessions with Cristina Young have been extremely helpful in giving me the tools to become a more mindful and effective parent. Cristina provides scripts that can be used in real time and actually work with the kids. She has provided me with the tools to help motivate my children to reach their full potential.”

Stephanie M.
(Miami Beach )

“What I love most about Cristina is her relaxed demeanor and her sensible approach to parenting. She leaves you with a very usable library of tools to use in times of parenting distress. The reason I highly recommend working with Cristina is that you will gain a new perspective about yourself, your spouse and your children that will allow you to parent in a more positive, productive way.”

Emily C.
(Miami Beach)

“Cristina is very professional and approachable. From the moment I arrived, her group felt different. I have always wanted a mantra, and Cristina had suggested: "This is not an emergency" and honestly since hearing this, it has helped me so much in just staying calm. I would highly recommend Cristina’s group to anyone wanting to better themselves. I looked so forward to that 1.5 hours each week, and walked away feeling so clear in my thoughts. ”

Shana R.
(Miami)

“Cristina was professional and empathetic and helped us so much in our parenting journey. I highly recommend her!”

Maxine E.
(Miami)

“Cristina has been such a helpful resource for me as I parent kids through the loss of their mom. She has provided me support and wise guidance that has made me a better parent to my boys during a period of intense need. I would recommend her with absolutely zero reservations. She not only helps me emotionally, but also gives me practical advice that I can actually implement. She has made a huge difference in my life and in that of my boys. “

Ken S.
(Westport, CT)

"I am so grateful to have had Cristina's guidance in this crazy journey of parenting. Cristina's impact on me as a mom has been invaluable. Through individual sessions and mom's groups, she changed how I approach my children, and has given me great insight on why and how to improve my self-care - for the benefit of me, my marriage and my family. Cristina never minces words, she listens hard and gives thoughtful, actionable, wise advice for every situation."

Kelsey M.
(Riverside, CT)

“Cristina has given me great tools that have helped me become a calmer leader within my family. She's guided me through thorny situations, helping me to help my kids when they need it most. I am forever in her debt.”

Bridie L.
(Riverside, CT)

“I'm so grateful for Cristina! Through her group sessions, I feel better equipped to deal with the everyday challenges of parenting. Her scripts, background information, and actionable tips are tools that I've been able to use immediately... with results. Cristina is an expert in her field and highly skilled in running groups -- I cannot recommend CMY enough!”

Heeyoon S.
(Riverside, CT)