Our Founder and Director

Christina DiBernardo is a mental health entrepreneur, licensed counselor, and influential speaker empowering people, teams and organizations to boost resilience, connection, and wellbeing.

With over a decade of experience, Christina is transforming the way we understand, navigate, and support mental health through her clinical practice, speaking engagements, workshops, and advocacy.

She founded Expressive Connections in 2020 as a private therapy practice with locations in NYC, Long Island and Albany. Christina leads a team of 15 therapists striving to strengthen individuals and families in a compassionate environment. Expressive Connections specializes in anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, parenting coaching, creative arts therapy, trauma, OCD, and LGBTQ+ support.

A sought-after speaker at conferences, summits, and events, Christina shares research-backed insights with humor and heart that inspire audiences to take action in reducing anxiety, overwhelm, loneliness and burnout. She collaborates frequently with organizations like Career Day Inc, Long Island Coalition Against Bullying, and the League of YES to spread awareness on mental health issues impacting individuals, children and families. She is a sought-after speaker on mental health and work-life topics who consults organizations on customized wellness programs. Recognized for destigmatizing counseling access, she serves on local boards expanding community support.

When she's not managing her thriving practice or speaking publicly, you can find Christina volunteering on boards like the Girl Scouts of Suffolk Country and serves on the St. John's University Counselor Education Advisory Council. Christina holds a Masters from St. John's University and proudly lives on Long Island where she was born and raised.