ABOUT

Dr. Christina Winters

I am an American psychologist, researcher, and facilitator based in Rotterdam (Netherlands). I have lived in Europe for 10 years.

I am a caring and socially concerned lifelong learner who loves to play team sports. I faced a lot of challenges in life and I probably use my phone too much.

CLINICAL EXPERTISE

My expertise lies in identity, self-disclosure, and narrative-based therapies.

I have four years of combined experience in clinical and community psychological care, and over ten years of combined experience in research and education.

I worked in institutional care settings with adolescents and adults experiencing severe mental health crises, including with victims and (sex) offenders.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

My research interests are diverse and varied.

Over the years, I have researched a range of topics, including self-disclosure, investigative interviewing, digital privacy, AI, Big Data, security vetting, behavioral and cybersecurity, police psychology, intelligence analysis, linguistic analysis, deception, addiction, environmental and contextual effects on human behavior, personality traits and “disorders,” psychopathy, malingering, racial micro-aggressions, sex offending, abuse, social media, COVID-19, romantic relationships, climate change, and self-continuity.

In my academic career, I conducted research and presented my findings for academic institutions and security agencies around the world. I like asking questions.

I am an expert in information elicitation.

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People are as unique as the stories they tell.

In my therapy practice, I take on an integrative and psycho-educational approach, combining my skills and knowledge with client strengths to help them achieve a sustainable desired outcome.

I have recent training in Narrative Exposure Therapy (2023) for clients who have experienced multiple complex traumas. I am continuing training in Narrative Therapy and tending to Ecological Grief.

I also have experience with Collaborative Therapy, Dialectical and Behavioral Therapy, and Schema Therapy.

SPECIALIZATION

I specialize in helping clients who struggle with trauma, grief, identity loss, existential angst, and anxiety related to climate change and societal collapse.

I also have experience helping clients with depression, anxiety, attention problems, eating disorders, obsessions, compulsive behavior (e.g., social media use, hoarding, etc.), adjustment problems (expat/migrant issues), maladaptive behavior (e.g., emotional abuse, counterproductive work behavior, risk taking, etc.) and relationship difficulties.

I have dedicated the majority of my professional life to keeping people and organizations safe.

I am deeply honored to continue this work with individuals and organizations in my practice.

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  • Doctor of Philosophy, Psychology, Lancaster University, United Kingdom (2022)

    
PhD, Safe Space: Contextual and Interpersonal Influences on Self-Disclosure in Security Vetting Interviews 


    Master of Science, Maastricht University, Netherlands (2014)

    MSc, Forensic Psychology

    Postgraduate Certificate, University of Maryland School of Public Policy (2010)

    PG Cert, Intelligence Analysis



    Bachelor of the Arts, Clemson University (2009)

    
BA, Psychology and Sociology, magna cum laude

  • Life abroad during a global pandemic and housing crisis has not been easy.

    Before starting RAINS, I was a postdoctoral researcher in digital privacy and identity with Tilburg University.

    It was during my time in this job that I became aware of systematic safeguarding failures across different societal institutions. Experiencing a multitude of complex traumatic incidents and loss in the past three years - as well as bearing witness and holding grief for those closest to me - has reoriented my focus from the societal to the personal level. Rapid changes to the climate, technology, economy, geopolitics, and social engagement leaves humans vulnerable to self-discontinuity and harm.

    There is no denying that this transitional time will continue to pose unprecedented challenges for people.

    Increasing threats to human security and wellness have inspired me to emphasize Risk Awareness and Self-continuity in my professional practice.

    • American Psychological Association

    • Alliance Anti-Trafic

    • British Psychological Society

    • Centre for Research and Evidence on Security Threats (CREST)

    • Connecticut Department of Correction

    • Digital Legal Lab
Entering the Healing Ground Grief Ritual Leadership

    • European Association of Psychology and Law

    • Gateway House Inc.

    • Higher Education Academy (Associate Fellow)
International Investigative Interviewing Research Group


    • International Weapons Control Center, DePaul University Law School

    • Lancaster University Graduate College (Assistant Dean, 2017-2018)
National Alliance on Mental Illness

    • Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) Institute

    • Society for Personality Assessment

    • South Carolina Department of Mental Health

    • Security, Privacy, Identity, Trust Engagement Network Plus (SPRITE+)

    • The Narrative Therapy Institute

    • The Taos Institute


    • Tilburg Law School

    • UMD Center for Addictions, Personality and Emotion Research 


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