Missy Washington-Cross, AMFT, ATR
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist & Art Therapist in California (AMFT142933)
Services I Offer
I provide tailored support to address your unique needs, including:
- Therapy and Coaching
- Art Therapy
- Play Therapy for Children
Specialties
I offer support for a wide range of experiences, including, but not limited to:
- Anixiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Post-Partum Depression
- Spiritual and Existential Crises
- Life Transitions
- Self-Esteem
Populations I Support
I work with a diverse range of individuals and groups, including:
- Young Children (3 and older)
- Teenagers
- Young Adults and College Students
- Adults
Modalities
I use a range of therapeutic modalities to tailor my approach to your needs, including:
- Art Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Family Systems
Location & Availability
I see client's in person at our Sierra Madre and South Pasadena locations, and online across California.
I typically offer sessions Monday from 9AM to 12PM; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9AM-2PM. I do have evening availability on Thursday from 4PM - 7PM in our South Pasadena office.
*Currently accepting new clients
Welcome!
I’m Missy Washington Cross.
When life feels chaotic, it can be hard to find your footing.
You long to feel whole, uncover your strength, and tap into your wisdom, but feel mixed up, entangled, and weighed down by old patterns. You may have reactions you don’t understand. Or struggle to let go of the past.
It’s understandable. In a world that constantly demands more from us, obstacles may seem insurmountable and lead to bouts of depression, anxiety, and questioning the meaning and purpose of our own existence. But even in the darkest of times, there is a glimmer of light waiting to be discovered. Together, we will reroute your map.
I’m here to help you piece together fragments of your story, rewrite the narrative, and emerge stronger. Therapy is a safe place for exploration, where we can utilize our strengths and creativity to explore problems, communicate effectively, and center ourselves when life feels out of control.
I believe our creativity is always present, even when we feel it’s extinguished.
How I Can Help
Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a teaching artist, engaging in profound and often challenging conversations with my students. Through these experiences, I found that art was an incredibly effective tool for navigating and recalibrating life's difficulties. This insight has shaped my therapeutic approach: it's not about being an artist or creating a product, rather, harnessing your innate creativity to connect with and understand yourself.
In our sessions, you can expect a blend of creativity, grounding techniques, problem-solving strategies, and optimism. Using art therapy, mindfulness, humor, and other grounded therapeutic methods, we’ll work together to transform your struggles into meaningful, manageable experiences.
You’ll learn to:
- Develop strong self-awareness
- Tap into your creativity
- Embrace optimism and find moments of laughter, even in tough times
- Navigate change and explore new possibilities
- Cultivate inner peace
My goal is to make your journey not only manageable but enjoyable, helping you turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
Professional Background
My diverse experiences and education have fueled my passion for supporting others.
Here’s a glimpse into how my background equips me to support you effectively on your journey.
How I Got Here
My journey to becoming a therapist began with my work as a teaching artist for non-profits, where I supported children and teens who had experienced trauma. This inspired me to develop the tools to help them process their experiences more effectively. Over the years, I’ve discovered how transformative it can be when people are given the space to shift their perspective and express their difficult experiences. Using modalities like art helps us make sense of the chaos in our lives—sometimes, we simply need someone in our corner.These experiences have profoundly shaped my approach and deepened my commitment to being a problem solver, a supporter, and a guide through both current challenges and past experiences.
Education & Training
I hold a Masters in Marital and Family Therapy with a specialization in Clinical Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University. Additionally, I have certifications in Trauma-Informed Care, TF-CBT, IPV training, and Seeking Safety, further enhancing my expertise in addressing existential questions, family dynamics, and using art therapy as a tool for clarity and expression.
Certifications
- Provisional Registered Art Therapist (ATR-P)
- Seeking Safety
- LGBTQ+ Clinical Direct Service Certification
Outside of Therapy
When I'm not in session supporting clients, I enjoy…
-
Rock climbing
- Skiing
- Making art
- Camping with my family
Let's Get Started!
Finding the right therapist is an essential step, and we're dedicated to making it as smooth as possible. To help you discover the best fit for your needs, we offer every new client a free initial consultation.
Fill out our contact form to schedule your appointment with Missy Washington Cross. We look forward to embarking on this journey with you!
Phone: (323) 345-1402
Email: om@aspiretherapycenter.com
Telehealth available across California.
In-Person therapy offered in Pasadena, Claremont, and Sierra Madre.
Note: Our online contact form is not HIPAA-secure. For your privacy and security, do not include personal health information (PHI) or any sensitive details.