Holistic Chronic Pain + Illness/ Lyme-Literate/ Neurodivergent/ C-PTSD/ Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapist I Writer I Artist I WithinMe App Founder | Begin Within Journals for Chronic Illness and Mental Wellness Author

Christina P. Kantzavelos is a Europe and California-based licensed psychotherapist (LCSW), coach, writer, artist, and chronic illness advocate. Holding a BA and MSW from UCLA and an MLIS from SJSU, she specializes in trauma-informed care and somatic modalities, focusing on clients with chronic illnesses such as Lyme disease, autoimmune and rare diseases, C-PTSD, neurodivergent disorders, and physical or developmental disabilities. Additionally, she is trained in psychedelic-assisted therapy and integration. As the founder of Begin Within Today, Christina offers mental health services and wellness resources tailored to individuals navigating chronic illness and trauma recovery. She is the creator of the Begin Within Daily Health and Wellness Journal, later transformed into the @WithinMeApp (pending funding). Her Instagram accounts, @BeginWithinToday and @BuenQamino, reflect her passion for mental health, holistic wellness, and gluten-free travel. She also serves on the board of the San Diego Lyme Alliance and facilitates support groups for those impacted by Lyme disease. An avid traveler who has visited over 40 countries, Christina completed the Camino de Santiago in 2015, inspiring her gluten-free travel publication, BuenQamino. She is also an award-nominated writer, contributing to health, travel, and food outlets while advocating for the chronic illness community. Her artwork can be found on Instagram, @beginwithinart.