a letter from christy, our founder

Hi there, I’m Christy Livingston, founder of Bridges to Understanding®.

For over 20 years, I’ve helped many people find calm, clarity, and connection. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, the highest level of credentialing in play therapy.

As both a therapist and a parent, I understand how overwhelming it can feel to seek help, wonder what’s “normal”, and hope you’re making the right choices for yourself, your family, or your child. You may also be wondering: Where do we start? Who will really understand us? Those questions matter. And so do you.

I started this practice because I believe families deserve more than quick fixes. They deserve therapists who listen, who care, and who know that real progress comes from a foundation of trust.

My big goal? To bring more joy and healing to my community; to make a difference; to find pathways that seem un-findable, and to be there in support of permanent growth. I’m glad you’re here. And know that you’ve already taken the bravest and hardest step: looking for support. We’re here, waiting to support you and your family whenever you’re ready. I hope you’ll reach out soon.

Warmly,

Christy

Founder, Bridges to Understanding®

what we believe

the bridges to understanding way of being

At Bridges to Understanding®, we believe every person – child, teen, parent, or adult – deserves a safe place to feel seen, heard, and supported.

Many who find us are navigating transitions: a child discovering their voice, a family adjusting to change, a parent juggling new demands, or an individual searching for steadier ground.

Change can feel messy and overwhelming. We see it differently. We believe change can be a bridge – one that leads to stronger relationships, deeper connection, and real growth.

rooted in connection

Our work is rooted in connection. We focus on building trust, understanding, and safety. We thrive with you when we can look beneath the surface to uncover what’s really happening, not just the behavior you see on the surface.

We do this work with respect and collaborative spirits. Our sessions are intentional time set aside to slow down, find answers, and create space for peace, healing, and connection.

We’re not here to judge. We’re here to help families see each other more clearly and to help each person feel more grounded in who they are.

from uncertainty to possibility

We are here to help people move from loneliness to connection, from stuck to hopeful, and from uncertainty to possibility, one bridge at a time.

And to help you to learn how to build your own bridges to understanding more about yourself, your life, your relationships, and your impact on the world.

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Meet our Team

our core values

COMPASSION FIRST

We meet every client with empathy, understanding, and care.

CONNECTION MATTERS

Healing starts with knowing yourself – and how you relate to family and community.

PLAY AND PRESENCE

We believe growth happens through attunement, attachment, & even simple moments of play.

STRENGTH OVER STRUGGLE

We focus on what’s working and help you build from there.

EVERY VOICE COUNTS

We advocate for children and help all clients feel heard.

about our practice and our team

KIND WORDS AND TESTIMONIALS

“I have been working with Bridges to Understanding® since before the pandemic, throughout and after. They are very flexible and willing to work with and accommodate in whatever way possible. They have helped me through extremely stressful events both personally and COVID related. My therapist has been extremely helpful in allowing me to express my thoughts and giving me the tools I need to assess my feelings and look through different perspectives. Overall, I would recommend anyone to the Bridges to Understanding® family.”