Blue streaks highlight her dark hair. Harry Potter memorabilia shares shelf space with quirky collectibles, colorful knickknacks, and a few unexpected conversation pieces. It isn't exactly what you might expect when you walk into the office of a therapist who specializes in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and depression.
Then again, things aren't always what they seem.
For therapist Kristina Galuszka, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), challenging assumptions is at the heart of her work. She earned her master’s degree in counseling and completed specialized training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. Her experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care eventually led her to private practice, where she now helps clients understand that anxiety, OCD and other mental health challenges don't have to define who they are.
Her path into the profession was shaped by more than textbooks. Growing up, she witnessed loved ones struggle with addiction and other mental health challenges, experiences that sparked an early interest in understanding why people think, feel, and behave the way they do. As she navigated her own challenges––and discovered firsthand the value of therapy herself—that calling became even clearer. Today, she brings both professional expertise and genuine empathy to every session.
Few mental health conditions are more misunderstood than obsessive-compulsive disorder. For many people, OCD brings to mind excessive handwashing, perfectly organized closets or repeatedly checking that the front door is locked. While those behaviors can be symptoms, they tell only a small part of the story.
At its core, OCD often involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts that create overwhelming anxiety. The behaviors people engage in are frequently attempts to quiet that anxiety—not the disorder itself.
As Kristina explains, our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are constantly influencing one another. She often describes them as a triangle. One anxious thought can shape how we feel, which in turn influences what we do—or don't do.
"Intrusive thoughts often center on the things a person values most," she explains. "They may involve fears of making a terrible mistake, causing harm unintentionally, or violating deeply held beliefs." Because those thoughts conflict with a person's values, they can create overwhelming anxiety and a relentless need for reassurance.
Imagine seeing a dog while out for a walk. If your immediate thought is, That dog is going to bite me, your body reacts with fear and your instinct may be to cross the street. But what if that first thought changes? What if it becomes, That's probably a friendly dog out for a walk with its owner? Suddenly, the feeling—and the behavior—begin to change as well.
What Kristina explains is: “Our brains don't always tell us the truth. Sometimes they're simply trying to protect us." The compulsive behaviors that follow aren't the disorder itself—they're attempts to quiet the fear.
Through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, she helps clients learn that they don't have to believe every anxious thought—or let it dictate the way they live their lives.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on “What can I do differently?” It helps people recognize the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By learning to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and respond differently, they begin to break the cycle that keeps anxiety in control.
Exposure therapy invites clients to gradually confront the situations, thoughts, or experiences they have spent years avoiding. The process is always intentional and carefully guided, beginning with manageable steps before progressing to more difficult ones.
While the exercises may seem unusual from the outside, each one is designed to teach the brain something powerful: anxiety rises...and then it falls. The feared outcome often never happens, and with practice, fear begins to lose its grip. Instead of organizing life around fear, clients begin learning they are capable of facing it.
Kristina often compares intrusive thoughts to pop-up ads on a computer screen. They appear unexpectedly, demand attention and seem impossible to ignore. The difference, she explains, is that people don't have to "click" on every thought their minds produce. Learning to acknowledge those thoughts without giving them power is an important step toward recovery.
Another tool she encourages is something she calls a Victory Journal. Unlike a gratitude journal, which focuses on what we're thankful for, a Victory Journal celebrates progress. It might be making a phone call you've been avoiding, resisting the urge to seek reassurance, or simply getting through a difficult day.
Like her colorful office, Kristina's style is warm, relaxed, and approachable. She explains complex ideas in simple, relatable ways that make therapy feel a little less intimidating.
There are no magic solutions or overnight fixes—just practical tools, consistent practice and the belief that people are stronger than the anxiety that tries to convince them otherwise.
Maybe that's why one of Kristina's favorite tools isn't a worksheet or a diagnosis—it's a Victory Journal. Because healing isn't measured only by the absence of fear. It's found in the courage to take one more step, celebrate one more victory, and slowly begin changing the story you tell yourself.
"Our brains don't always tell us the truth. Sometimes they are just trying to protect us."