We had the good fortune of connecting with Christina Neri and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christina, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
My goodness! Risk may be the scariest word to me. Risk inherently means a certain level of uncertainty and most uncertainty can be pretty anxiety provoking for me. At the beginning of my career, I was all about playing safe. I looked forward to the mundane, the routine, and the safety of working for others. But over the last few years, I had a bit of a lightbulb moment as it relates to risk. Instead of seeing risk as something scary that ends badly I put it in the context of faith instead. Faith, for me, elicits bravery, courage, and strength. With this frame in mind, I embrace risk knowing that I can do the scary things anyway because I’m brave. In my career without taking risks, I wouldn’t be where I am today- I risked leaving one career and creating another in education when I needed the break in counseling, then I had faith to leave education after my second daughter to be home more with my kids & eventually revisit counseling, and then I really risked it all by starting my own practice. From a personal standpoint I want to live a life of courage, not fear, so my kids can too.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Maverick Marriage Therapy is founded in the firm belief I have that in order for change to happen in our relationships we need to understand the truth of it’s dynamic, our behavior, & our potential for deep intimacy through love. Without both love & truth we are left spinning our wheels in the offices of other therapists who simply validate instead of inspire real vulnerability & change. Or worse are on the receiving end of abuse being cloaked as truth. My clinical experience in school, at internships, and under the leadership of other seasoned therapists encouraged censorship, avoidance, & fear. My communication style is direct and my greatest values are truth, honesty, & love. I found that when my words were filled with these and I modeled healthy boundaries my clients thrived. The very thing I was taught not to do was moving mountains in my sessions & my clients were changing their lives! I have continued to refine my skills, communication, & interventions in this unorthodox stance that I have taken through Relational Life Therapy. RLT was created out of very similar beliefs and I am so grateful for how Terry Real’s approach suits my personality & clinical skills so well. I am my most authentic self with my clients- they know my loving and truthful stance toward them is real. I’ve since built a team of other Mavericks that approach their work with clients as real relationships- they have a deep empathy for them, demonstrate accountability and vulnerability, and deliver their feedback with truth & love. I am so proud of each of them! I get the unique gift of watching my clients thrive and also watching a team of excellent clinicians do the same. I am honored & can’t wait to continue to serve the people that have been placed on my path. This was not easy- I’ve interviewed so many clinicians, even hired, and then eventually trained or supported the right Mavericks to thrive in their work. This is grueling work & as my staff will share- I’m always responsive to their needs & do my very best to guide our vision in a way that honors all involved. Every decision I make is relational- some decisions have been incredibly difficult to make, but I press on knowing that I’m allowed to make mistakes too. I believe a leader is to model self compassion & humility. From this centered place & belief in being the same as everyone else I receive the unique privilege of being an important person in another’s life- client & clinician.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, we would sleep in on our first day as rest is crucial & then head out for a delicious brunch at the Garden Room. I just love their cocktails, food, & fun ambiance. It’s a bit loud & colorful! It would bring our energy up to walk the beltline, which would be our next stop! Along the beltline I’d make sure we would stop at a few spots like Krog St. and ultimately end at Ponce City Market for a great view and small bites at Nine Mile Station. After this killer first day I’d slow things down by going on a hike in Marietta, Sope Creek Trail specifically, & then make our way for some shopping in Marietta Square before grabbing a pizza at Two Birds Taphouse. Next up would have to be back to the city to check out Inman Park for some great food- anywhere there would be sure to please & then make sure to visit The High museum- we love art, so this would be a no brainer! To slow things down a bit I would also recommend The Avalon in Alpharetta, where we can grab a cocktail, walk around, shop, & hear some live music. In the city, I’d also recommend Buckhead Village for a similar experience. I’d end the week with a hike up Kennesaw Mountain to see a view of Buckhead and Midtown!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My sweet husband, Manny, is only second to God in my life. He has been with me in the toughest moments where doubt inevitably creeps in & tries to convince me that my vision is not going to work. He is consistently there to encourage me and remind me of how important it is to use our gifts and talents, how much joy I have in doing my work, and how proud he is of me. I am also so grateful to have my parents, many friends, & a few colleagues who have been cheering me on a lot the way. My church, Sojourn, has been a pivotal part in my journey as well. I was a part of a small group where I had trusted relationships who listened & also encouraged my leap into private practice. I will always be thankful to them.

Website: https://www.maverickmarriagetherapy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maverickmarriagetherapy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinapneri?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

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