Some of the areas I have provided treatment for include substance use/abuse, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and adjustment disorders due to life transitions. For nearly 20 years, I have worked with adults, families, and couples both individually and in group settings. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California and obtained a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) in 2005. I relocated to the Bay Area in 2020 from Los Angeles. I have worked in num...
My aim is to help clients understand how their history and programming influences patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior. When insight and self-awareness of these patterns is established, we will develop ways to shift the combination of these things in a direction that is consistent with what is important or helpful. My experience has primarily been in a variety of outpatient mental health settings, including community mental health, intensive outpatient/partial hospitalization program, p...
Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Perhaps you or a loved one is feeling depressed and anxious and you are not even sure why. Are you having a hard time finding satisfaction in your relationship or do you feel like the everyday stress of being a parent, working, going to school or trying to be there for everyone is too much to handle? Are you having difficulty achieving your goals? The collection of therapists at Positive Change Counseling Center are inclusive, compassionate, strength-...
I can help you find meaningful relationships or help you through struggles with self-esteem or self-love. I will help if you feel like you excel professionally but personally never seem to feel like you are enough. I believe a solid connection with your therapist is fundamental to growth through the therapeutic process. One of my strengths is my ability to connect with my clients by being empathetic, honest, and direct. I believe lived experiences shape who we are and I think we all have inner s...
My approach is deeply rooted in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based techniques tailored to people struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues. You can know that for 25 years I've made sure that my clients feel seen, heard, and respected. I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help you navigate life's challenges. Know that I'm hanging on every word you say. My many trainings allow me to "pull from my back pocket" strategies to help you get unstuck from patte...
My style in therapy is welcoming, direct, and strength-based. I meet clients where they are to help them deal with difficult and painful moments. I work as a team with clients to assure them that things will get better and they will be able to heal over time. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-netw...
In helping people, I lean toward a strengths-based, attachment, and systems approach. I strongly believe that a significant change in one person can impact the entire system. I also believe that a holistic, mindfulness and cognitive approach coupled with behavioral changes is effective for many clients. Additionally, I interweave my trauma-informed background to support clients through their presenting concerns. It's my strong belief, however that each individual is a unique being. I thoroughly ...
Hi, I'm Cienna! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist/Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. Ever since working in Orange County, I've become passionate about helping college students/young adults. From 18-30 is such a special time, but can also come with a lot of ups and downs. I've learned so much during my 20's, and I love to help others navigate similar challenges. In my work, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and a lot of mindfulne...
I practice using a strengths-based approach and work collaboratively with clients. I believe that every individual is the driver of their own journey and has the inherent ability to change and live a healthier life. I invite clients to set their own goals, identify barriers and create a plan for change. I explore underlying beliefs that contribute to the way they see themselves, their relationships with others, and the world in general. As a therapist, I strive to provide a safe space so clie...
If you are anxious, depressed, have been through a traumatic experience, or just feel stuck and hopeless, you need someone to understand you and provide the professional support and expertise to help you feel good again. Sometimes life can be difficult and we can get stuck in ways that keep us from achieving our full potential. Many people stay too long in a place of unhappiness and despair. I am trained in traditional, evidence-based methods, however, my goal is to provide personalized and c...
I work with my clients to create an open, trusting and safe environment where anything can be shared. My approach to therapy is to work collaboratively with clients to build a strong therapeutic alliance. In my practice, I use different therapeutic approaches depending on what works best for the client, including client-centered therapy (being congruent with the client, providing unconditional positive regard, and empathic understanding), a biopsychosocial approach, and/or Solution Focused Thera...
I take a client-centered, strength-based approach to working with clients. I have been working as a mental health clinician for nearly two decades. I draw from a variety of approaches but tend heavily toward evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I incorporate useful aspects from several research-based modalities, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing. I am trained in Eye Movement Desen...
A person is complete when the whole self, (emotions, thoughts, and actions) all harmoniously unite. With the guidance of CBT, Narrative, Relational, Couples Counseling, etc. we can make headways into restoring the whole self so that we can be complete and live a life to the full. My goal is to empower you to be the author of your life so that you can have the final say of each chapter. My role will be to be your editor to ensure your desires are accomplished and protected. When we arrive at the ...
I treat depression, anxiety, couple conflicts, motivation issues, and career issues. I hope to help you get from getting by to getting well, to get from mere coping to full on thriving. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach...
By gently challenging you to question and shift your mental framework, I want to help you make decisions and take actions that are consistent with your values. I have a compassionate, science-based, and direct approach toward helping people find psychological relief. I am passionate about helping people achieve the most authentic version of themselves. The journey towards change must start with compassion. Only when we feel seen and heard, can we begin the process of transformation. I am a th...
Finding solutions to problems in life is a difficult task. It can be frustrating and time-consuming. My focus as a therapist is to provide a safe and supportive space for couples and individuals to resolve issues that are hindering growth. I want to help my clients develop meaningful insight that will contribute to better self-awareness and personal growth. I want to help couples strengthen their relationship through better support and communication. I am a true believer in relationships. Health...
I believe that we each hold the solutions to our lives and sometimes we just need support as we figure things out. That’s my role! I get the privilege to walk beside you on your life journey and help you find solutions you already have. We get to do this together via a strength-based and solution-oriented approach that reminds you of your capabilities and just how powerful you truly are. Sessions can be tough as we work through challenges. But you’re not alone and clearly have survived all of...
I approach therapy from an integrative standpoint, using evidence-based therapy modalities that best suit the individuals, couples, or groups with whom I am working. I find the exploratory techniques espoused in Psychodynamic models to be core to and underpinning a great deal of my practice. Psychodynamic work, for me, provides a solid foundation of knowledge on which to base my understanding of my client, and it is the basis from which I tailor subsequent interventions, including the use of alt...
I use a client centered approach where the client works with me in deciding the direction of treatment. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive skills and experience working with clients from age 4 to 70 with various issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. I quickly assist my clients in learning appropriate coping skills to assist with any intense feelings they are experiencing at the start of treatment. We then begin meeting weekly to explore those feelings as we work towa...
I use a holistic and varied approach drawing from many modalities along with a backdrop of trauma focused, racial and social justice informed, compassionate, and self-determination based care. I have experience working with folks across the lifespan and have particular specialization and interest in regards to relational issues including polyamory/open relationships, as well as work stress, self esteem, boundary setting, life transitions, sexuality, substance use, trauma, depression, anxiety, & ...