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...
My focus is to foster healing, spur personal growth, and nurture self-awareness, empowering clients to tap into their innate strengths. With over a decade of clinical experience as a therapist, adjunct professor, and supervisor, I offer a diverse background to my therapy approach. My straightforward yet empathetic and analytical nature allows me to tailor treatment to individuals navigating life's unique challenges. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new stan...
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 have a background in crisis counseling in a hospital setting as well as with working professionals in the community for several years, working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, substance use issues, chronic stress/burnout, relationship issues, and trauma. I help clients to learn skills oriented towards reducing the impact and influence their difficult situations are holding over their lives. Do you find yourself uncontrollably spiraling with your thoughts at the most inconv...
I come from a trauma-informed theoretical orientation. I believe that attachment is often the root of many challenges. I work from a cognitive-behavioral lens with a narrative approach. I am informed by psychodynamic and social-emotional developmental models (Piaget, Erickson, Freud, Maslow). I also use techniques and interventions integrating art, worksheets, media, and psychoeducational books or articles. I have training in motivational interviewing, adoption competency certification, ASIST su...
I have experience working with couples and individuals who have concerns related to infidelity, relationship betrayals, family dynamic issues, sex addictions, interfaith marriages, stress, and communication related issues. I approach my clients with warmth and compassion. My primary therapy styles include Cognitive Behavior Therapy, emotion-focused therapy, solution-focused and strengths-based therapy. I have experience working with individuals with substance abuse related issues. Additionally, ...
I have experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, sexual abuse and trauma, relationship issues, codependency, substance abuse and addiction. I am 12-Step friendly and for those who are interested in incorporating spirituality, I offer faith-based counseling as well. Connection, trust, and vulnerability are foundational to a therapeutic relationship. Therefore, as your therapist I seek to establish a warm, confidential, and compassionate atmosphere where you f...
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 approach to therapy is focusing on the present and working alongside clients to obtain the goals they have in order to implement a balance between emotional, social, and physical dimensions to improve their quality of life and well-being. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. To learn more about my availability, please reach out to our Client Experience team by emailing or calling....
My clients do most of the talking and my role is to be an active and nonjudgmental listener. I often jump in and challenge my clients when appropriate. I actively teach new skills and tools to my clients. 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 availab...
I have spent many years working with a number of different populations, from Autism Spectrum Disorders to Eating and Feeding Disorders. The beauty of working in mental health for almost half my life is that I truly believe in the power of the therapeutic process and how we address the things in life that are no longer functional. The root cause of the distress is my focus because it demands such intricate and tactful navigation. When it comes to therapy, I believe in the power of the therapeu...
Having a comfortable and relaxed partnership with your therapist is so important when exploring the raw parts of ourselves. We often keep these tender sides hidden and experience shame that we don’t “have it all together.” In order to feel ready to illuminate issues that need attention, we must be able to deeply trust the person doing that work by our side. I’m compassionate, non-judgmental, real and a little messy – like all humans! I’ve been there too! While I’m learning about what makes yo...
I aim to have a practice that views mental health and wellness through a social justice lens that is attentive to issues of race, culture, gender identity and spirituality. I believe that we as humans can turn pain into power (I have experienced this myself)! I also believe that when you feel seen, understood, and safe, healing happens. There are not many places where we can come to be, breathe, and experience unconditional acceptance. Therapy is a place where you can show up as yourself, keep i...
I utilize techniques to help alleviate symptoms, keep you grounded in the present, challenge unhelpful thoughts and work on plans for a more hopeful future. I work with adults. I offer a BIPOC & safe place. My therapeutic approach is strength-based, building on self-care and mindfulness. My focus is treatment for the whole person; integrating practices in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, EMDR, mindfulness, and strengthening your innate resilience. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health...
I have over 9 years of experience in the mental health field, working with a wide variety of individuals and assisting them in overcoming their struggles. My topics of specialty are depression, anxiety, communication, relationships, and anger. I utilize different modalities depending on the person and situation, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Informed Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy. Making sure that a therapy plan is ind...
I have worked with people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. I have training in many theoretical approaches and tend to work from an eclectic orientation. I believe in client-centered care, and enjoy supporting individuals through therapy. My primary goal always is to hear you and to understand your life from your perspective. I believe that with the appropriate therapeutic support, we can all become more skilled at navigating through difficult times, as well make effective and...
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I believe we must take into account one’s mental health, physical health, culture, community, family, and recreation, and how this affects quality of life and the ability to live life to its fullest potential. I primarily use a strength-based, solution-focused approach utilizing Cognitive Behavior Therapy techniques to activate change. I have been in the mental health field as a therapist for over 18 years. A focus or passion of mine has been how o...
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 the first step towards change is acceptance; therefore, I strive to create a non-judgmental space, one that views many "symptoms" as coping mechanisms that made sense at some point but have outgrown whatever usefulness they once had. When we can view ourselves with compassion, we can then challenge ourselves to examine thought and behavior patterns that may be keeping us stuck and learn to move beyond them. An important part of this work is getting in touch with our core values an...
I have experienced the complexities of family relationships, stress and anxiety, grief and loss, phase of life changes, work-related issues, motivation, self-esteem, adjustment disorders, and of course persistent diagnoses as well such as depression. I am compassionate about how we experience the world as an individual and as a collective. I am a person-centered therapist who uses an integrated approach to therapy. Even though I pull knowledge from all theories and practices, I use Cognitive Beh...