Cynthia Cunningham is a California-based licensed marriage and family therapist with 27 years of practice. She draws on long personal recovery from addiction and codependency to connect with people facing similar struggles. Cynthia speaks plainly and focuses on helping clients make clear, lasting changes in their daily lives.
She approaches therapy as a partnership where the client stays in control. Sessions center on practical skills such as setting boundaries, saying no, and shifting unwanted relationship patterns. Cynthia uses straightforward tools to reduce panic, anxiety, and depression while encouraging steady progress over time.
Cynthia integrates cognitive behavioral ideas to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors. She also brings attachment-based and emotionally focused perspectives to work through intimacy and relationship concerns. These methods are blended to match each person’s situation and goals.
People come for help with addiction, self-esteem, grief, anger, sleep or eating issues, career worries, ADHD, and coping with life changes. Cynthia also addresses complex concerns like abandonment, body image, caregiver stress, communication problems, and co-morbidity. Her recovery background informs how she guides someone through stages of change.
Her style is direct, compassionate, and practical. She helps clients set small, achievable steps and practice new ways of relating. Cynthia aims to be a steady companion on the path toward more self-respect and healthier relationships.
How her approaches guide online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice thoughts and feelings without being driven by them, then take actions that match their values. It is useful for anxiety, avoidance, and moving toward meaningful goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to reduce symptoms like panic, low mood, or sleep problems. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationship patterns shape current bonds and can help with intimacy and trust issues.
Finding the right approach is part of the process and will be a collaborative effort. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and life demands and then suggest which methods to try. Adjustments are made as needed so the plan fits the client's needs and pace.
If you are considering online sessions, confirm the current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit visits into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Many people find digital sessions helpful for keeping steady momentum between in-person visits or when balancing work, caregiving, or recovery commitments.
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyGottman MethodHypnotherapyImago Relationship TherapyJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
27+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She helps people with addictions, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief, anger, relationship and intimacy issues, sleep and eating problems, career stress, ADHD, bipolar concerns, and coping with life changes.
What is her general therapy style?
Her style is direct and compassionate with a focus on practical skills. She supports clients in setting small goals and practicing new behavior between sessions.
How much experience does she have?
She has 27 years of experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist in California and draws on long-term personal recovery in her work.
What credential and location information is available?
She is an LMFT licensed in California and maintains a practice based in that state.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients schedule with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions scheduled and what about cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Cynthia?
Use the continue button on this profile, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.
