Hi! My name is Crystal Villanueva and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Southern California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I have 11 years of experience working with adults, adolescents, couples, and children experiencing the challenges of anxiety, depression, grief, family conflict, relationship challenges, and intimate partner violence. My approach to therapy is grounded in the spirit of Humanistic therapy. Humanistic Therapy is based on the core belief that people are good at heart and capable of making the right choices for themselves. In therapy, this belief leads me to focus on each individual’s unique point of view and how this view can impact their choices. It further emphasizes the importance of being our authentic selves to live the most fulfilling life. I strive to create a safe environment to help clients feel comfortable to express their thoughts/emotions. I am genuine, friendly, nonjudgmental, empathetic, and interactive. I believe I am easy to talk to as I am casual in my style, but direct and focused when it comes to our work together. My journey to becoming a therapist began with my own therapy that I received as a youth and young adult; it was life-changing. I worked with a therapist that was completely accepting and non-judgmental of my faults/shortcomings and helped me work past and accept them. Because of this experience, I wanted to give back and provide the same nonjudgment safe space, and acceptance to others.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Intake session to review forms completed prior to the appointment to determine medical necessity.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
Depending on the needs of each client I work with, I use evidenced based treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I am involved in ongoing training in order to gain new insights as to how I can best serve the needs of the individuals I work with. I enjoy working with adults, adolescents, couples, and groups.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Much of my experience has been dedicated to helping those affected by intimate partner violence, parenting, communication, and life transitions. I have found that my style and approach to be a good fit for adults, adolescents, and couples who may be dealing with these challenges that often takes the form of anxiety, depression, stress, anger, unhealthy coping skills.