Cynthia Valenzuela
Cynthia Valenzuela
(she/her)
Hello! I’m Cynthia Valenzuela, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I specialize in supporting young adults as they navigate life’s challenges, including anxiety, depression, major life transitions, career stress, and complex family dynamics. My goal is to create a space in which you feel safe, seen, and heard to start your journey towards healing and self-discovery. My approach blends evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and strengths-based strategies, all while honoring your lived experiences and cultural identity. Therapy with me is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in trust. Together, we’ll explore your story, uncover the patterns that may be holding you back, and develop practical tools to help you move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and connection to yourself.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session together, you can expect a warm, welcoming space where you can begin to share your story at your own pace. I'll walk you through what the therapy process may look like and answer any questions you have about working together. We'll explore what bring you in, what goals you'd like to work towards, and what you're looking for in a therapist. I'll ask questions to better understand your experiences, strengths, and challenges, but there's no pressure to share everything right away. This is your space, and we'll move at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you. The first session is also an opportunity for you to assess if you feel I’m the right fit to support you on your journey. I want you to feel confident in your choice of therapist, so you’ll have the chance to ask me any questions you might have—whether that’s about my experience, the treatment approaches I use, or how I work with clients. It’s important that you feel comfortable and understood in our work together, so if anything feels off or you’re unsure, I encourage you to bring it up. If at any point you feel we may not be the best match, we can discuss other options and I’ll help guide you toward the right resources.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I know that being a therapist isn’t just about providing guidance—it’s about knowing when to be serious and when a little laughter can serve as a healing tool. I bring a compassionate yet real approach to therapy, blending deep empathy with humor when appropriate. I strive to keep our conversations grounded in authenticity, offering a space for honest, sometimes tough discussions while still making room for lightness and connection. It’s about creating a balance of warmth and honesty, where clients can feel both supported and empowered to make real changes.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I’m best positioned to support young adults who are feeling overwhelmed by life’s expectations and weighed down by anxiety or depression. My clients often appear high-functioning on the outside, yet feel emotionally stuck, disconnected, or exhausted on the inside. They’re caught between where they are and where they want to be—craving change but unsure how to begin. These are individuals who are tired of just "getting by" and feel ready to start their healing journey. They’re motivated to grow, break free from old patterns, and live with more clarity and intention—even if they don’t have all the tools yet. I help them slow down, tune into themselves, and find direction through compassionate, collaborative support. Together, we explore their story, build emotional resilience, and reconnect with values and purpose. If you're ready to move from surviving to truly living, I'm here to walk with you.
About Cynthia Valenzuela
I identify as
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice, I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) because it’s a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps us better understand the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and actions. CBT empowers you to notice unhelpful thought patterns that may be influencing how you feel and behave, and together, we work on gently shifting those patterns to support your growth and healing. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, low self-worth, or life transitions, CBT gives us tools to reframe challenges, practice healthier coping strategies, and build a more empowered and fulfilling path forward.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Implementing Solution-Focused Brief Treatment (SFBT) has been effective in helping clients find clarity, build confidence, and take meaningful steps forward—sometimes even in just a few sessions. This approach is all about focusing on your strengths, your goals, and the possibilities that already exist within you. In SFBT, we shift the focus from what's "wrong" to what's working. Together, we’ll identify what you want to be different in your life, and I’ll support you in uncovering the skills, values, and resources you already have to make those changes happen.
Psychodynamic
Sometimes, the patterns we find ourselves in today are rooted in experiences we haven’t yet had the chance to fully understand or heal from. That’s where Psychodynamic Therapy comes in—a powerful approach I’ve used over the years to help clients explore the deeper layers of their thoughts, feelings, and relationships. In our work together, we’ll gently look at how your past—especially early relationships and emotional experiences—may be influencing your present. By creating a safe, supportive space, we’ll uncover emotional patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and work toward greater self-understanding and healing.