Dannielle Cervantes
My name is Dannielle Cervantes, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), with 10 years of experience in the field. I am passionate about providing empathetic, compassionate, unconditional support to individuals, couples, and families in their healing journey.
I am a therapist who actively engages and meets a client where they are at, and works to create a space that allows clients to find solutions to the issues they are facing.
My expertise lies in treating a wide range of concerns, including trauma, anxiety, depression, relationships, and life transitions. I am committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for all clients, and I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. I utilize humor, playfulness, and understanding as tools to help clients feel better. My approach is warm and easy-going, and I find that provides a space where people feel at ease to discuss and explore the issues that brought them to therapy. I am a therapist who actively engages and meets a client where they are at, and works to create a space that allows clients to find solutions to the issues they are facing. As an MFT, I explore how past experiences or traumas shape a person's life, behaviors, and relationships. I am a trauma specialist, and I work from a trauma-informed space. I utilize approaches that promote safety and healing, along with shifting old patterns of behavior. I integrate mindfulness skill training, along with creating self-awareness, to promote change. I recognize and respect the cultural backgrounds and experiences that shape perspectives and experiences of clients. I tie strength-based work throughout all sessions, with focus on resilience, strength, and empowerment to promote growth. Using these approaches in my work, I am able to help people explore and heal old wounds that may be causing current issues.
First session
Our first session together will be an opportunity for us to get to know each other a begin building our therapeutic relationship. We will start with introductions and establishing trust and collaboration. We will explore the reason for seeking therapy, symptoms, and concerns. We will identify potential goals and develop a treatment plan that aligns with your personal needs and goals. I will share with you my therapeutic approach and techniques that would be beneficial for your healing journey. We will discuss the structure of therapy sessions, including frequency, duration, and confidentiality. I will provide space for you to ask questions and provide feedback throughout the session.
Strengths
provide therapy from a space of non-judgment. I pride myself on being a human on the other side of the screen, providing empathetic, authentic, and validating feedback. Therapy can be hard, which is why I value creating a sense of stability and calm. I collaborate with my clients in building a trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship, that allows for relaxed and focused sessions. I show up in sessions as genuine, honest, and transparent, ready to work side by side with my clients in their healing journey.
Ideal clients
I have experience working with the following populations: Pre-teens and adolescents: Supporting young people with emotional and behavioral challenges. Adults with mental health conditions: Helping individuals manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. Couples: Helping people identify unhealthy patterns of communication to build strong relationships/marriages. Families: Working with family members to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships. LGBTQ+ individuals: Providing affirming and supportive therapy to promote mental health and self-acceptance.
Treatment methods
Attachment-based
I have been using Attachment Theory in my practice for several years now. It has helped clients understand how early relationships with caregivers shape emotional patterns and interpersonal behaviors throughout life. It aims to help individuals identify and address maladaptive attachment styles—such as anxious, avoidant, or disorganized—by fostering a secure therapeutic relationship as a model for healthy emotional bonds. Through this process, clients work to develop greater emotional awareness, trust, and healthier ways of connecting with others in their personal and professional lives.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I’ve been using CBT in my practice for several years. It’s helped dozens of clients challenge reoccurring thoughts and manage their anxiety. We’ll use CBT to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other. We’ll then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns, which will help you lead a less anxious and stressed life.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I work with clients from a culturally sensitive lens. Culturally sensitive therapy involves recognizing and respecting a client's cultural background, values, and beliefs in the therapeutic process. It requires the therapist to be aware of how culture influences a client's identity, worldview, and experiences of mental health, while adapting treatment approaches to align with those cultural factors. The goal is to create an inclusive and respectful environment that fosters trust, improves the therapeutic alliance, and enhances the effectiveness of treatment.
Couples Counseling
I work with Couples using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). EFT for couples is a structured, evidence-based approach that helps partners identify and change negative emotional patterns and interaction cycles that create distress in their relationship. It focuses on fostering emotional connection by helping partners express vulnerable emotions, understand each other's needs, and build trust and security. The goal of EFT is to strengthen the emotional bond between partners, creating a safer, more responsive relationship dynamic that promotes lasting intimacy and support.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
I utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with clients as a therapeutic approach that focuses on the emotional bond between individuals, particularly in couples and families. It helps clients identify and restructure negative emotional patterns and communication cycles, encouraging more open and vulnerable emotional expression. The goal of EFT is to foster secure emotional connections, enhance attachment bonds, and create healthier, more supportive relationships.
Location
Virtual sessions