Licensed to practice in California. Specializes in Anxiety, Coping Skills, Life Transitions and 6 more.
(she/her)
Welcome! My name is Cynthia Guz and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 25 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have been licensed with the state of California since 2014 and use evidence-based interventions in the therapy setting to assist individuals in reaching their unique goals. Along with providing individual therapy, I have also developed and facilitated clinical training and provided clinical supervision to unlicensed therapists in a county mental health system. I believe each individual has the innate ability to manage life stressors and heal from past emotional wounds, when given a safe space to reflect and learn adaptive skills. My approach is collaborative and non-judgmental as we work at your own pace and tailor treatment to meet your unique needs.
Our first session will consist of getting to know one another as you tell your story and reason for seeking therapy. We will also review expectations of the therapy process and determine if you and I will be a good fit for the therapy relationship. You can expect empathy, compassion, understanding and a safe space to discuss even the most difficult topics which are causing you distress . It's very important for me to understand your experience from your unique viewpoint so I will provide a good amount of active listening both at the start of and throughout the therapy process. Once goals are established, we will determine the best evidence-based model to assist you in accomplishing your goals, discuss, practice, and rehearse new coping skills in session, and ultimately have you practice newly learned skills outside of session to make positive change in your life.
Having worked in the mental health field for over 25 years has provided me with the opportunity of being trained in various evidence-based models and has given me great experience engaging with individuals. I use the skills and knowledge obtained throughout the years to build strong working relationships with each individual to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
I specialize in working with adults 18-64 years of age who have high levels of anxiety, stress, and chronic physical pain. Whether you are experiencing relationship disputes, difficult life transitions, unresolved chronic pain, or find yourself in an ongoing state of stress, I can help you develop internal and external resources to effectively navigate through tough moments. The habitual practice of newly developed skills can make even life's most challenging moments more manageable as you learn to live with awareness, intention, and authenticity in a way that aligns with your personal values.
Other specialties
I identify as
Somatic
I incorporate a Somatic approach by increasing awareness of body sensations, movements and postures in order to identify and safely release stored trauma and tension from the body via gentle movement and breathwork. This assists in regulating the nervous system and helps process and metabolize mental/emotional distress and physical tension.
Interpersonal
I am trained and certified in Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). Using this model will assist you in decreasing distressful symptoms resulting from interpersonal disputes, difficult role transitions (unemployment, break-up, new parent), and/or grief and loss. We will also work together to increase your support network and address your unmet needs.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
This model focuses on helping you develop psychological flexibility, accept and defuse/detach from distressful thoughts, and take committed action that aligns with your personal values.
Mind-body approach
I am trained in Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) which aims to eliminate pain entirely by changing the brain's threat response. PRT is a psychological treatment designed to "unlearn" chronic pain and focuses on retraining the brain to accurately interpret and respond to signals from the body, breaking the cycle of chronic pain. PRT is highly effective for pain that persists even after an injury has healed or when there is no clear physical tissue damage (neuroplastic pain).
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I use Internal Family Systems strategies to help you heal inner wounded parts of yourself, many of which were likely formed early on in childhood. The aim is to uncover roots of inner child wounds decreasing internal conflict and restoring inner trust and harmony.
5 ratings with written reviews
March 26, 2026
I’ve never felt closer to a therapist in all my years of therapy. She provided a safe space filled with warmth, kindness and compassion. And also with great knowledge and skills in many different types of therapies.
February 23, 2026
I appreciated the reflective listening, cultural awareness and warmth.
August 3, 2025
I look forward to my appointments with Cynthia because I feel understood; learn techniques and solutions; and can see the progress. Sometimes my sessions involve tears but just as often they include laughter. They're something I look forward to-very positive. I am so grateful for her insights, patience, and authenticity.