PuttingFamilyFirst

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CG Portrait of Dr. Carol Gandolfo
Online therapist

Dr. Carol Gandolfo

Experienced psychologist focused on family and parenting

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Credentials
AZ Psychologist PSY-005279, CA Psychologist 16933
Experience
20 years
Licensed in
California, Arizona
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Carol

Dr. Carol Gandolfo draws on more than 20 years of clinical experience. She trained in California and completed internships that included work at a homeless shelter, a counseling center, and a state hospital for developmental disabilities.

Dr. Gandolfo later worked in developmental centers, gaining experience with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depression. She has worked with families and individuals on domestic abuse, substance use, childhood issues, and family problems.

Background and approach

Her practice has included providing expert testimony for recommitment hearings and competency evaluations. After relocating from California, she volunteered on a fire department Critical Incident Stress Management team and mentored women leaving prison. Trauma and suicidality have been a focus of her volunteer efforts, alongside serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate.

In session she uses concrete strategies rather than abstract language. She helps people talk through stress, anxiety, relationship strains, parenting struggles, and changes in life stages. Her clinical style blends practical tools and focused conversations.

She commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy to guide sessions. Dr. Gandolfo aims to help clients set clear goals and try small changes that can make daily life more manageable.

Based in Arizona, Dr. Gandolfo holds psychology licenses in Arizona and California. She offers sessions using a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

Sessions are available in English and include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text messaging.

How evidence-based approaches work online

Dr. Gandolfo uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma-Focused Therapy to guide online work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps people notice and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is often used for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and stress. Trauma-Focused Therapy helps process distressing experiences and reduce their day-to-day impact, which can be useful after abuse, assault, or other traumatic events.

Choosing the right approach is collaborative. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what feels most comfortable. Together they decide whether to focus on skills practice, short-term problem solving, or trauma processing and can adjust as therapy goes on.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and to continue work between appointments. The mix of formats can support practical skill building, brief check-ins, and longer conversations depending on what the client needs.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Motivational Interviewing

A way of working through mixed feelings about change without being pushed. The therapist helps you weigh things up and find your own reasons, which often makes a difficult decision feel less stuck.

Solution-Focused Therapy

Rather than examining the problem at length, this looks at what is already working and builds on it. Sessions tend to be practical and forward-looking, with small achievable steps, which translates readily to shorter online conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she commonly address?
Dr. Gandolfo works with stress, anxiety, relationship and family problems, trauma and abuse, depression, addictions, parenting challenges, and related issues such as anger, self esteem, and coping with life changes.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her approach is practical and goal oriented. She focuses on clear steps and tools from methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy to address day-to-day problems.
How long has she been practicing?
She has 20 years of clinical experience, including work in developmental centers, counseling settings, and crisis response volunteer roles.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is licensed as AZ Psychologist PSY-005279 and CA Psychologist 16933, and her practice is based in Arizona.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Sessions are available as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.
How does cost and starting therapy work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
20 years
Licensed
California, Arizona
Languages
English

Next step

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