PuttingFamilyFirst

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CZ Portrait of Cecilia Zinnikas
Online therapist

Cecilia Zinnikas

Calm, experienced guidance for emotional challenges

Credentials
LPC, LCPC
Experience
33 years
Licensed in
Montana, Oklahoma, Missouri
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Cecilia

Cecilia Zinnikas greets people who are overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, mood swings, or the fallout from past trauma. She writes plainly and listens closely to understand what feels most pressing for each person. She offers practical ways to manage strong emotions and regain a sense of control during hard transitions.

With 33 years of experience, Cecilia, LPC and LCPC, uses a mix of approaches to match what a client needs.

Background and approach

She draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to spot and shift unhelpful thoughts. She teaches mindfulness skills to reduce reactivity and build steadiness during daily life. Her work pays particular attention to issues like guilt, shame, impulsivity, and family of origin patterns.

She also supports people facing divorce or separation and those coping with addiction, bipolar mood changes, or post-traumatic stress. Conversations focus on discovering patterns, naming what matters, and choosing small, useful steps forward. Cecilia uses trauma-informed tools including EMDR when appropriate, and she blends acceptance strategies to help people live by their values even when symptoms remain.

Sessions aim to build self-compassion and stronger coping skills rather than quick fixes. Sessions are offered in English and take place with a licensed counselor based in Oklahoma. The practice accommodates different online formats for people who need flexible ways to meet.

To begin, a short matching questionnaire and scheduling follow the Start Therapy button.

Therapeutic approaches and how they translate online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focuses on clarifying what matters to a person and taking committed action toward those values. Online ACT sessions often include exercises to identify values and short at-home practices to build consistent habits. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy teaches concrete skills to notice unhelpful thoughts and change behaviors that keep problems going. In virtual CBT sessions clients learn simple tools and practice them between meetings to see real changes in daily routines.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will review a client’s needs, goals, and preferences and then suggest a blend of methods. Clients and the therapist adjust strategies together as progress and challenges emerge, so plans stay practical and relevant.

Online therapy with this practice uses video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to increase flexibility. These options let people fit sessions into busy schedules, use shorter check-ins when needed, and access support from home or while traveling. For many people, remote formats make it easier to practice skills between sessions and keep therapy consistent during life transitions.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

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.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Concrete skills for riding out strong emotion, tolerating distress, and handling relationships without things escalating. The skills are practised in daily life, so between-session support by message or phone fits naturally.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she commonly address?
Cecilia works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, bipolar disorder, addictions, ADHD, and self-esteem struggles, among other concerns.
What is her therapeutic style like?
She uses a practical, down-to-earth style that mixes techniques such as CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, and mindfulness to match the client’s needs.
How long has she practiced?
She brings 33 years of clinical experience to her work, drawing on long-term practice with mood and trauma-related issues.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She holds LPC and LCPC credentials with license numbers MO LPC 2025030369 and MT LCPC BBH-LCPC-LIC-50216 and practices from Oklahoma.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats does she offer?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different needs.
How are fees structured?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to therapist availability.

Next step

Talk to Cecilia

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