PuttingFamilyFirst

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CC Portrait of Cynthia Cunningham
Online therapist

Cynthia Cunningham

Compassionate guidance from lived experience

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Credentials
LMFT
Experience
27 years
Licensed in
California
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Cynthia

Cynthia Cunningham is a California licensed marriage and family therapist with 27 years of clinical experience. She speaks plainly about recovery from addiction and codependency, drawing on 35 years of sobriety to guide clients who face similar struggles. Cynthia presents herself as someone who has been through change and now helps others make changes they want in their lives.

Her approach is direct and practical. She helps people set boundaries, learn to say no kindly, and stop pursuing relationships that cause harm.

Background and approach

She also addresses anxiety, panic, and depression with clear, step-by-step support. Sessions focus on what a person wants to change and how to get there. Cynthia uses a mix of evidence-based therapies.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps identify patterns of thought that keep problems going. Attachment-Based work and Emotionally-Focused methods look at how relationships shape feelings and behavior. She adapts methods to the needs and goals of each person.

Clients can expect an honest and compassionate guide rather than a distant expert. Cynthia says clients remain in control of therapy and decide the pace and focus. She emphasizes practical skills alongside emotional work.

Her practice addresses a broad range of concerns, including addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, family topics, self-esteem, stress, grief, ADHD, bipolar disorder, sleep and eating problems, and career-related stress. Cynthia aims to be a steady companion through change and encourages taking the first step toward a different life.

How her approaches work online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters most to them and take small steps toward those values while learning to make room for difficult thoughts and feelings. It is useful for stress, anxiety, and when life changes feel overwhelming.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and habits and replacing them with more useful ways of thinking and acting. It often helps with panic, depression, sleep and eating problems, and managing mood swings.

Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early and current relationships influence feelings and behavior. This work can help with intimacy issues, communication problems, and patterns of codependency.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Cynthia works collaboratively to match methods to a person’s needs, goals, and preferences. She checks in together and adjusts the plan as progress and setbacks occur.

Online sessions offer practical flexibility. Video calls let a therapist and client use face-to-face work from home, while phone sessions provide a simple option for when video is not possible. Live chat and text-based messaging allow shorter check-ins or ongoing support between longer appointments. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and keep momentum during change.

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.

Attachment-Based Therapy

Looks at how early bonds shaped what you expect from closeness, and how that plays out now with a partner, a parent, or your own children.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with many concerns such as addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, family matters, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, grief, stress, self-esteem, ADHD, sleep and eating issues, and career challenges.
What is her therapy style like?
Her style is straightforward and supportive. Sessions focus on practical steps, setting boundaries, and changing patterns that no longer serve the client.
How long has she been practicing?
She has 27 years of experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist in California and brings lived experience in long-term recovery.
What credentials and where does she practice?
She is a California licensed marriage and family therapist - LMFT, license number CA LMFT 34049, and practices in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How are costs and getting started handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule based on therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
27 years
Licensed
California
Languages
English

Next step

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