Gia Castiglia Schwarzer, LMFT - Therapist in California

About Gia

Gia Castiglia Schwarzer is a California licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with seven years of hands-on experience. She focuses on practical, down-to-earth support for people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, parenting struggles, and related concerns. Gia asks simple questions and listens closely so families and individuals can find what already works for them.

Her style is warm, direct, and focused on small, usable steps. Gia uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to identify patterns of thinking and behavior that keep problems going.

Background and approach

She pairs this with conversational, collaborative work to help clients notice strengths and build on them. Sessions aim to surface options that feel natural and realistic for the person in front of her. Her background includes work in independent practice and in school settings, and she returned to therapy after time spent raising a family.

That blend of professional training and real-life parenting experience informs a down-to-earth approach. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Political Science from U.C. Irvine and a Master of Arts in Psychology from Chapman University.

In sessions, Gia focuses on uncovering small changes that make daily life easier. She helps people recognize practical steps they can try between meetings. The goal is steady progress rather than sudden fixes.

Gia works in California and conducts sessions in English. She supports young adult issues alongside the broader list of concerns she addresses, including coping with life changes, self-esteem, addictions, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, anger, depression, and compassion fatigue.

Practical approaches for online family and parenting support

Gia uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people notice how thoughts influence feelings and actions, and to teach concrete skills for changing unhelpful patterns. CBT can be useful for anxiety, depression, stress, anger, and everyday coping challenges.

Her work is collaborative; she helps clients identify what matters most and then tests small changes together. That collaborative process means the approach can shift to match a person’s needs, goals, and comfort level as therapy progresses.

Online sessions are offered by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, which makes scheduling more flexible around work or family demands. These formats let people try short check-ins or longer sessions without traveling, and they support steady progress through brief assignments and regular contact.

Gia will discuss which format and techniques are likely to fit best, and adapt recommendations based on how clients respond. The aim is to find approaches that feel doable and helpful in everyday life, delivered in ways that work with each person’s routine.

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.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems can this therapist help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting challenges, plus grief, self-esteem, addictions, family issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related concerns, anger, depression, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue. Young adult issues are also a focus area.

What is the main therapy style used in sessions?

The primary approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which looks at how thoughts and behaviors interact and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns.

How long has this therapist been practicing?

She has seven years of professional experience working in both independent practice and school settings.

What credentials and region are listed for this clinician?

She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT, with license number CA LMFT 41967, and practices in California.

Are sessions offered in other languages or internationally?

Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.

Which session formats are available?

Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

How is cost handled for these sessions?

Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions are delivered through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What do I do to begin working with this therapist?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Grief

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Experience: 7 years
Licensed: California
Languages: English

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