Graciela "Gracie” Wangsnes, LCSW - Therapist in California

About Graciela

Graciela "Gracie" Wangsnes is a licensed clinical social worker who uses straightforward, relationship-focused therapy to help families and individuals facing stress and anxiety. She speaks English and Spanish and brings 10 years of work in California to each session. Her style is warm and interactive, and she aims to make conversations clear and practical for busy parents.

Gracie focuses on everyday problems like family conflict, low mood, and stress that gets in the way of daily life.

Background and approach

She also helps people dealing with trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, body image concerns, social anxiety, and feelings of guilt or shame. Sessions are conversational and centered on what matters most to the person in front of her. Her clinical background includes cognitive-behavioral methods alongside acceptance and client-centered ideas, which she blends to fit each person.

That means clients can expect a mix of thinking-and-doing strategies along with supportive, person-focused listening. Gracie tailors goals and tools to practical needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all plan. In room conversations focus on building skills, noticing patterns, and trying small changes that make daily life easier.

She encourages honesty and keeps explanations simple so parents can use what they learn right away. Gracie aims to make the process feel doable from the first conversation. Starting therapy is often a jump for families, and she recognizes that.

Gracie works step by step with clients to sort priorities, set realistic goals, and make a plan that fits family life.

Therapeutic approaches that translate well to online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on noticing thoughts and values and taking small committed steps toward what matters. It helps with anxiety, stress, and painful memories by teaching practical ways to move forward even when feelings are strong. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT, looks at patterns of thinking and behavior and uses simple exercises to change unhelpful habits; it is often helpful for depression, anxiety, and social worry.

Finding the right approach is a team effort. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what feels useful. Together they decide whether ACT, CBT, or a blended approach fits best and adjust the plan as progress is made.

Online therapy offers flexibility for parents and busy schedules. Video calls let people meet face to face from home, while phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging provide options for shorter check-ins or days when scheduling is tight. These formats make it easier to keep continuity of care and use tools learned in session in real time at home.

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.

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.

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 does she address?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and self-esteem concerns. Additional focuses include body image, guilt and shame, post-traumatic stress, self-love, and social anxiety.

What is her therapy style like?

Her style is warm and interactive, combining practical skill-building with supportive listening. Sessions emphasize clear conversation and small, useful changes clients can try between visits.

How long has she been practicing?

She has 10 years of professional experience working in clinical settings in California.

What are her credentials and where is she licensed?

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in California with license number CA LCSW 109663.

Which languages are supported in sessions?

Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.

What session formats are offered?

Sessions can be held via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on client preference.

How are costs and subscriptions handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin the process?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 10 years
Licensed: California
Languages: English, Spanish

Next step

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