Kirsten Suarez, LMFT - Therapist in California

About Kirsten

Kirsten Suarez is a licensed marriage and family therapist in California who focuses on family and parenting concerns, stress, anxiety, depression, anger, relationship issues, and ADHD. She speaks plainly and works to create a respectful, supportive space. Her approach is collaborative and practical, with an emphasis on immediate, manageable steps that families can use at home.

She draws from evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Background and approach

Kirsten also uses dialectical behavior strategies, mindfulness skills, and solution-focused techniques to shape sessions around each person's needs. Conversations tend to be direct and goal-oriented, with tools to try between sessions. Her background includes three years practicing as a licensed marriage and family therapist, with additional experience treating autism and developmental delays and supporting adults facing mood and behavior challenges.

Kirsten treats concerns like obsessive thoughts, panic attacks, caregiver stress, and codependency with practical strategies and clear plans. Sessions emphasize what is happening now and what can be changed next. She works alongside clients to set small goals and build skills for everyday life.

The tone is warm and nonjudgmental, focusing on respect and compassion while avoiding stigmatizing labels. If someone is ready to make changes, she offers supportive guidance and concrete steps. The work is presented as a team effort, with the therapist helping clients gain tools, confidence, and direction.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them. It focuses on identifying values and taking small steps toward a meaningful life despite discomfort. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy targets the thought and behavior patterns that keep problems going and teaches practical skills to change them. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and mood or attention difficulties.

The therapist treats finding the right approach as a team process. She will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has worked before. Together they try strategies and adjust the plan when needed, blending methods to fit practical needs and daily life.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into busy family life and to use tools between meetings. The variety of ways to connect supports flexible, ongoing work toward the goals people identify.

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 Kirsten address?

She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, anger, parenting challenges, relationship and family issues, bipolar symptoms, ADHD, and related concerns.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her style is warm, collaborative, and straightforward. Sessions focus on respectful conversation and practical steps to try between visits.

What training and experience does she have?

She holds a California licensed marriage and family therapist credential with three years of practice experience and additional background in treating autism and developmental delays.

Where is she licensed and based?

She is licensed in California as an LMFT with license number CA LMFT 106536.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

She provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging as ways to meet with clients.

How are fees and payment handled?

Costs vary by location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, fill out a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Parenting issues
Anger management

Also works with

ADHD
Autism and Asperger Syndrome
Bipolar disorder
Caregiver issues and stress
Codependency
Coping with life changes
Depression
Family conflicts
Intellectual disability
LGBT
Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Relationship issues

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 3 years
Licensed: California
Languages: English

Next step

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