PuttingFamilyFirst

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MG Portrait of Marco Guillen
Online therapist

Marco Guillen

Compassionate, practical help for family and life challenges

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Credentials
LMFT
Experience
20 years
Licensed in
California
Languages
English, Spanish
Format
Online sessions

About Marco

Marco Guillen is a licensed marriage and family therapist in California with two decades of clinical experience. He began focusing on addiction work early in his career and has since seen people in clinics, hospitals, and schools. Marco speaks English and Spanish and aims to create a respectful, compassionate space for people who want change.

He focuses on practical concerns like addictions, relationship strain, family conflict, anger, and self-esteem. He also helps with communication problems, control issues, and workplace stress.

Background and approach

Sessions are tailored to the person and their situation rather than a one-size-fits-all plan. Marco uses commonly practiced methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to address thinking patterns, emotional regulation, and motivation for change. He also brings Client-Centered and Solution-Focused techniques to keep work grounded and goal oriented.

These approaches are chosen to match what each person needs in the moment. He describes his role as supportive and empowering. Conversations and any plan are adjusted as progress is made.

Marco encourages practical steps that can fit into busy family life and everyday routines. People often come for help with addiction, family problems, panic and mood symptoms, impulsivity, smoking or vaping cessation, and issues around purpose or midlife. Marco’s experience across settings informs a straightforward style meant to help clients move toward clearer choices and better daily coping.

Therapeutic approaches that translate well to online care

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and building a respectful relationship. It helps when someone needs a nonjudgmental space to talk and feel heard. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to reduce symptoms like anxiety and mood problems. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches concrete skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance, which can be useful for anger, impulsivity, and intense emotions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Marco will discuss goals and preferences and then recommend methods that fit those needs. That decision is collaborative and can shift as progress is made or life changes occur.

Online therapy offers flexibility for busy family schedules. Video calls allow real-time conversation and visual cues, while phone sessions provide a simpler option when video is difficult. Live chat and text-based messaging support brief check-ins, skill practice, or ongoing encouragement between sessions. These formats make it easier to keep therapy consistent while managing work, caregiving, and other responsibilities.

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.

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 problems does Marco focus on?
He works with addictions, relationship and family issues, anger, and self-esteem concerns, plus related areas like communication problems, impulse control, and workplace stress.
How would he describe his therapy style?
His approach is practical and down-to-earth. Sessions focus on clear goals, skills for coping, and steps that fit into family life.
What background does he bring to sessions?
Marco has 20 years of experience and has worked in clinics, hospitals, and schools, with long experience helping people who struggle with addictions.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a licensed marriage and family therapist, CA LMFT 43686, practicing in California.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
What session formats are available?
Marco offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different needs and schedules.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
20 years
Licensed
California
Languages
English, Spanish

Next step

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