- Life purpose work
- Trauma-informed methods
- Perfectionism focus
About Cynthia
Dr. Cynthia Curnan is a California licensed marriage and family therapist - LMFT with 32 years of experience. She works with stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, and intimacy-related issues, and helps people who are asking what’s next in life purpose or facing a midlife change.
She listens for the patterns that keep someone stuck. She helps people notice inner voices like perfectionism and learn how those voices shape choices. Sessions focus on practical steps such as identifying unhelpful thinking, setting clear goals, and practicing breathing and presence skills.
Her background includes a PhD in psychology and decades of clinical work. She has written about perfectionism and offers ways to shift from self-criticism toward a steadier drive she calls excellence. That work often includes exploring how early wounds influence current behavior.
In-session methods can include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, trauma-focused interventions such as EMDR, and hypnotherapy elements like guided imagery. She also uses dream work, inner child work, and focused meditation when they fit the person’s goals.
Clients commonly work on communication problems, control issues, divorce and separation, caregiver stress, chronic illness impacts, and the emotional effects of grief or loss. The focus is on clear, manageable steps and developing stronger self-knowledge to make choices that matter.
People who bring concerns about life purpose, money stress, jealousy, or intimacy-related problems will find a mix of talk and experiential tools aimed at reducing patterns that block forward movement.
Therapeutic approaches and how they work online
Dr. Curnan uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT often focuses on practical exercises and clear goals, which can help with anxiety, stress, and relationship interactions.She also uses Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, a trauma-focused method that works with distressing memories to reduce their emotional impact. EMDR sessions guide attention while processing past events to ease symptoms related to trauma and abuse.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. She will discuss options and decide collaboratively which methods match a person’s goals, history, and comfort level. That planning helps tailor sessions so they feel useful and manageable.
The therapist’s biography does not state specific online formats, so confirm current session options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let people use methods like CBT homework or guided breathing exercises between meetings to keep momentum toward life purpose and relationship goals.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
32+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, and intimacy-related concerns. She also helps with life purpose, midlife questions, and related areas like caregiver stress and chronic illness effects.
How would she describe her approach?
Her style blends practical talk with experiential techniques. She uses tools to spot unhelpful thoughts, practice breathing and presence, and shift perfectionism toward a steadier internal drive.
How much experience does she have?
She has 32 years of clinical experience and completed a PhD in psychology. That background informs her work on trauma, perfectionism, and life direction.
What credential and location apply to her practice?
She is a California LMFT. Her practice is based in California.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English. She also accepts international clients.
What session formats are used?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Confirm current session options before booking to know how sessions will be held.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Reach out during sign-up to learn the rates that apply to your region.
What are the first steps to begin?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to get started.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.