I am a California licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you already have many of the strengths that will assist you in overcoming the challenges in your life.
I obtained my undergraduate degrees, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology and Political Science from U.C. Irvine and I earned my Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychology from Chapman University in Orange, CA. After getting my license and working in the field of psychotherapy, I took time off to have a family before returning to counseling. I have worked in private practice and in schools. I am also dually certified in Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) as both a Mental Health Practitioner and an Equine Specialist.
My therapeutic approach is based in working with the client to help guide them in finding, within themselves, the solutions that best meet their needs. As mentioned above, I believe you are the expert on you and uncovering solutions that you will most naturally and comfortably use is the goal. Becoming aware of and tapping into those hidden resources and then connecting them to your life situations will be part of our work together. I do use some Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy as well as Interpersonal Therapy resources to assist in recognizing and uncovering solutions.
Taking that first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and shows your willingness to tackle some areas of your life that just aren't working the way you would like. I am proud of you for getting started!
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Anger management, Depression, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CA LMFT 41967
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Gia Castiglia Schwarzer. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
After trying a few therapists, I finally connected with Gia! Gia is always fully engaged. She is a great active listener and asks relevant questions that give me great perspective. I look forward to my sessions with Gia.
Written on May 20, 2024 after therapy with Gia for 9 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and coaching
Gia is a great therapist, willing to listen and work with me patiently
Written on May 07, 2024 after therapy with Gia for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, and anger management
Gia is great! She listens closely and helps guide me through all my issues. I would highly recommend her!
Written on Apr 18, 2024 after therapy with Gia for 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and parenting issues
I feel SO lucky to have Gia help me navigate through my issues. She is patient, respectful, non-judgmental. She asks me questions which prompt me to see things from a different angle. In each session, I learn something about myself. I SO appreciate her.
Written on Apr 12, 2024 after therapy with Gia for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues
Gia has been an excellent source and support system! She is understanding and kind and works off the clock to always respond to my messages. I would recommend Gia to any new patient seeking therapy. She sends me worksheets and talks my anxiety out to show me another perspective. I am grateful to have Gia as a support system.
Written on Mar 27, 2024 after therapy with Gia for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Gia has been a great resource. She is always responsive and accommodating. She gives meaningful feedback, but is patient enough to hear the whole story and let the dialogue lead to where it needs to go.
Written on Mar 25, 2024 after therapy with Gia for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, and coaching