Cynthia Cunningham , LMFT

Cynthia Cunningham is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California with 27 years of clinical experience. As an LMFT she is trained to work with individuals, couples, and families to address relationship patterns, emotional struggles, and life transitions.

She speaks from both professional training and personal experience - she has been sober for 35 years and is in recovery from codependency and love addiction. That lived experience informs a compassionate, pragmatic approach to healing and change. Cynthia believes change is possible because she has made major changes in her own life, and she brings that perspective to her work with others.

Cynthia helps people who are struggling with addictions, relationship and family issues, anger, low self-esteem, stress and anxiety, grief, intimacy concerns, eating and sleeping problems, career challenges, bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, and coping with life changes. She also addresses concerns such as abandonment, attachment difficulties, codependency, communication and control problems, blended family dynamics, and caregiver stress.

Her clinical work draws on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic techniques, and she also integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based methods, Client-Centered principles, and Emotionally-Focused approaches as appropriate. Cynthia emphasizes empowerment and boundary skills - for example, helping people stop pursuing unreciprocated relationships and learn to say no in ways that are kind and firm. Clients remain in control of therapy and set the pace and direction of their work. She welcomes those ready to take a first step toward change and would be honored to work with them.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Cynthia Cunningham

Cynthia Cunningham uses a blend of evidence-informed approaches to help clients meet their goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce anxiety, depression, and life stressors. It is practical and skills-oriented, useful for managing panic, mood symptoms, and everyday coping challenges.

Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early and current relationship patterns shape emotional responses and intimacy. This approach can be especially helpful for people facing abandonment, codependency, relationship conflict, and difficulties forming secure connections.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify values, accept difficult emotions, and take committed action toward a meaningful life. ACT can support those wrestling with avoidance, worry, or persistent life dissatisfaction.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Cynthia works together with each person to determine which methods fit best based on needs, goals, and personal preferences, adjusting strategies as progress unfolds.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility to fit different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care during busy or transitional periods and to access licensed professionals from where clients are most comfortable.