Dr. Cynthia Curnan , LMFT

Dr. Cynthia Curnan brings a long, reflective career to the work of psychotherapy, combining an early role as a teacher of Inner Guidance with formal training in clinical psychology. She emphasizes the value of internal senses such as intuition, insight, instinct, imagination, and a deeper intelligence that grows stronger with intentional practice. From that foundation, she helps people move beyond the patterns formed by childhood wounds and upbringing so they can access greater self-knowledge and choice.

Her approach centers on helping clients identify which parts of themselves are driving thoughts and decisions so that self-mastery becomes achievable. Dr. Curnan supports people as they unravel recurring predicaments, reduce the influence of perfectionism, and replace self-criticism with an inner drive toward excellence that feels grounded rather than driven by a wounded ego. She believes that once clients connect with their Inner Self, healing, accomplishment, and a clearer experience of life become more attainable.

Dr. Curnan received her California license to practice as a marriage and family therapist in 1992 and earned a PhD in psychology in 1996. She is the author of the book The Care and Feeding of Perfectionists published in 1998. In addition to talk therapy, her methods include healing trauma, breath work, dream analysis, focused meditation, inner child work, EMDR - a trauma processing technique, FLASH (an EMDR offshoot), interactive hypnotherapy, and couples counseling, along with practical tools like goal setting, presence practices, and cultivating a sense of humor in healing.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Healing and Growth

Dr. Curnan incorporates evidence-informed methods to address trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, and related concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce distress and build practical coping skills; it is often used for anxiety, stress, and mood concerns. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, EMDR, helps process and lessen the emotional impact of traumatic memories through guided bilateral stimulation and structured processing, making it useful for trauma and abuse recovery. The Gottman Method offers research-based couples work that improves communication, reduces conflict, and strengthens emotional connection for partners seeking relationship repair or growth.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Dr. Curnan collaborates with each person to determine which combination of methods best fits their needs, goals, and preferences, adapting techniques as progress unfolds. This collaborative stance helps ensure therapy feels relevant and effective for the individual or couple.

Online therapy with Dr. Curnan is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access consistent care from licensed professionals regardless of location, and they support continuity of work while accommodating clients balancing work, caregiving, or mobility considerations.