About Me
Hello! I’m Ciana Gonzales and I provide individual psychotherapy services to adolescents, adults, and young adults, giving space to feel heard without judgement, and allowing room for healing and change. It is my belief that lasting change happens when we experience greater insight into ourselves – our strengths, areas of growth, problems, background, and significant experiences – and are able to develop understanding and self-compassion. Oftentimes, we can struggle with this. Our critical voice takes over, blocking us from deepening our self-awareness, connection to ourselves, and connection to others. Together, we will work to find better understanding of that critical voice, and to develop a more helpful, loving voice that encourages you to persevere and create space for growth.
My Journey
My own journey began with my natural desire to help others and be a listening ear. This led me to the fields of Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy, and throughout my education and personal experiences in therapy, I was able to build greater insight into myself and other factors that led me to a helping career.
Growing up witnessing family conflict, I quickly took on the role as an emotional caregiver to family members. Having this role helped me to develop a strong sense of curiosity and empathy that carry over in my work as a psychotherapist. It allows me to remain open-minded and inquisitive while getting to learn more about my clients and the problems they bring into the room. It also enables me to help my clients build these qualities within themselves to build the self-compassion that will allow them to move through their challenges toward a greater sense of peace and joy.
Through my educational experiences, receiving my Bachelors Degree from Chapman University and Master’s Degree from University of Southern California, I was able to build a solid foundation in the art and practice of psychotherapy. These experiences led me to work in a variety of clinical settings, helping clients from all different backgrounds, and seeking help for various problems including depression, anxiety, panic, perfectionism, acute and chronic stress, relationship distress, family conflict, grief & loss, chronic pain, substance abuse, and schizophrenia. I have also been able to lead both process and educational mental health groups for children and teens, and adults in recovery.
In my current practice, I like to draw from modalities including Attachment Theory, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic Theory, and I am formally trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), which I integrate into each session. I also incorporate aspects of Mindfulness, Meditation, Gratitude, and Holistic Health, which are shown to be effective in helping us rewire neural connections that keep us feeling worried and down, leading to a greater sense of calm.
Above all else, I am committed to creating a warm, caring environment where you can feel safe to open up and speak about those topics that may be difficult to discuss anywhere else. We will give space to honor those uncomfortable or painful feelings and experiences, and will work together to move you through, creating hope for a happier, more inspired tomorrow.
