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CC Portrait of Dr. Cynthia Curnan

Dr. Cynthia Curnan

Insight-oriented therapist focused on growth

LMFT California

Experience
32 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Languages
English
Continue with Cynthia

About Cynthia

Dr. Cynthia Curnan brings over three decades of clinical practice to her work, helping people navigate stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, grief, and intimacy-related concerns.

Background and approach

She combines practical therapeutic tools with depth-oriented exploration, guiding clients toward clearer self-knowledge and greater emotional resilience. Dr.

Curnan emphasizes how patterns formed in childhood and life experience can limit growth, and she supports clients in recognizing which parts of themselves drive thinking and behavior so they can move toward lasting change. Rooted in a variety of approaches, her style blends cognitive techniques with trauma-focused interventions and experiential practices.

Dr. Curnan earned her California LMFT credential (CA LMFT 29820) and a PhD in psychology, and she is the author of The Care and Feeding of Perfectionists.

In sessions she uses methods such as EMDR, hypnotherapy, mindful breathing, dream work, and inner guidance to help clients dismantle perfectionism, reconnect with their core strengths, and set realistic goals. Her practice aims to replace self-criticism with an inner drive toward excellence so that daily living and personal accomplishments feel more attainable and rewarding.

Approaches for healing and growth online

Dr. Curnan often integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR into her online work. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and shifting behaviors through practical exercises and homework, which can help with anxiety, stress, and patterns such as perfectionism. EMDR uses guided bilateral stimulation alongside trauma processing to reduce the intensity of distressing memories and associated reactions, making it useful for trauma and abuse recovery.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. She works with clients to assess goals, symptoms, and personal preferences, adjusting methods as therapy progresses so the work remains tailored and relevant to each person’s needs.

Online sessions are available by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care when life is busy or when in-person visits are not practical, while still allowing therapists to use CBT exercises, guided EMDR protocols, breathwork, and guided imagery in real time.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist address?
She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma and abuse, grief, and intimacy-related issues, along with related matters such as abandonment, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and life purpose.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
The approach blends cognitive behavioral strategies with trauma-focused and experiential work, emphasizing self-knowledge, presence, and practical skills alongside deeper psychological exploration.
What is her clinical and professional background?
She has 32 years of clinical experience, holds a PhD in psychology, and authored a book on perfectionism that informs her work on self-critical patterns.
Where is she licensed and practicing?
She is licensed in California as an LMFT under CA LMFT 29820 and maintains a practice serving clients from that location.
Does she work with non-English or international clients?
Sessions are offered in English, and she is open to accepting international clients for online work.
What session formats are available?
Clients can meet via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different preferences and schedules.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issues

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Gottman MethodHypnotherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

32+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English