Maria Cusimano-Carl

Compassionate, experienced marriage and family therapist

LMFT California

Experience: 22 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Maria

Maria Cusimano-Carl is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with more than two decades of clinical experience in California.

Background and approach

She has worked with individuals and families on issues such as stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, and depression, and she brings a breadth of training that includes cognitive behavioral strategies and psychodynamic perspectives.

Her practice also addresses a wide range of related concerns, including adoption and foster care, attachment issues, autism and Asperger syndrome, caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, substance use and relapse prevention, communication and commitment challenges, family of origin dynamics, and fertility or parenting transitions.

Clients seeking practical skills and thoughtful exploration will find an approach that integrates problem-focused interventions with attention to deeper relational patterns. Maria’s background includes group work on relapse prevention and rebuilding trust after recovery, and she applies several evidence-informed methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Client-Centered principles.

She sees adults ages 18 and older and practices in California as LMFT CA 39420.

Integrating therapeutic approaches for online care

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; it is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress by teaching practical coping skills and new ways of responding to difficult situations. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening, and supporting clients to find their own solutions, which can be especially helpful for building self-esteem and strengthening the therapeutic relationship. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) brings skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, useful when strong emotions or relationship conflicts interfere with daily life.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works with each person to clarify goals, try strategies that fit their needs, and adjust the mix of techniques over time so the work stays relevant and useful.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and access. These formats make it easier to schedule appointments around work, caregiving, or other obligations and allow clients to use the communication method that best supports their progress.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she commonly address?

Maria works with a range of issues including stress, anxiety, relationship and family problems, self-esteem, and depression, as well as related areas like adoption and foster care, attachment, and caregiver stress.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her approach blends client-centered care with structured methods such as CBT and DBT, aiming to balance skill-building with exploration of relational patterns and personal history.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has 22 years of experience as a practicing therapist, including leading groups focused on relapse prevention and rebuilding trust after recovery.

What credentials and location are listed?

She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, listed as CA LMFT 39420, and she practices in California.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are conducted in English, and she is not accepting international clients at this time.

What session formats are offered?

Available formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different communication preferences.

How is cost determined for therapy?

Cost varies by location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem Depression

Additional focus areas

Adoption and foster careAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSLife purposeNarcissismPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Motivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

22+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English