Dr. Cecilia Lopez

Hi there! My name is Dr. Cecilia Lopez, and I hold a Doctorate of Education in Counseling Psychology, a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. My career began over a decade ago in community mental health, where I served clients struggling with symptoms related to panic, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. During this time, I provided individual therapy, developed and facilitated group therapy and skill-building workshops, supervised case managers, and trained staff on a person-centered approach called Transformational Care Planning, which emphasizes tailored, collaborative treatment strategies.

In 2020, I transitioned to full-time private practice. My focus now is on helping clients manage anxiety, anger, stress, and/or depression, with an emphasis on creating meaningful change in their lives. I teach practical tools for managing mental health and facilitate processing and meaning-making around thoughts and feelings that may hinder progress. I also aim to support clients in improving functioning related to social relationships, health, and meaningful routines by helping them envision their ideal life, set achievable goals, and develop skills to attain those goals.

I utilize a blend of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Brief Strategic Solution-Focused Therapy, and aspects of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I am open-minded about spirituality and incorporate clients' unique spiritual perspectives when appropriate. Additionally, I prioritize cultural sensitivity to ensure therapy is respectful and relevant to each individual's background and experiences.

My approach begins with CBT, focusing on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and narratives. I guide clients in reframing thoughts and developing healthier cognitive habits. I also teach skills derived from DBT, expressive arts, and other modalities to respond effectively to difficult emotions, emphasizing self-soothing strategies, mindfulness practices, and meditation.

Throughout therapy, I support clients in processing their experiences, exploring underlying thoughts and feelings, and making meaning of their life stories. This exploration may involve reflecting on past experiences, working through challenging emotions, and gaining deeper self-awareness. My goal is to help clients build resilience, increase self-compassion, and develop practical skills that support their mental health and overall well-being.

I tailor my approach to each individual, integrating person-centered and solution-focused techniques. The combination of structured tools and compassionate exploration aims to empower clients to create meaningful change in their lives.

Clients can expect to leave sessions equipped with practical tools to identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and develop healthier thought habits. They will learn strategies to manage and respond to emotions in ways that promote resilience and self-soothing, rather than being overwhelmed by them.

Sessions provide a safe, supportive space for processing thoughts and feelings, gaining clarity about personal values and goals, and working toward their ideal life. Together, we will explore areas such as relationships, routines, and personal growth, and develop actionable steps to achieve their desired outcomes.

Ultimately, clients will gain insights into themselves, practical skills for mental health management, and a clearer vision of the life they want to create.