Gia Castiglia Schwarzer (LMFT)

I am a California licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you already have many of the strengths that will assist you in overcoming the challenges in your life. I obtained my undergraduate degrees, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology and Political Science from U.C. Irvine and I earned my Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychology from Chapman University in Orange, CA. After getting my license and working in the field of psychotherapy, I took time off to have a family before returning to counseling. I have worked in private practice and in schools. I am also dually certified in Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) as both a Mental Health Practitioner and an Equine Specialist. My therapeutic approach is based in working with the client to help guide them in finding, within themselves, the solutions that best meet their needs. As mentioned above, I believe you are the expert on you and uncovering solutions that you will most naturally and comfortably use is the goal. Becoming aware of and tapping into those hidden resources and then connecting them to your life situations will be part of our work together. I do use some Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy as well as Interpersonal Therapy resources to assist in recognizing and uncovering solutions. Taking that first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and shows your willingness to tackle some areas of your life that just aren’t working the way you would like. I am proud of you for getting started!