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- CBT informed
- Parenting support
- Young adult issues
About Gia
LMFT in California with 7 years of clinical experience, Gia Castiglia Schwarzer focuses on stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting concerns. She also sees people coping with grief, self-esteem struggles, addiction issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related problems, anger, depression, life changes, compassion fatigue, and young adult issues. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and interpersonal resources to help clients find practical ways forward.
Gia frames clients as the experts on their own lives and helps them notice the strengths they already have. Sessions emphasize identifying small, actionable steps clients can use between meetings. Conversations tend to focus on concrete skills for managing symptoms and improving everyday interactions.
She completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Political Science at U.C. Irvine and earned a Master of Arts in Psychology from Chapman University in Orange, California. After becoming a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist she worked in private practice and in school settings, then took time away for family before returning to counseling.
In practice she draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to uncover unhelpful thinking and to test practical changes. She also uses interpersonal resources to map relationship patterns and communication habits. Part of her work is helping clients connect internal strengths to real-life situations so new habits stick.
Sessions focus on clear goals, observable changes, and skills that fit daily life. Gia helps people break problems into manageable parts and tracks progress over time. The emphasis is on pragmatic tools and steady, achievable steps toward improvement.
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How Gia uses CBT and interpersonal work in online sessions
Gia uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify unhelpful thoughts and test small behavior changes that reduce distress. CBT in practice means tracking thoughts, trying out new responses, and reviewing what works for daily life challenges like anxiety, depression, or addictive urges.She also uses interpersonal resources to map communication patterns and relationship behaviors that affect mood. This approach focuses on observable interaction habits and practical ways to shift them, which can help with relationship strain, parenting concerns, and intimacy-related issues.
Deciding which approach will help most is a collaborative task. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and everyday constraints with each person and then recommend CBT or interpersonal strategies, or a blend of both. Clients and the therapist adjust the plan as they learn what fits.
Confirm current session options before booking since specific formats are not listed in the biography. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also allow someone to join from a quieter location or avoid camera use on days when they prefer an audio-only meeting. These practical benefits help sessions fit into everyday life without assuming a particular format.
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Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
7+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
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Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting concerns. Other areas include grief, self-esteem, addictions, trauma and abuse, anger, depression, intimacy issues, compassion fatigue, and young adult issues.
What therapeutic style does she use?
She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside interpersonal resources. The focus is on practical skills and tracing how thoughts and interactions affect feelings and behavior.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has seven years of professional work experience as a therapist. That experience includes private practice and work in school settings.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a California LMFT, which stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and practices in California.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions paid for and what does cost look like?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact rates depend on the chosen plan and location.
How do I begin working with her?
Begin by selecting the See online therapy options button and completing a short matching questionnaire. After that you can schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the urgent help numbers.