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Work with Cienna

Cienna Palos

Who I Am

My name is Cienna,

I have been practicing therapy since 2020. I have a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology, both from Azusa Pacific University.

I would describe myself as a naturally curious, warm, and friendly person. I was a very anxious child growing up, and never had the resources or words to describe what I was feeling. As I got older and learned more about mental health, everything clicked. That’s when I began my own personal journal of healing and caring for my mind/body. I’ve had some really difficult periods in my life, so I know what it’s like to feel lost, hurt, confused, hopeless, overwhelmed, even stuck. I see my own setbacks as learning tools to help people who go through similar experiences. I’m so passionate about the work I do!

If you’re interested in working with me, feel free to explore below.

My Style

My number one task when first meeting a client is creating a safe space for you to feel seen, heard, and safe. I view therapy as a partnership: I am the ‘expert’ in psychology, while you are the ‘expert’ of your own life. I think the best work gets done when we meet in the middle and figure out how to address your needs at your own pace and in your own way. No two clients are alike!

I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and elements of Internal Family Systems (IFS) into my work. I also really believe in educating clients on mindfulness and how it can change the way we view thoughts/feelings. I am Level 1 trained in Somatic Experiencing- this allows me to integrate the body/nervous system into my work with clients as well. I don’t just see you for the problems you come to me with, but you as a whole person, and I believe holistic treatment is the best way to help you heal and thrive. I also explore identity (culture, religion, gender, etc.) with my clients, as these factors are important in understanding you and how to shape the work we do.

My Work with Kids

I have ample experience working with children. The childhood years are critical in development, including emotional development. Though adults may sometimes see children’s lives as simple, to a child, they can feel very complex, challenging, and confusing. I aim to create a safe space for children: all ears, free of judgment, and focused on their needs. As I get to know each child uniquely, I can then provide both them and their parents with skills and resources to help.

My work with kids may include helping them:

*Learn coping skills

*Practice communication skills

*Increase emotional awareness/intelligence

*Gain autonomy/confidence through play and sensory activities

*Process difficult events (i.e. divorce, death, moves)

*Learn about the mind/body

I think we'd be a good fit if your child:

-Struggles with anxiety

-Is struggling with recent life events/changes (i.e. recent move, parents’ divorce, etc)

-Is slow to open up to others

-Has trouble regulating their emotions

-Has voiced that they want support with their worries/fears

My Work with Teens

The teenage years can be so difficult. There are lots of expectations, busy schedules, and many physical/ emotional changes happening. Sometimes teenagers need a safe space to process life, that’s private and secure, as independence is something they are beginning to want for themselves at this stage. I aim to balance honoring who teenagers are and supporting them in their values while also being a gentle guide in navigating typical adolescent struggles (academics, peer relationships, etc).

My work with teens may include helping them:

*Strengthen relationship skills

*Build identity and finding confidence/empowerment in this identity

*Manage academic and athletic responsibilities

*Feel validating in their experiences

*Set boundaries in relationships 

*Understand themselves better*Learn about mental health and coping skills

I think we'd be a good fit if your teen:

-Is motivated to attend therapy

-Wants to understand yourself better but aren’t sure how 

-Likes to engage in conversations or express themselves in other ways (art, music, poems, etc)

-Is open to the inevitable discomfort that may arise but is willing to trust me to help them through it

My Work with Young Adults

I’ve come to develop a passion for working with young adults. The years from 18 to 25 can be exciting, scary, unfamiliar, and yet, critical to our lives and identity. During this time, we can feel so adult, and yet, so child-like at the same time. I am committed to helping young adults feel less alone in these experiences, and to working with them on how to build the confidence in themselves to navigate this part of life.

My work with young adults may include helping them with:

*Anxiety / Depression

*Boundaries

*Processing difficult past experiences

*Forming an identity

*Developing coping skills

*Life transitions

*Relationship difficulties (romantic, peer, familial)

*Grief / Loss

I think we'd be a good fit if you:

-Have experienced trauma and want to work through past experiences 

-Are motivated to understand themselves better-Have struggled with relationships in their life and want to improve on this

-Are open to learning psycho-education and incorporating coping skills into their week 

-Struggled opening up in the beginning but stuck with the process and became more vulnerable with time

-Want to feel safer in their minds/bodies and more comfortable being alone

Are you ready to work with me?

If you're interested in working with me, checkout the link below:

https://www.coastalminds.org/cienna-palos