Therapy has been shown to benefit many parts of our lives.
People Who Participate in Therapy:
- Experience an increase in self-esteem and confidence
- Require fewer medical visits & have improved overall health
- Often have less depressed and/or anxious symptoms within six months
- Report improved work productivity and satisfaction
- Initiate and maintain healthier relationships with others
- Have improved and increased social functioning
Can often function responsibly & maintain high levels of maturity
"Start by doing what is necessary; then do what is possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible" Attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi
Effective, Accessible, Compassionate treatment from a Licensed Psychotherapist
Therapy and Counseling Services throughout California
California Therapist Aileen Cunanan-Dwight (Ms. Dwight) is a licensed clinical social worker providing individual, adolescent, family therapy, and marriage counseling services throughout California - San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
I am committed to helping clients free themselves from unhealthy patterns, improve their relationships and life circumstances, and make lasting life changes. I also believe that collaborative therapy can help others end self-criticism, create satisfying social relationships, and resolve conflict.
My Approach
I use a relaxed, empathetic, and non-judgmental approach when dealing with my clients from a strengths-based perspective. My sessions involve psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive behavioral methods to help individuals, adolescents, couples, and families develop individualized plans specific to their needs and unique circumstances.
The treatment philosophy of my clinic is based on the belief that professional therapy services should be accessible to everyone and can assist clients in gaining the skills, insight, and confidence to grow, face life’s challenges and live a rewarding life.
Services
Individual Therapy
In individual counseling, a client meets one-on-one with the therapist. We’ll develop a working relationship that may last for only a few sessions or continue for much longer, depending on your needs.
While talking to a therapist for the first time may feel embarrassing or awkward, you will begin to feel comfortable with our sessions after an initial consultation. My individual sessions start weekly and are then adjusted to bi-weekly, monthly, or less often as needed. Subsequent therapy sessions will be conducted to help you improve your quality of life.
Adolescents and Teens
Adolescent therapy can help both the teen and their parents understand their world and perspective, which may include rebellious actions, self-harm, drug abuse, and school or relationship difficulties. My approach involves psychotherapy which can help the teen effectively express their feelings and needs in more productive ways.
By incorporating occasional family therapy in conjunction with teen therapy, parents also learn to better empathize and validate emotions with their teen while providing the balance between parental guidance and fostering independence.
Individual Therapy
In individual counseling, a client meets one-on-one with the therapist. We’ll develop a working relationship that may last for only a few sessions or continue for much longer, depending on your needs.
While talking to a therapist for the first time may feel embarrassing or awkward, you will begin to feel comfortable with our sessions after an initial consultation. My individual sessions start weekly and are then adjusted to bi-weekly, monthly, or less often as needed. Subsequent therapy sessions will be conducted to help you improve your quality of life.
Adolescents and Teens
Adolescent therapy can help both the teen and their parents understand their world and perspective, which may include rebellious actions, self-harm, drug abuse, and school or relationship difficulties. Psychotherapy can also help the teen to effectively express their feelings and needs in more productive ways. By incorporating occasional family therapy in conjunction with teen therapy, parents also learn to better empathize and validate emotions with their teen while providing the balance between parental guidance and fostering independence.
Family Counseling and Relationships
Family Counseling helps individuals or families to understand and improve family interactions and resolve conflicts. These sessions consist of the entire family, a parent, a child, or any combination or number of persons willing to participate.
Treatment is typically short-term, starting at once a week for 2 to 6 months. Families may require more intensive plans based on their unique circumstances.
Mental Health Emergency Resources
If you are having an emergency or crisis, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.
About Aileen
Ms. Dwight, LCSW is a California-licensed psychotherapist and a licensed clinical social worker in practice for over 17 years. I completed my undergraduate degree in Sociology at Loyola Marymount University, followed by 10 years of business experience in Hotel Management, Human Resources Management, and Biotech/Pharma industries.
These experiences helped to solidify, and add breadth and maturity to my pursuit of Social Work, earning my Master's Degree in Social Work from San Diego State University (2003), with an emphasis on Mental Health, Direct Practice. I became a licensed California Therapist in 2006. I became certified to provide clinical supervision to Pre-licensed clinicians in 2011.
Professional Experience
My clinical interests and specialties include managing and overcoming depression, alleviating anxiety, relationships, self-esteem, men’s issues, women’s issues, phobias and panic disorders, bi-cultural and cultural issues, and general life transitions.
I use an eclectic approach to therapy, with an emphasis on cognitive, client-centered, and psychodynamic approaches. The primary focus of her practice is providing psychotherapy for individuals, adults, couples, and adolescents. My expertise is honed through extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, long-term and short-term psychotherapy (Psychodynamic, CBT, and Solutions Focused), and mindfulness-based therapy.
Specialties
I have clinical experience and can provide therapeutic assistance for clients experiencing:
Adjustment issues
Adolescent issues
Anxiety disorders
Codependency
Cultural adjustment, bi-cultural issues
Depression/mood disorders
Family issues
Grief and loss
Illness (acute, chronic, or terminal)
Life transition
Men’s issues
Panic Attacks
Parenting Concerns
Racism
Relationship issues/interpersonal conflict
Self-esteem
Separation and divorce
Trauma
Wellness and self-care
Women’s issues
Work environment issues
Work/life balance
Education and Background
My clinical experience as a California Psychotherapist also includes over 3500 hours of clinical internships and postgraduate training and 17 years of experience as a counselor and psychotherapist. On top of that, my graduate training emphasized Family Systems Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Biopsychosocial models.
Since then, I have continued to enhance and increase clinical training through required continuing education for my licensure. The diverse life and work experiences served to enhance my clinical skills and broader my work with various populations and clinical issues. This is reflected in my maturity, bi-cultural assessment, and success with treating diverse socio-cultural populations.
Treatment Philosophy
I summarize my treatment philosophy as this:
“My work with clients is very collaborative and interactive, versus being a passive sounding board. I believe that people are capable of improving their life situations and can accomplish lasting changes by learning new insights, the right guidance, and new coping skills.
It takes courage for people to challenge their beliefs and perspectives, and I admire people who are willing to seek therapy as a means of self-discovery toward the goals of self-understanding, autonomy, better relationships, and self-responsibility.
A trusting therapeutic relationship often reflects how we approach and manage our interpersonal relationships, past and present, which in turn, can influence the changes we would like to see in the future. Therefore, worthwhile therapy is that which the client feels the therapist’s genuine interest, honesty, respect, and positive regard, taking place in a safe and relaxed setting.”
Testimonials
Associations
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Offers virtual sessions
Evening and weekend teletherapy hours available
*All calls are returned at my earliest availability. By calling you consent to my return contact either by phone, voicemail, or text.