Hello, my name is Cynthia Aiken, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, and families from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. My goal in therapy is to provide a safe space for you to work towards actualizing your best self. Together, you will learn to use your existing strengths and identify those you may not know exist within you to achieve your goals. I am bilingual/bicultural and fluent in Spanish.
My approach
My approach to therapy is eclectic, including person-centered, culturally-centered, and solution-focused. In therapy, my role includes listening without judgment, fostering an environment that includes compassion, support, and encouragement, and being your guide toward healing and well-being.
My focus
I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families from various backgrounds. I have helped clients with life transitions, anxiety, depression, stress management, relationship issues, family conflict, and parenting issues. I have extensive experience working with individuals involved in the justice system, both while incarcerated and in the community.
My communication style
In therapy sessions, my goal is to provide a safe space where you can share your story and feel blanketed by non-judgment, patience, and understanding. We are all humans and need support and guidance on this journey called Life.
My journey to therapy
I am passionate about life and people. I have struggled with many life changes as a child, an adolescent, and as an adult, including personal illness, and all the while I needed support. To ask for help is a strength; maybe some people have a natural resiliency, but there are others that can learn resiliency through identifying strengths and creating a tool belt that gives them resources, skills, and alternative choices toward a healthier self.
My goals for you
Goal setting is a completely individual process; no two people or situations have the same path. During the first session, I will ask what you want out of therapy, and from there, therapeutic goals will be made and re-evaluated throughout the therapy process.
My first session with you
During our first session, we will go over paperwork, confidentiality and some exceptions, cancellation policies, and emergency contacts. We will also address any questions you have about the therapeutic process. From there, you will be asked about what has brought you to therapy and your thoughts about the goal of therapy. I will ask about your family and friends, sleeping and eating patterns, and other questions to fully understand your situation. Additionally, I will provide support and be patient as you share your personal story.