Cindy Stricklen

As a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern, I have had experience working with clients, both individually and in groups, on a variety of issues. My areas of specialized experience include working with children, adolescents, and adults dealing with issues of life transitions, relationships, anxiety and post-traumatic stress, depression, grief and loss, parenting, intimate partner domestic violence, child abuse, and day-to-day coping skills. My objective in therapy includes helping clients develop a better understanding of themselves and their unique identity so that they are better able to develop authentic and meaningful relationships. I consider myself to be culturally sensitive and respectful of each individual’s unique personality. I believe that it takes a great deal of courage to reach out and ask for help and support from others, and my goal is to provide a safe, accepting, non-judgmental, and supportive environment for my clients. I am flexible and open to feedback, because I believe that finding the right fit in a therapist is essential to the process. In my personal life, I love spending time with friends and family, cooking, and traveling. My travels have include living in Mexico for a year and attending language immersion programs. I consider myself culturally and linguistically competent as a bilingual, Spanish-speaking counselor.

Education

I completed my Master’s of Science degree in Counseling, with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy, and an additional emphasis in School Counseling at San Francisco State University. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, with an emphasis in Women, Culture & Development, at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Training and Experience

I am trained in working with victims of intimate partner abuse and violence and have worked extensively with clients who have been impacted by abuse and trauma. I have two years’ experience providing play therapy to children. I focus on assisting clients in developing healthy family dynamics and social support systems. I have also worked with adolescents and teens dealing with issues of social identity and navigating the transition from youth to adulthood. My experience with adult clients has largely focused on issues of past trauma, developing self-esteem, setting healthy boundaries, and utilizing assertive communication skills within relationships.

Professional Standing and Affiliations

I am a registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern, IMF# 61293, working under the supervision of Mat Chirman, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (# 39579). I hold a credential in School Counseling (Pupil Personnel Services) and am a member of the American Counseling Association and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (including the Central Coast chapter of CAMFT).