Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We will earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you use our links to purchase.

Cynthia Cunningham

Cynthia Cunningham, LMFT

Therapist · California · 27+ years of experience

Compassionate recovery-focused family therapist

Continue with Cynthia

Opens BetterHelp in a new tab, where you can review online therapy options.

At a glance

Listed location
California
Experience
27+ years
Credentials
LMFT
Languages
English
License (California)
LMFT · No. 34049
NPI
1275798241

Copied as listed by the therapist. You can check a license with the state board and an NPI with the national registry.

  • Addiction recovery
  • Boundary skills
  • Relationship work

About Cynthia

Cynthia Cunningham is a California-based licensed marriage and family therapist with 27 years of clinical experience. She draws on long personal recovery and professional practice to guide people through deep change. Her approach is direct and compassionate, focused on practical steps that help clients regain control of their life.

Cynthia often works with people coping with addiction and codependency, and she helps those who struggle with relationships that feel one-sided. She teaches skills for setting boundaries, saying no with kindness, and shifting attention from others to self-care. She also supports people facing anxiety, panic, depression, bipolar challenges, and life transitions.

Her methods include cognitive behavioral work to change unhelpful patterns and attachment-based ideas to make sense of relationship struggles. Cynthia also uses client-centered listening and emotion-focused tools to help people feel heard and to process painful feelings. She keeps sessions practical and goal-oriented so clients can try new behaviors between meetings.

Cynthia speaks plainly about recovery from addiction and love addiction because she has lived that journey herself. That experience informs how she models change and holds hope for clients who want different outcomes. She respects each person’s pace and choices throughout therapy.

People who choose Cynthia can expect a steady companion in the work of change. She emphasizes skills you can use right away, emotional understanding, and steady support while you build new habits and healthier relationships.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteem

Also works with

Stress, AnxietyGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changesADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyGottman MethodHypnotherapyImago Relationship TherapyJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

27+ years

Credentials

California

Languages

English

Therapeutic approaches that translate to online work

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps people identify and change thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going. It is useful for anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and habits tied to addiction.

Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how past relationships shape present reactions and expectations. It can help people who struggle with intimacy, abandonment fears, and repeating relationship patterns.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapy process. The therapist will collaborate with the client to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and preferences. This often means trying techniques and adjusting the plan together based on what helps.

Confirm which session formats are currently offered before booking, since formats were not specified in the source biography. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let people meet from quieter surroundings and keep consistent appointments during life transitions.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Cynthia commonly address?

She helps with addictions, relationship and family issues, anger, self-esteem, stress, anxiety, grief, intimacy problems, eating and sleeping concerns, career questions, bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, and coping with life changes.

How would you describe her therapy style?

Her style is direct and compassionate, with practical skill-building and supportive listening. Sessions focus on changing unhelpful patterns and strengthening emotional understanding.

What kind of experience does she bring?

She has 27 years of experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist and speaks from long-term personal recovery that informs her work.

What credentials and region are listed?

Cynthia holds the LMFT credential and practices in California.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Does she work with international clients?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are fees and billing handled?

Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What are the steps to begin working together?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Cynthia CunninghamContinue with Cynthia