Today we’d like to introduce you to Ciana Gonzales.
Hi Ciana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
From high school age, I knew I was interested in psychology. I took my first class in the subject there, and continued on to major it in college. In my first couple years, I elected to take some sociology courses geared toward family dynamics, and it sparked an interest in me to pursue Marriage and Family Therapy. I had always wanted to help people, and it fascinated me to build awareness into my own family dynamics, as well as the family dynamics of my peers. In 2017, I finished my Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and began working at an agency serving low-income individuals participating in the CalWorks program. Although working with this population was rewarding in many ways, I had always had the dream of beginning my own practice. I decided to transition to the path of private practice, working under a supervisor who helped me build up my caseload and who taught me the business side of running a practice while I worked on my hours toward licensure. Once licensed, I made the move to start my own practice, where I work with individuals mostly from tween/teen years to adulthood struggling with mental health challenges, like anxiety and depression.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road by any means. Agency work was rewarding, though challenging, and I often felt burnt out. When I left the agency and transitioned to private practice, I had to work 2 other jobs (nannying and running groups for another organization) in addition to the practice to support myself while building up my caseload. Then once Covid hit, many people decided to leave therapy due to the virtual nature. My other jobs had come to an end due to the pandemic as well, and I eventually had to take on another virtual therapy job to continue to sustain myself while building my caseload back up again. I also had to learn different ways to market my services, and at times go outside of my comfort zone to network with others in the area.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My practice is beautifully located in the heart of Riviera Village in Redondo Beach, just a couple blocks away from the beach. Although my license denotes therapy with couples and families, I mostly work with individuals from tween/teen age to adulthood. I have additional certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as well as Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and many of the clients that I see struggle with anxiety, depression, familial and romantic relationships, and low self-esteem. I enjoy helping clients begin to have more of a voice, and often help them practice healthy boundary setting and assertive communication. I take pride in creating a warm, understanding space for my clients, where they can come and talk about their challenges without judgment. I work together with my clients to come to realizations and strategies for moving forward in ways that feel aligned with their goals and values.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Such a tough one! I’m grateful to have many wonderful childhood memories, but one that sticks out is traveling to Tennessee to visit family. I remember being a teenager and spending time with my cousins in the summertime, going to baseball games, exploring downtown Nashville, seeing fireflies, swimming, and flirting with boys. Just a carefree time!
Pricing:
- $220/session if Private Pay (superbills are offered)
- I also keep a handful of spots available for Kaiser Permanente Norcal, Aetna, and Quest Health Insurance clients
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cianagtherapy.com
Image Credits
Mark VanZevenbergen
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