About Cindy
Cindy Levy - California LMFT
I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 20 years, dedicated to helping individuals and families heal from trauma and break cycles of dysfunction.
A Journey of Professional Growth
I completed my Masters Program in 1995 with a specialization in Family Systems therapy. It was here that I first studied how people develop coping mechanisms to survive in dysfunctional family systems. I began my career working with both individuals and families, helping clients identify problematic relationship patterns that led to negative self-beliefs, intense emotional distress, and maladaptive behaviors.
Discovering Complex Trauma
Throughout my years of practice, I became increasingly interested in what is now commonly referred to as Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I noticed that many of my clients presented with PTSD symptoms but could not identify experiencing any single major trauma. After providing clients the opportunity to explore their childhoods and relationships, I began recognizing patterns of relational experiences that led to feelings of abandonment, rejection, forced roles, and lack of safety and security.
I realized that much of what my clients were experiencing resulted from their nervous systems perceiving threats and activating the fight, flight, or freeze mechanisms common in PTSD. During our sessions, clients were able to connect current symptoms – depression, anxiety, anger, OCD, mood instability, and addictive behaviors – to childhood memories and experiences.
Treatment Philosophy
My comprehensive approach integrates:
My Service Commitment to You
I am committed to providing a safe, compassionate setting for clients to take this courageous journey of healing. I want to always continue finding creative ways to make this journey worthwhile for my clients. Your healing matters, and I’m honored to walk alongside you in this transformative process.
Get Started with Your Healing Journey!
Begin Your Therapy Journey With Cindy
Specialized Training and Certifications
EMDR Basic Training Certification (2021)
I completed and received my certificate in Basic Training for EMDR through the Institute for Creative Mindfulness. This mindfulness-oriented EMDR training provided a very effective way of treating the complex issues my clients presented. I frequently use bilateral stimulation to help process distressing emotions and identify negative cognitive beliefs attached to them.
Internal Family Systems Training (2023-Present)
Discovering IFS felt like coming full circle, as I had begun my career studying family systems. Now I could see how much of what I learned in my Masters program could be applied to helping individuals navigate their internal worlds. I have completed several continuing education training courses in IFS, making me IFS-informed.
Helping Improve Quality of Life
As an integrative therapist, I enjoy working with each client to discover the types and combinations of therapy that work best for you. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and compassionate pathway to healing, and to provide helpful tools and resources to use along the path.