About Dr Cynthia
Before I went to school to become a psychotherapist, I was a teacher of Inner Guidance. I also taught the curriculum to become a teacher of Inner Guidance.
We all have powerful internal senses that we tend to neglect: intuition, insight, instinct, imagination and deeper intelligence that grows sharper the more we use it.
Too often, our personal growth becomes confined at the surface of ourselves by the effects of childhood trauma and how we’re raised. Sometimes we don’t know there is so much more to us.
Once we develop accurate self-knowledge and learn what part
of us is doing our thinking and making our decisions, then self mastery is within reach.
I help people unravel their personal predicaments and develop self mastery. Once we become more greatly empowered - we are equipped to know what we want in life and how to manifest it.
I received my CA license (lmft2980) in 1992, received my PhD in psychology in 1996. I wrote/published a book, “The Care and Feeding of Perfectionists “, 1998.
Often we spot perfectionism in others but cannot recognize it ourselves. Many of us believe the Perfectionist is the best part of us, when really, it prevents us from liking ourselves. Each of us have at least 2 types of perfectionism (9 types in my book). If not neutralized, it blocks our growth by convincing us that we are not good enough. I help people replace perfectionism with a free internal Gift. The inner drive toward Excellence- which springs from the Self - is a beautiful world away from the pain of perfectionism- which is a push from a wounded ego.
Once we connect to our Inner Self, we see ourselves and our world as
it really is. Then life, healing and accomplishments can become wondrous easy.
Methods I use besides talk therapy:
Identifying and healing trauma
Conscious breathing
Dream analysis
Focused meditation
Inner Guidance
Inner Child work
The necessity for humor.
EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprogramming.)
FLASH (offshoot of EMDR)
Interactive hypnotherapy
Developing self knowledge
Dismantling perfectionism
Becoming present and living in the moment
Accepting personal power
Goal setting
Couples Counseling
Additional areas of focus: Abandonment, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Communication problems, Control issues, Divorce and separation, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, HIV / AIDS, Hoarding, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Jealousy, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders, Narcissism, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Gottman Method, Hypnotherapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
CA LMFT 29820
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Dr. Cynthia Curnan. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Working with my therapist has truly helped me through some very challenging and overwhelming seasons of life. Between balancing work, family responsibilities, marriage, caregiving, and trying to take care of myself, therapy became one of the few spaces where I felt heard without judgment.
What I appreciate most is the balance of compassion and honesty. I never felt rushed, dismissed, or like “just another client.” My therapist helped me process difficult emotions, set healthier boundaries, and better understand myself while still encouraging me to move forward in practical ways.
Life can get incredibly busy, and sometimes just having a consistent space to pause, reflect, and be supported makes a huge difference. I’m grateful for the guidance, patience, and support I’ve received throughout this journey.
Written on May 20, 2026 after therapy with Cynthia for 10 months on issues concerning addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Dr Curnan is very respectful and understanding, shes attentive and has helped me soo much during a rough time in my life. Highly recommend her!
Written on May 13, 2026 after therapy with Cynthia for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and anger management
Dr. Curnan is amazing. She is so knowledgeable and so understanding. I'm so grateful to have met her and have her to help me navigate my challenges. I think a lot about how just one hour with her, once a week has such a profound effect in my life. I'm so excited for the future thanks to her. A literal angel!
Written on Feb 26, 2026 after therapy with Cynthia for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
Dr. Curnan is a caring and dedicated professional. She understood my needs right away and was able to provide me with tools to deal with my situation. As a result, I am feeling more confident in a short amount of time. I highly recommend her!
Written on Feb 19, 2026 after therapy with Cynthia for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Professional listened and very interactive
Written on Dec 06, 2025 after therapy with Cynthia for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
Finally found a therapist who helps me be better
Written on Nov 04, 2025 after therapy with Cynthia for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and adhd