- CBT informed
- Parenting focus
- Young adult issues
About Gia
Gia Castiglia Schwarzer is a California licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with seven years of professional experience. She centers sessions on practical steps and on the client’s own strengths. Her style is straightforward and supportive, aimed at helping people manage stress, anxiety, parenting concerns, relationships, and life transitions.
She views each person as the expert on their own life and focuses on uncovering the strengths they already have. Sessions tend to identify small, doable actions that fit into everyday life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques are used when helpful to spot unhelpful thinking and try different responses.
Gia completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Political Science at the University of California, Irvine and a Master of Arts in Psychology from Chapman University in Orange, California. After earning her license she spent time working in private practice and in school settings, then stepped away briefly to raise a family before returning to counseling.
Her work often addresses grief, self-esteem, addiction concerns, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, anger, depression, and coping with major life changes. She also focuses on young adult issues and supports people facing compassion fatigue.
In sessions clients can expect a collaborative, down-to-earth process that connects personal strengths with practical steps. Gia aims to help people notice what already works for them and build on those strategies to handle current challenges.
How CBT Shapes Online Work and Practical Steps
Gia uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a key part of her approach. CBT focuses on noticing thoughts and behaviors that keep stress and anxiety going, then testing small changes to see what helps. This approach is useful for managing mood, anxiety, anger, and practical parenting challenges.Therapy is presented as a collaborative process. The therapist will work with the person to test which approaches feel most useful. Together they will set goals and try techniques that match the person’s needs and day-to-day life.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the specific session formats before booking since formats are not specified in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins around work or school breaks, and reduce travel time. It can also let people use options that avoid being on camera or that use less bandwidth when needed. Licensed professionals can adapt CBT exercises and practical homework for remote sessions to help people use what they learn between meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
7+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does this therapist address?
Common concerns include stress, anxiety, parenting and relationship issues as well as grief, self-esteem, addictions, trauma and abuse, anger, depression, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes. Young adult issues are also listed as a focus area.
How would you describe the therapy approach or style?
Therapy emphasizes practical, collaborative work and building on a person’s existing strengths. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques are used when helpful to identify thinking patterns and try alternative responses.
What background and experience does the therapist have?
The therapist has seven years of professional experience and has worked in both private practice and school settings. She also took time away from practice to raise a family before returning to counseling.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds the credential LMFT, which stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and practices in California.
Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Session formats are not specified in the biography; please confirm current session options before scheduling so you know whether phone or video sessions are offered.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist’s availability.