Kirsten Suarez, LMFT
Warm LMFT combining behavioral and solution-focused care
- Autism and developmental expertise
- Adults with mood challenges
- Collaborative practical planning
About Kirsten Suarez
Kirsten Suarez is a licensed marriage and family therapist practicing in California who brings a background in behavior analysis to her clinical work. She became licensed as an LMFT in California in 2018 and has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2014, a credential that reflects specialized training in applied behavior analysis and developmental supports. Her earlier work focused on treatment for individuals diagnosed with autism and other developmental delays, and she has extensive experience working with adults facing depression, anxiety, anger management, ADHD, parenting challenges, and major life transitions.
Kirsten's counseling style is warm, collaborative, and supportive. She emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion and avoids stigmatizing labels when describing people and their struggles. Her clinical approach blends cognitive behavioral techniques, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, solution-focused strategies, and humanistic principles to create pragmatic, personalized care. She tailors conversations and treatment plans to the individual needs and goals of each person she works with.
Kirsten focuses on the here and now while working with clients to develop concrete solutions that improve day-to-day functioning and overall quality of life. She frames therapy as a team effort, offering guidance and encouragement while empowering clients to take the steps toward a more fulfilling life. Kirsten welcomes the opportunity to support and collaborate with those ready to pursue change.
Kirsten's counseling style is warm, collaborative, and supportive. She emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion and avoids stigmatizing labels when describing people and their struggles. Her clinical approach blends cognitive behavioral techniques, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, solution-focused strategies, and humanistic principles to create pragmatic, personalized care. She tailors conversations and treatment plans to the individual needs and goals of each person she works with.
Kirsten focuses on the here and now while working with clients to develop concrete solutions that improve day-to-day functioning and overall quality of life. She frames therapy as a team effort, offering guidance and encouragement while empowering clients to take the steps toward a more fulfilling life. Kirsten welcomes the opportunity to support and collaborate with those ready to pursue change.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
Autism and Asperger SyndromeCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyIntellectual disabilityObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacks
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Kirsten Suarez have?
Kirsten Suarez has 3 years of experience.
Is Kirsten Suarez a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the LMFT credential, licensed in California as CA LMFT 106536.
In which languages does Kirsten Suarez provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English.
Where is Kirsten Suarez located?
She is located in California.
How can I work with Kirsten Suarez as my therapist?
You can work with Kirsten Suarez through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Kirsten Suarez work with international clients?
No. Kirsten Suarez does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Kirsten Suarez cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Approaches for online therapy and practical tools
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people clarify their values and commit to steps that align with those values while learning to accept difficult internal experiences rather than fighting them. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, and stress related to life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors to improve mood and functioning; it often helps with anxiety, depression, panic, and symptoms of ADHD when they affect daily routines. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, teaches practical skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness and can be beneficial for intense emotions, relationship conflicts, and anger management.
Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and happens collaboratively. Kirsten works with clients to assess their needs, preferences, and goals and then adapts techniques from these modalities to create a personalized plan that feels manageable and relevant.
Online therapy via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for people balancing work, family, or caregiving responsibilities. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, fit sessions into a busy schedule, and access a licensed professional from different locations, while still focusing on practical strategies and measurable progress.