Claudia Santiago , LCSW

Claudia Santiago is a licensed therapist in California with over twelve years of experience helping people navigate complex emotional challenges. As an LCSW - a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - she blends clinical training with a compassionate, person-centered approach to care.

She supports individuals facing depression, anxiety, trauma, and major life transitions, and she works to strengthen self-esteem, improve communication, and ease social and workplace stress. Her practice pays close attention to interpersonal dynamics, offering practical strategies for relationship and family concerns while honoring each person s unique background and needs.

As a therapist of color, she brings a culturally responsive perspective that informs how she listens, validates, and tailors treatment. Her style is collaborative and affirming - she partners with clients to explore personal experiences, deepen insight, and develop actionable tools for growth. Drawing on evidence-based methods, Claudia helps people build resilience, enhance self-compassion, and move toward more fulfilling lives while respecting each individual s distinct path and strengths.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Claudia often draws on Client-Centered Therapy, which places the client s perspective at the center of the work and emphasizes empathy, acceptance, and the client s own goals - this approach can be especially helpful for building self-esteem and exploring identity. She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, a practical method commonly used for anxiety, depression, and stress management. For couples and relationship concerns she applies the Gottman Method, focusing on improving communication, managing conflict, and strengthening connection between partners.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process. Claudia, as a licensed professional, collaborates with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds. This collaborative stance helps ensure therapy feels relevant and effective for the individual or couple.

Online therapy makes these approaches accessible through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. The flexibility of multiple formats helps clients fit sessions into busy lives, maintain continuity during transitions, and access consistent support from a licensed therapist regardless of scheduling constraints.