Cindy Nguman

Hi there! My name is Cindy Nguman and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in San Jose, California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I specialize in working with teens, adolescents, young adults, and who are working through anxiety, stress, depression, life transitions, identity issues, and relationship issues. I use a Person-Centered approach and employ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy strategies to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.

My approach

My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each client I work with. I most frequently utilize a strength-based and person-centered approach as it helps me and the client build a shared understanding of their reality and allows us to work together to chart a path forward.

My focus

My style and approach are a good fit for teens and young adults who may be dealing with the challenges of life transitions and social pressures. This often takes the form of anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, and identity issues. I work to help my clients navigate these transition periods and to build skills to allow them to feel better about themselves and develop a more positive outlook on life.

My communication style

My communication style is friendly, honest, personable, kind and warm. I want my clients to feel comfortable talking with me about anything, and I pride myself on my ability to listen without judgment.

My journey to mental healthcare

My journey to becoming a therapist started at a young age. My family immigrated to the United States when I was only 4 months old. I saw first-hand the obstacles my parents faced working multiple jobs, raising 3 kids, facing financial hardships trying to make ends meet, learning the culture and language in a new world, all to give us a better life. I was 5 years old when I met our family's first Vietnamese-American bilingual social worker who helped my family gain access to food stamps, low-income housing, and welfare assistance. That was my first exposure to a career where I could help others, especially those who are less fortunate and come from a low-income background like myself.

My goals for you

My approach to goal setting with clients is all about working together to define what you want to accomplish in our time together. This starts by building trust between us and getting comfortable with what it means to be in therapy. Over time, we'll work together to set goals and track your progress.

My first session with you

Our first session will be spent talking about how you've been feeling recently. I will ask questions to better understand some of why you may be feeling that way. The first session is about us building an initial connection and helping me get a sense of where we should go from there. Each individual is different, and I like to listen first before assuming I know what will work best for you moving forward.