Cecily Longo

Hello! I'm Cecily Longo, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Santa Barbara, CA, and work with clients statewide in California. For decades of my career, I worked in the County Mental Health system, including correctional facilities and inpatient psychiatric facilitates. I also have experience in IOP programs for substance use, eating disorders, and mental health stabilization. In the last 3-5 years I have focused more on the private practice setting. I work with adults ages 18 and up and specialize in anxiety, depression, PTSD, and Bipolar disorder. I work with many clients who seek to improve coping skills, navigate life transitions, manage emotions, and improve communication within relationships. I work with individuals who feel they are impacted by Narcissistic Personality or Borderline Personality themselves, and/or within their family system. I also work with women's health issues, chronic health, and chronic pain issues. I implement a variety of modalities to meet my clients' needs. These include Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique Acupressure Tapping, and Psychodynamic Therapy, I am also a certified Tarotpy Practitioner.

My approach

I implement a variety of modalities to meet my clients' needs. I aim to help you develop insight to create the change you need, but also provide extensive coaching and education in order to fill your "emotional coping skills toolbox." These approaches include Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique Acupressure Tapping, and Psychodynamic Therapy, I am also a certified Tarotpy Practitioner. CBT and DBT are widely used, evidence-based, and common treatment modalities that assist you in developing concrete coping skills to manage anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The emotional Freedom Technique is an excellent and evidence-based tool that many find more accessible than meditation, It can have profound results in reducing anxiety, improving mood, and reducing the "fight/flight" sympathetic nervous system while activating your parasympathetic "relaxation response. In April of 2023, I completed a 16 CEU course to become a Certified Tarotpy Practitioner. Clients enjoy this method of therapy, as this is a more depth psychology approach that implements storytelling, imagery, and metaphor, and can often help clients become "unstuck." during therapy. This fun and fascinating approach often reveals issues the unconscious is "holding onto," allowing for quicker breakthroughs and transformations to unfold.

My focus

I work with adults ages 18 and up and specialize in anxiety, depression, PTSD, and Bipolar disorder. I work with many clients who seek to improve coping skills, navigate life transitions, manage emotions, and improve communication within relationships. I work with individuals who feel they are impacted by Narcissistic Personality or Borderline Personality themselves, and/or within their family system. I also work with women's health issues, chronic health, and chronic pain issues. Here are a few phrases that may resonate with you that indicate we can work together to accomplish your goals. "I am stuck in a relationship that is probably not healthy for me," "I want to be a better communicator." "My past traumas might be causing my mental health struggles." "I am a chronic people pleaser- I think I need to learn to set boundaries, but I don't know how yet." "I feel lost- emotionally and spiritually, and would like guidance on creating transformation." "I am a perfectionist," "I don't know how to deal with anxiety and depression." "I had family members/loved ones who were narcissistic, and it's affected my adult mental health." "I have been told/diagnosed that I may have narcissistic or borderline personality traits/disorder, and I want to learn to improve my relationships and emotional coping skills." This list is not exhaustive, but these are common reasons people show up to therapy- not because you are 'weak" or "sick," but because you want to learn, grow, and navigate life more effectively!

My communication style

My communication style is calm, relaxed, open, and non-judgmental. Clients often inform me they feel challenged and supported in a safe and nurturing environment. I am direct and simple in my coping skills coaching, and providing feedback in support. I aim to provide you with tools, resources, and a sense of empowerment in every session.

My first session with you

During the first session, we are determining if we will be a good fit to meet your therapy goals. We will go over confidentiality agreements, office policies, and informed consent. I understand you may be feeling anxious about a first-time therapy session, which is totally normal. I recommend if possible, having some goals in mind, and an idea of how you know therapy would be "working," so we can develop a starting treatment plan for your success. I will have some questions for you about your history, family history, current symptoms, medications, lifestyle, and what brings you here today for this initial appt. You may also ask as many questions as you would like to determine if I am the person to assist you on your therapy journey! This is an important and valuable first step to take, and if it appears we may not be the best fit, we can discuss possible referral options. I look forward to hearing from you!