Helena Cummings, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Helena!

I bring experience from healthcare, schools, and consulting that gives me a unique perspective on seeing people's hearts. My passion for walking alongside people in their faith journey has led me here. I use a kind, loving, faith-based approach, focusing on each client's strengths and abilities while encouraging their ideas and solutions.

My focus

I work with adults experiencing difficult psychosocial stressors and life transitions affecting their social, emotional, and spiritual functioning. These may include grief and loss, relational difficulties, anxiety, depression, or unhealthy coping. I provide space for you to process your thoughts, feelings, actions, and motivations.

My approach

My approach is intentionally based on your needs and goals. I find that cognitive behavioral therapy works well when combined with strength-based, client-centered, and solution-focused approaches. This framework helps you identify connections toward healing and well-being while honoring your unique journey.

My communication style

I have a natural way of making clients feel at peace, comfortable, and able to be themselves. I cultivate a therapeutic environment where you feel listened to and can come as you are without judgment. It's important that you feel heard and understood throughout our work together.

My journey to mental healthcare

I've always been drawn to helping professions. I believe each human being is created for a great purpose and a life of significance. I feel called to use my skills and experience to be available for others during difficult times and be a conduit for positive change in their lives.

My goals for you

My approach to goal setting is client-centered, addressing what's motivating you to seek help, where you are in your life journey, and what you desire to address and change. Building rapport and trust at the beginning of the therapeutic process is essential for authentic work to develop.

Our first session

You can expect the first session to be an initial assessment. We'll clarify the reasons and symptoms that brought you to therapy, explore how they're affecting your daily functioning, and discuss your goals for treatment. This session establishes our initial connection and helps build trust.

I identify as...

Female
Asian
Christian

Expertise

Specialties

+ 11 more

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Christian Counseling

Compassion Focused

Mindfulness-Based

Motivational Interviewing

+ 5 more

Focus populations

Educators

First Generation American/Immigrant Parents

+ 2 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 56 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of California, Los Angeles.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Helena Cummings