Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We will earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you use our links to buy.

Cynthia Haynes

Therapist · California

Cynthia Haynes, LMFT

Compassionate CBT-focused therapist

Continue with Cynthia

Review online therapy options on BetterHelp.

  • CBT-based approach
  • Practical daily tools
  • Experience with grief

About Cynthia

Cynthia Haynes is a licensed marriage and family therapist with ten years of clinical experience. She offers a direct, compassionate approach aimed at helping people feel better about themselves, their relationships, work, and everyday life. Cynthia invites clients to share and vent so they can reduce distress and begin to feel more peaceful and content.

Her work often focuses on stress, anxiety, grief, depression, relationship challenges, and the effects of trauma and abuse. She also addresses concerns such as abandonment, attachment issues, body image, chronic illness and pain, caregiver strain, and life transitions related to aging or adoption and foster care.

Cynthia generally uses cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and practicing new ways of thinking and behaving in daily life. She pairs that with lighter psychoanalytic ideas to look at how past experiences might shape current reactions and patterns.

Sessions are conversational and practical. Cynthia encourages sharing real-life examples and trying small changes between meetings to see what helps. She aims to make therapy feel manageable for people juggling work, family, or health demands.

Clients should expect clear, straightforward guidance and collaborative planning. Cynthia works in California and conducts sessions in English.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Experience

10+ years

Credentials

California

Languages

English

How Cynthia’s approaches translate to online work

Evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy helps by identifying unhelpful thoughts and practicing new behaviors in daily life. In an online session this looks like talking through specific situations, learning simple skills, and agreeing on exercises to try between meetings.

She also uses light psychoanalytic ideas to notice patterns that come from past experiences. This involves gentle reflection on recurring feelings and relationships to see how they influence current reactions and choices.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist and client will work together to decide whether more thought-focused work or more reflective exploration fits best. That decision is based on the person’s goals, needs, and preferences, and can change over time.

If you are interested in remote sessions, confirm which session formats are available before booking. Many people find online therapy useful because it can fit into busy schedules, cut travel time, and make it easier to keep regular appointments while managing health or caregiving responsibilities.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does Cynthia address?

She helps people managing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, and trauma and abuse. She also works with concerns like chronic illness, caregiver stress, body image, and attachment or abandonment issues.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is straightforward and conversational with practical exercises. She mixes thought-focused work with occasional reflection on past patterns to understand present behavior.

What is her clinical background?

Cynthia has ten years of experience working with adults on emotional and relationship concerns. She draws on that experience to offer clear guidance and realistic coping strategies.

Where is she licensed and practicing?

She is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in California and conducts sessions from that location.

Can someone meet with her in another language?

Sessions are offered in English.

Does she work with clients outside the United States?

She is not currently accepting international clients.

How much do sessions cost?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin therapy?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Back to all therapists

Cynthia HaynesReview online therapy options on BetterHelp.

Continue with Cynthia