- CBT techniques
- Mindfulness practice
- Motivational interviewing
About Marcia
Marcia Pontoni is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 25 years of experience. She works with adults facing relationship challenges, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, stress, and anger. Marcia also helps people dealing with addiction concerns and compassion fatigue.
Her style is straightforward and practical. She uses cognitive behavioral approaches and mindfulness to help people notice patterns in thought and behavior. She listens to what someone wants to change and then shapes conversations to focus on workable steps.
Marcia draws on decades of practice across a range of concerns, including intimacy-related issues, family-of-origin problems, and communication struggles. She also supports people coping with major life shifts such as illness, aging, hospice and end-of-life matters, and divorce or separation.
In sessions she combines client-centered conversation with techniques that challenge unhelpful thinking and build new habits. Motivational interviewing elements are used when people want to make concrete changes. She may discuss past experiences when they help explain present reactions, using psychodynamic ideas sparingly.
People who come for help with anger can expect direct discussion about triggers, patterns, and practical strategies to manage impulses and rebuild trust in relationships. Marcia asks about daily routines and goals, then works on small, achievable steps. She offers sessions in English and serves clients based in California.
How Marcia uses CBT and Mindfulness in online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy is a way of structuring sessions so the client's concerns lead the agenda. It focuses on listening, clarifying goals, and shaping conversation around what matters most to the person. This approach helps people who want to talk through relationship problems, grief, or ongoing tension.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts and behaviors that keep problems active. Sessions include noticing unhelpful thinking, testing those thoughts, and practicing alternative responses. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, anger, and stress where patterns of thinking drive reactions.
Mindfulness Therapy involves simple attention practices to reduce reactivity. It helps people notice physical signs of anger and step back before acting. These practices pair well with CBT skills for managing impulses and increasing emotional awareness.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Marcia will talk with each person about their needs, goals, and preferences and then recommend which methods to try. That decision is collaborative and can change as goals shift.
The practical benefit of online sessions is they can fit into everyday life more easily. Confirm the current session options before booking so you know what formats are offered. Online work can make it simpler to schedule short check-ins, use video when helpful, or choose telephone when a quieter setting or lower bandwidth is needed.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address related to anger?
She helps people who struggle with anger tied to relationships, work stress, or resentment. Other related areas include intimacy issues, family problems, and coping with grief.
What is her therapy style like?
She uses a client-centered approach with practical techniques from CBT and mindfulness. Conversations focus on identifying triggers and building new habits.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 25 years of professional experience working with adults on issues such as depression, anxiety, addictions, and control problems.
What credentials and region does she practice in?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in California and works with clients in that state.
Can sessions be conducted in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing is provided during the sign-up process.
How do I begin sessions with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.