- CBT techniques
- DBT skills
- Motivational interviewing
About Monica
Monica Gutierrez is an LCSW with seven years of clinical experience based in Arizona. She works with adults and young adults around stress, anxiety, anger, depression, and relationship and family concerns. Monica speaks English and Spanish and draws on practical strategies to help people cope with life changes and overwhelm.
She trained at Arizona State University and has worked across outpatient and inpatient settings. That background includes experience in a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program where she worked with young people navigating mood issues and panic symptoms. Her work often addresses self-esteem, body image, compassion fatigue, grief, and the fallout from prolonged stress.
Monica uses client-centered methods alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques. Motivational Interviewing is also part of her toolbox. In sessions she focuses on building a working relationship, then testing specific skills that reduce reactivity and improve day-to-day functioning.
Typical sessions include talking through what triggers anger or anxiety, practicing coping skills, and planning small behavior changes to try between meetings. She pays attention to family dynamics when those are relevant and helps individuals speak about boundaries and patterns that cause resentment.
Outside of clinical work she values time with family, crafting, and long walks with her dog. That personal perspective informs a practical, down-to-earth approach in sessions.
How her approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and building a collaborative relationship. It helps people feel heard and helps identify practical goals to reduce anger and stress.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches concrete techniques to change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. CBT is useful for panic attacks, low mood, and the thought loops that fuel anger.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills are often used to lower intense reactions and manage conflict more effectively.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. Monica works with each person to choose methods that fit their needs, goals, and daily life. That collaboration shapes what is practiced in sessions and what homework or skill practice is recommended.
The practical benefits of online work include fitting sessions into a busy week and keeping skill practice immediate after difficult moments. The profile does not list specific session formats here, so confirm which formats are offered before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to check in during a lunch break or to have a shorter follow-up when needed, helping skills carry over into everyday routines.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
7+ years
Listed in
Arizona, Virginia, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Utah, Kansas, Montana, Maryland, Oregon, District of Columbia
Languages
English, Spanish
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, anger, depression, relationship and family concerns, grief, and coping with life changes.
What is her general therapy style?
She uses a client-centered approach and combines practical CBT and DBT techniques to reduce reactivity and build coping skills.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has seven years of experience working in outpatient, inpatient, and virtual intensive outpatient program settings.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an LCSW licensed in Pennsylvania and Montana and is based in Arizona.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are session formats arranged?
Confirm current session options before booking, as specific formats are not listed in the profile.
How are fees handled and how do I begin?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To start, select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.