- DBT skills
- CBT techniques
- Trauma informed care
About Portia
Portia Anderson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with 19 years of experience. She works with adults dealing with anger, stress, anxiety, relationship strain, trauma and abuse, depression, substance use concerns, and life changes. Portia focuses on helping people notice patterns that fuel reactions and learn practical ways to respond differently.
Her approach combines several evidence-informed methods. She uses psychodynamic ideas to look at recurring patterns that come from early relationships. She draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thoughts and practice new behaviors. Dialectical Behavior Therapy tools are used for emotion regulation and handling strong reactions in the moment.
Portia also works from a trauma-informed perspective, so sessions consider how past hurts shape present behavior. Narrative work is used to help people reframe painful stories about themselves. Throughout, she pays attention to how social factors like socioeconomic stress, racism, gender, and LGBT issues affect mental health.
Practical work in sessions includes skill building for emotion regulation, communication practice for strained relationships, and planning for recovery from substance use when relevant. Portia helps clients break down big problems into small, actionable steps. She encourages clear goals and regular check-ins on progress.
People usually come with a mix of concerns such as anger, intimacy problems, codependency, or career stress. Portia supports those coping with caregiver strain, adoption and foster care issues, family of origin wounds, and court-related treatment needs. Sessions aim to reduce reactivity and increase choice in how someone responds to stress.
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Portia uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot the thoughts that escalate anger and practice alternative responses. CBT focuses on changing thinking and behavior patterns, useful for workplace frustration and relationship conflict.She also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy for emotion regulation. DBT offers concrete skills for grounding, tolerating distress, and improving communication when emotions run high. Attachment-Based ideas are used to look at how early relationship patterns affect current reactions and closeness with others.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Portia will collaborate with each client to match methods to their needs, goals, and preferences. She checks in on what helps and adjusts the focus over time so sessions stay practical and goal-oriented.
Session formats should be confirmed before booking, as the biography does not list specific options. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time, or allow shorter check-ins during a break. If a client prefers less on-camera time, that practical preference can be discussed when arranging sessions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
19+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of anger issues does she address?
Portia works with anger related to relationships, workplace stress, resentment, and reactions tied to past trauma and family history.
What is her therapeutic style?
She blends psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior therapy, narrative, and trauma-informed techniques to address patterns and teach practical skills.
How much experience does she have?
She has 19 years of experience as a psychotherapist and has worked with mood disorders, substance use concerns, and family of origin issues.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA LMFT) practicing in California.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with clients outside the United States?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.