About
- Client-Centered Therapy
- CBT skills
- DBT skills
About Monica
Monica Gutierrez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Arizona with seven years of experience. She works with adults and young people on stress, anxiety, depression, anger, relationship strain, grief, and the pressures of parenting and family life.
Monica trained at Arizona State University where she earned a Master of Social Work. She has worked in outpatient and inpatient settings and now contributes to a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program team. That range of settings informs how she supports people during disruptions and transitions.
She uses client-centered and strengths-based methods alongside family-systems ideas to help people understand their role inside a household. Monica also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills to teach concrete tools for managing moods, panic, and overwhelming emotion.
Sessions focus on clear goals and practical skills. Monica tends to prioritize building a working relationship first and then practicing strategies for emotion regulation, communication, and problem solving. She also addresses body image, self-esteem, compassion fatigue, and issues common in young adulthood.
Outside of her clinical work she spends time with family, crafts, and long walks with her dog. Her background in multiple care settings is used to help people handle life changes and the everyday demands of home and caregiving.
How sessions work
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Monica draws on Client-Centered Therapy to focus on each person's concerns and priorities. This approach means sessions often begin by listening and then organizing goals the client cares about. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify unhelpful thoughts and try simple behavior changes; it is practical for anxiety, depression, panic symptoms, and body image work. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance, which can help with strong mood swings and anger.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Monica will talk with the client about goals, try techniques together, and adjust methods based on what helps most. That collaborative testing helps people find what fits their daily life and responsibilities at home.
Confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. Online work can make scheduling easier and help sessions fit around parenting, work, or caregiving. It can also allow for shorter check-ins when needed, or sessions that avoid video if phone is preferred. Speak with the scheduler to learn which formats are offered and how they can be arranged to match a typical day.
Areas of focus
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
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with at home?
She works with stress, anxiety, anger, relationship strain, family concerns, grief, and coping with life changes. Additional focuses include body image, mood disorders, panic attacks, self-love, and young adult issues.
How would she approach conflict with a partner or parent?
Monica uses client-centered and family-systems ideas to help people clarify their role in household dynamics. She also uses communication and emotion-regulation skills from CBT and DBT.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has seven years of experience working in outpatient and inpatient settings and on a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program team.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Pennsylvania and Montana and practices from Arizona.
Can I work with her in Spanish?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Does she work with international clients?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.