- Client-centered focus
- CBT strategies
- English and Spanish
About Claudia
Claudia Santiago is an LCSW practicing in California with over 12 years of clinical experience. She focuses on helping people cope with grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, and major life changes. Claudia speaks English and Spanish and aims to create a calm, respectful space for people to talk through painful emotions.
Her approach is collaborative and down-to-earth. She listens first to understand the situation, then helps people set small, practical goals. Sessions often include exploring unhelpful thoughts and practicing new ways of responding to stress and relationship problems.
Claudia uses client-centered methods that put the person's experience at the center of care. She also draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to identify thought patterns that feed anxiety or low mood. Mindfulness practices and motivational interviewing tools can help with coping, substance concerns, and building motivation for change.
She has particular experience with grief, compassion fatigue, and caregiving stress, and works with people facing chronic illness, addiction, and attachment wounds. Claudia also supports those navigating identity and relationship struggles, including LGBT concerns and blended family issues.
If you are facing strong emotions after a loss, feeling stuck in patterns that hurt connections, or trying to find steady ground during a life change, Claudia helps people break problems into manageable steps. The work tends to focus on clearer communication, emotional regulation, and practical strategies to improve day-to-day functioning.
Her approach is collaborative and down-to-earth. She listens first to understand the situation, then helps people set small, practical goals. Sessions often include exploring unhelpful thoughts and practicing new ways of responding to stress and relationship problems.
Claudia uses client-centered methods that put the person's experience at the center of care. She also draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to identify thought patterns that feed anxiety or low mood. Mindfulness practices and motivational interviewing tools can help with coping, substance concerns, and building motivation for change.
She has particular experience with grief, compassion fatigue, and caregiving stress, and works with people facing chronic illness, addiction, and attachment wounds. Claudia also supports those navigating identity and relationship struggles, including LGBT concerns and blended family issues.
If you are facing strong emotions after a loss, feeling stuck in patterns that hurt connections, or trying to find steady ground during a life change, Claudia helps people break problems into manageable steps. The work tends to focus on clearer communication, emotional regulation, and practical strategies to improve day-to-day functioning.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDissociationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy
Experience
12+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English, Spanish
Approaches that fit grief and life transitions
Claudia combines client-centered work with cognitive behavioral strategies to help people process grief, manage anxiety, and change patterns that cause distress. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on understanding each person's experience and building on their strengths to move forward. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical skills to shift unhelpful patterns.She also uses elements of mindfulness to help people stay present with difficult emotions and motivational interviewing to support change when motivation feels low. Finding the right mix is part of the work. Claudia collaborates with each person to decide which approaches match their goals, needs, and comfort level, and she adjusts methods as progress unfolds.
If you are considering online sessions, please confirm current session options before booking since formats are not specified in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules call for them. Licensed professionals often use a mix of strategies to help with grief, anxiety, and coping with life changes, and Claudia will help tailor the approach to your situation.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Claudia commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, addictions, and relationship challenges among other concerns listed in her specialties.
What is her general therapeutic style?
Her style is collaborative and affirming, focusing on listening first and helping people set practical goals for change.
How long has she been practicing?
Claudia has twelve years of clinical experience as a licensed social worker in California.
Where is she based and what is her credential?
She practices in California and holds the LCSW credential listed as CA LCSW.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Can people from other countries work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How does billing and cost work?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.