Today is the day to reach out, tomorrow is the day to feel better.

Welcome to the website of Cynthia Peikoff, Licensed Clinical Social Worker…

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Cynthia Peikoff, LCSW
Psychotherapist
949 733 1440

 
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AboutAbout

Welcome to my website. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker educated in Psychology at Columbia University where I graduated Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa. Over decades of counseling, I have helped individuals, families and groups in all walks of life.

My professional experience includes work at Chapman University, Marine Base El Toro and hospitals in Southern California and New York City.

My specialties include working with unhappy people who are having difficulty with life transitions, such as divorce, career change or problems in personal relationships. In working with couples, I’ve trained extensively in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT). EFT has been scientifically validated to help 75% of couples who complete therapy.

I enjoy working with businessmen and women, engineers, writers and academics. My background in both the corporate world and the arts helps me understand the particular challenges you face. I also enjoy working with perplexed parents and twenty-somethings.

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Testimonials

Regarding Cynthia Peikoff I would like to say that I was in a position where I knew I needed help, but didn’t know where to turn. I’m so glad that I decided to get help and that I found the help I needed. I would highly recommend Cynthia Peikoff to any and all who are searching for that help, searching for a light in the dark. Together we found that using her plan and sound advice, I navigated through what was a difficult time for me. I needed perspective and focus and through her counseling that is what I received. In particular she was able to help me see through the veil upon which I was choosing to dwell. I would encourage anyone reading this to take the leap of faith and make the first call to reach out for help; it has proven to be a great step for me, and I feel very fortunate to have found Ms. Peikoff.
-Male, Age 44

“You are very goal directed. My problem is that I get lost in things. I need help out of it, which is why I came to you. Specifically, to learn how to do it myself.”
-T.P., 24-year-old

“You started me thinking. Seeing you and talking with you, I finally found out why and what I was thinking. You really helped.”
-F.S., 78-year-old widow

“I’ve talked to a few counselors in my life, and Cynthia is the only one who really helped me. Other counselors gave me someone to talk to and an outside perspective on my thoughts and actions, which was helpful, but Cynthia went beyond this to provide me with real advice. She is sympathetic and caring, but no-nonsense–she will tell it to you like it is. I have recommended her to a few of my friends.”
-Male, Age 28

In times of trouble, you need not walk alone

Psychotherapy Services

I want to help you solve the most immediate problems in your life first. Together we can come up with a road map for your therapy. We will look at the choices you are making to see if they help you or hurt you. If certain habits of thinking or behavior are making it difficult for you to find these answers, I will point it out to you and assist you in introspecting or thinking about them.

When Your Emotions Rule

Sometimes one’s emotions are so overwhelming, that just having a therapist listen and reflect upon them with you is most helpful. To be realistic, not every problem may have a neat and tidy solution. At these times, I can help you come to grips with this fact and learn how to go on with your life.

Your Personal Happiness

Your own happiness should be your number one priority. It enables you to function at your best with others and in every endeavor of your life. While working with you, I tend to focus on the way you use your mind. I believe that emotions are a product of your thoughts, not under your direct control. By changing the way we think, only then can we change the way we feel. Life shouldn’t feel like a tidal wave over which we have no control. Life has too much to offer. Why suffer?

Controlling Others

I don’t believe that controlling other people is a means to fulfilling relationships, so I try to help you identify that which is under your control and that which is not.

Your Long Term Goal

The goal of my practice is to assist you in dealing with the ebb and flow of life by teaching you techniques that you can use long after our sessions are done. If we share some laughter along the way, that will be delightful too.

How Much Therapy & How Long?

The length of therapy will be determined by you. Some people only need one to twelve sessions to gain clarity in their lives and make changes. Others need more support during times of trouble. If your particular problem is outside my area of expertise, I may refer you to a therapist who might better meet your needs. Always, I want what is best for you.

Individual Psychotherapy

I work with individuals ages 20+. My method is my own. My training has included CBT, Reality Therapy or Choice Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Positive Happiness or Authentic Happiness coaching, solution-focused therapy and Schema Therapy. Some people need help when utterly overwhelmed by relationships whether romantic or at work, depression, the lingering effects of childhood neglect and abuse, career and mid-life crises, loss of love, health, job. Sometimes people are just confused and need someone to help them find their way.

Emotion Focused Couples Therapy

Working with two people who are in a romantic relationship is called Couples Counseling or Marital Therapy. The goal of therapy is to increase the happiness, closeness and commitment of each person. My roadmap or method I follow is based upon the brilliant work of Dr. Susan Johnson called Emotion Focused Therapy. I believe it is the “gold standard” for couples seeking to resolve longstanding problems between them. The real need of all of us is to feel safe undressing our soul in front of the one we love. Safety with your lover creates increased confidence and resilience when out in the world. The bond of love is what gives us courage, hope, inspiration. It’s worth fighting to repair if it’s broken. If we find on the journey that it cannot be saved, then I will help the two of you face the future together.

The Most Important Thing

The most important thing to realize is that you are a unique individual, and therapy for you must be individually tailored to fit your personality and needs.

Starting

Consultation

I offer a free 20-minute consultation (either on the phone or in my office), so you can get a sense of how I work. It is also an opportunity for me to decide whether or not I will be able to help you.

Reduced Fees

If you cannot afford my fee, please let me know because I do have a limited sliding scale or I can connect you with another counselor to serve your needs.

Rates

$175 – $200. A session is approximately 75-90 minutes.

Insurance

I provide all the necessary paperwork for my clients to be reimbursed by their insurance provider. Please call your insurance provider to determine your coverage for “out-of-network” providers.

Cancellation Policy

If you do not attend your scheduled appointment, and you have not notified me at least 24 hours in advance, you will be required to pay the full cost of the session.

Payment

Cash, Credit/Debit Card or check accepted for payment at the time of service. I can provide a medical invoice should you wish to apply for insurance reimbursement for your therapy.

Please find the following helpful forms.

Please fill out the intake form prior to our appointment.
Client Intake
Consent to Release Information
Limits of Confidentiality

Resources


Cynthia Peikoff, LCSW Psychotherapist

4000 Barranca Parkway
Suite 250
Irvine, CA 92604
949 733 1440

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