- Stress and anxiety
- Trauma and PTSD
- Young adult transitions
About Cecilia
Cecilia Zinnikas is an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) and an LCPC with 33 years of clinical experience in Oklahoma. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, struggles with self-esteem and mood disorders, and those coping with major life changes.
She often supports people dealing with guilt, shame, control issues, impulsivity and post-traumatic stress. She also helps those managing bipolar symptoms, addictions, and complicated family or parenting concerns. Young adults experiencing transitions such as leaving home, starting careers, or going through separation are a common focus.
In sessions she talks through patterns that keep people stuck and practices concrete skills to manage intense feelings. She uses approaches such as mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and skills drawn from dialectical behavior therapy to reduce reactivity and improve daily functioning. EMDR is also part of her toolkit for trauma-related work.
Clients can expect clear, straightforward conversations about coping strategies, emotional triggers, and goal-focused steps. She emphasizes building practical tools for handling stress, mood shifts, and relationship strain. Work often includes exploring family of origin issues and how those patterns show up now.
Over three decades in practice has given her experience with a wide range of mood and personality presentations, co-morbid conditions, and first responder issues. She supports people in developing stronger emotion regulation, reducing harmful patterns like codependency, and finding more reliable ways to manage life demands.
Therapeutic approaches and how they translate online
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and changing behavior patterns. It is useful for anxiety, depression, mood regulation, and practical coping skills. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts without getting ruled by them and commit to actions that reflect their values, which can help with indecision, life transitions, and self-esteem. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills that are helpful for impulsivity, strong mood swings, and relationship conflict.Deciding which approach to use is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about their goals, symptoms, and preferences, and then try methods that match those needs. Over a few sessions the plan can be adjusted based on what helps most.
The practical benefits of working online depend on the session formats available for this clinician, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a weeknight or a lunch break, reduce travel time, and allow for a shorter check-in when needed. Some approaches translate well to remote work because they focus on skills practice, worksheets, and in-the-moment coaching that can be done during a video or phone meeting. Ask about formats when you schedule so sessions fit with your daily routine.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
33+ years
Listed in
Montana, Oklahoma, Missouri
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
Cecilia works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self-esteem and mood disorders including bipolar and depression. She also addresses addictions, anger, ADHD, and challenges around family and parenting.
How would she describe her therapeutic style?
She uses practical, skills-based work including cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and dialectical behavior therapy strategies. EMDR is used when trauma processing is appropriate.
How much experience does she have?
She has 33 years of clinical experience working with a wide range of mood, trauma, and behavioral issues.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds LPC and LCPC credentials and practices in Oklahoma.
Does she work in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the US work with her?
International clients are not accepted at this time.
What formats are offered for sessions?
Confirm current session options before booking to see which formats are available for your location and needs.
How are sessions paid for and how do I start?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.