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Christian Maciel

Christian Maciel, LMFT

California

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LMFT - Young adult issues and relationships

  • Stress and anxiety
  • Attachment issues
  • CBT and ACT methods

About Christian

Christian Maciel is a California-licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with 25 years of clinical experience. He works with adults facing stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, and depression. Christian speaks English and Spanish and practices in California.

He focuses on practical help for everyday problems. That includes work on abandonment and attachment issues, communication and commitment concerns, codependency and control patterns, and the emotional fallout from divorce or separation. He also supports people coping with chronic illness or caregiver stress.

Christian uses several well-known therapy approaches. These include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), attachment-based methods, Client-Centered Therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques (CBT), and elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Sessions typically involve clarifying what matters to the client, identifying unhelpful patterns, and building small, doable skills to change them.

He describes his work as practical and relationship-focused. Clients can expect straightforward conversations about patterns, feelings, and choices. The goal is clearer understanding and more workable ways of handling stress and relationships.

Christian’s experience includes long-term clinical practice across varied emotional and relational issues. If you want to explore a first session, follow the site's process to match with him and schedule an appointment.

How his therapeutic approaches translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying what matters to you and building small actions that reflect those values. It helps with anxiety, low mood, and feeling stuck by shifting attention toward meaningful behavior rather than trying to eliminate difficult thoughts. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early and current relationship patterns affect trust, closeness, and reactions to conflict. It can be useful for people dealing with abandonment, commitment issues, or repeated relationship cycles.

Deciding which approach to use is a collaborative process. The therapist and client review concerns, past experiences, and practical goals, then try methods that fit those needs. Adjustments happen as the work progresses so the plan stays relevant to day-to-day life.

Confirm the current session formats before booking so you know how sessions are offered. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy around study, work, and busy schedules. Video or phone arrangements can reduce commute time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and make it simpler to keep appointments during a lunch break or between classes. Practical things such as quieter surroundings, not needing heavy bandwidth, or choosing whether to be on camera can also affect what format feels best. Licensed professionals will discuss these options with you to find a workable plan.

Areas of expertise

Additional focus areas

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyGottman MethodMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapySystemic Therapy

Experience

25+ years

Listed in

California

Languages

English, Spanish

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does he help with?

He helps adults with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, self-esteem issues, and depression, plus related concerns such as abandonment, body image, and communication problems.

What is his therapy style like?

He combines Client-Centered conversation with practical techniques from CBT, ACT, and DBT to identify patterns and build skills for daily life.

How much experience does he have?

Christian has 25 years of clinical experience working with adults on a range of emotional and relationship issues.

Is he licensed and where does he practice?

He is an LMFT licensed in California and practices there.

Can I work with him if I speak Spanish?

Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.

Does he accept clients outside the United States?

He is not accepting international clients at this time.

How much do sessions cost?

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 the 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.

Christian MacielLMFT

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