- CBT methods
- ACT practices
- DBT skills
About Cheryl
Cheryl Hopkins is a California licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with 40 years of clinical experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, relationship problems, grief and loss, parenting concerns, and self-esteem struggles. She also addresses issues related to adoption and foster care, aging and caregiver stress, blended family concerns, and substance-related problems.
Cheryl uses a conversational, person-focused style in sessions. She listens to a person’s story and organizes practical steps to reduce distress. Her work often includes talking through thoughts and behaviors, practicing new communication skills, and using mindfulness to manage strong emotions.
Her toolkit draws from several evidence-based methods. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify unhelpful thought patterns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) supports clarifying values and taking committed actions. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers skills for emotional regulation and handling intense moments.
Sessions also use client-centered and emotionally-focused approaches to strengthen how people relate to themselves and others. Cheryl adapts techniques to match what the person wants to work on, whether that is grief, parenting stress, or social anxiety triggers.
After an initial conversation, she and the client set clear, observable goals and check progress along the way. Many people find having concrete skills and short practices between sessions helpful for managing day-to-day stress and social situations.
Therapeutic approaches you can use online
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages people to notice thoughts without getting stuck and to take actions that match their values. It can help when anxiety or avoidance interfere with meaningful activities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and practicing specific behavior changes to reduce anxiety and improve coping. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers short skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication, which can be useful during intense social moments.Deciding which approach to use is collaborative. The therapist will talk with the person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't worked before. Together they pick strategies to try and adjust them based on what feels most helpful as sessions progress.
Confirm current session options before booking, since specific formats are not listed here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a workday, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Some people find video useful for practicing social skills and body language, while others prefer audio for lower bandwidth or less screen time. Ask about scheduling, session length, and any technical needs when arranging the first meeting.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
40+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, grief, parenting concerns, and low self-esteem. Additional focus areas include adoption or foster care issues, caregiver stress, substance-related concerns, and isolation.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is conversational and practical. Sessions focus on talking through problems, learning skills, and setting doable steps between meetings.
How long has she worked in the field?
She has 40 years of professional experience in counseling and therapy work in California.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is a California LMFT, which stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and practices from California.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She accepts international clients. Confirm how scheduling and time zones will be handled during the intake process.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time, so fees will depend on the chosen plan.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session through the booking steps provided.