About Aileen
Aileen Cunanan-Dwight, LCSW, is California licensed psychotherapist in clinical practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2006. She completed her undergraduate degree in Sociology at Loyola Marymount University (1992), with 10 years business experience in Hotel Management, Human Resources Management and Biotech industries. These experiences helped to solidify, add breadth and maturity to her pursuit of Social Work, earning her Masters Degree in Social Work from San Diego State University (2003), with an emphasis in Mental Health, Direct Practice.
Specialties:
Ms. Cunanan-Dwight's clinical interests and specialties include managing and overcoming depression, alleviating anxiety, couples therapy, marriage couseling, relationships, self-esteem, Men's issues, Women's issues, phobias and panic disorders,bi-cultural and cultural issues and general life transitions. She utilizes an eclectic approach to therapy, with an emphasis on cognitive, client centered and psychodynamic approaches. The primary focus of her practice is providing psychotherapy for individuals, adults, couples, and adolescents. She has extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, treating depression and anxiety disorders, long term and short term psychotherapy (Psychodynamic, CBT and Solutions Focused), and mindfulness based therapy.
Education and Background:
Total clinical experience as a San Diego Psychotherapist also includes over 3500 hours of clinical internships and postgraduate training and nearly 10 years of experience as a counselor and psychotherapist. Ms. Cunanan-Dwight's graduate training emphasized Family Systems Therapy, Psychodynamic and Biopsychosocial models. Since then she continues to enhance and increase clinical training through required continuing education for her licensure. Her diverse life and work experiences served to enhance her clinical skills and broader her work with various populations and clinical issues, reflected in her maturity, bi-cultural considerations/assessment and success with treating diverse socio-cultural populations and ability to work and coordinate in multidisciplinary team setting to meet client's needs.
Treatment Philosophy:
Ms. Cunanan-Dwight summarizes her treatment philosophy as this: "My work with clients is very collaborative and interactive, versus being a passive sounding board. I believe that people are capable of improving their life situations and can accomplish lasting changes with learning new insights, the right guidance and new coping skills. It takes courage for people to challenge one's beliefs and perspective, and I admire people who are willing to seek therapy as a means of self discovery towards the goals of self understanding, autonomy, better relationships and self responsibility. A trusting therapeutic relationship often reflects how we approach and manage our interpersonal relationships, past and present, which in turn, can influence the changes we would like to see in the future. Therefore worthwhile therapy is that which the client feels the therapist's genuine interest, honesty, respect and positive regard, taking place in a safe and relaxed setting."
Professional Experience:
Ms. Cunanan-Dwight's post-graduate experience encompasses work with individuals, adolescents, couples, families and groups in various clinical settings including community mental health, psychiatric inpatient hospital, psychiatric outpatient behavioral health, non-profit family counseling agencies, correctional facilities, military mental health setting, adult day health center and private practice. Ms Cunanan-Dwight currently serves as a Clinical Consultant in various community mental health agencies, conducting assessments, diagnostic work, treatment planning, resource referrals and crisis intervention for clients. She also conducts business workshop trainings in basic mental health education, wellness seminars, and employee team building at various agencies.
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