- Goal oriented
- Nonjudgmental support
- Skill focused
About Monica
Monica Cruz is an LCSW based in Louisiana with 16 years of clinical experience. She greets people with a calm, practical approach and focuses on helping clients make steady, manageable changes. Monica aims to listen closely, avoid judgment, and work alongside each person to set realistic goals.
She frames therapy as a step-by-step process. Sessions focus on identifying problems, picking a small number of practical strategies, and practicing them between meetings. Monica describes herself as driven and compassionate and emphasizes collaborative problem solving rather than quick fixes.
Monica uses several evidence-informed methods to guide work on stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, mood disorders, addictions, grief, and other life challenges. She adapts interventions to fit each person’s needs and pace. Expect a mix of talking, skill-building, and planning practical next steps.
Her background includes long-term clinical practice with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. She draws on attachment-based ideas to look at relationship patterns and on cognitive behavioral techniques to change unhelpful thinking and behavior. When appropriate, she may also use dialectical behavior strategies and relationship-focused tools to address communication and intimacy issues.
Monica invites people to take small, steady steps toward improved coping and clearer priorities. She helps clients break larger goals into manageable tasks and supports them as they practice new habits between sessions.
She frames therapy as a step-by-step process. Sessions focus on identifying problems, picking a small number of practical strategies, and practicing them between meetings. Monica describes herself as driven and compassionate and emphasizes collaborative problem solving rather than quick fixes.
Monica uses several evidence-informed methods to guide work on stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, mood disorders, addictions, grief, and other life challenges. She adapts interventions to fit each person’s needs and pace. Expect a mix of talking, skill-building, and planning practical next steps.
Her background includes long-term clinical practice with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. She draws on attachment-based ideas to look at relationship patterns and on cognitive behavioral techniques to change unhelpful thinking and behavior. When appropriate, she may also use dialectical behavior strategies and relationship-focused tools to address communication and intimacy issues.
Monica invites people to take small, steady steps toward improved coping and clearer priorities. She helps clients break larger goals into manageable tasks and supports them as they practice new habits between sessions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Gottman MethodJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
16+ years
Credentials
Louisiana
Languages
English
How Monica’s Approaches Work Online
Monica draws from attachment-based work to look at how early and current relationship patterns shape everyday reactions. This approach helps when worry, trust, or closeness are getting in the way of feeling steady with others.She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing small behavioral changes. CBT is useful for managing stress, anxiety, sleep issues, and mood problems by breaking problems into clear steps and practice tasks.
Finding the best approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with each person about their needs, goals, and what feels manageable. Decisions about techniques and pacing are made collaboratively so the plan fits the person’s life and priorities.
The profile does not list specific session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also allows people to use therapy from different locations when scheduling or transportation would otherwise make attending in person difficult.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Monica help with?
She works with stress and anxiety along with relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, depression, addictions, grief, and many other challenges listed in her profile.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is collaborative and practical. She listens, helps set realistic goals, and teaches skills to practice between sessions.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Monica has 16 years of clinical experience working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
What credential does she hold and where is she located?
She is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) practicing in Louisiana.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original profile does not specify session formats. Please confirm the current session options before booking.
How are fees and the first steps handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule based on the therapist's availability.