Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Walnut Creek, CA covered by Cigna

I have been practicing since 2000. I have worked in many healthcare and non-profit settings both while obtaining my education and in professional roles. I have a Doctor of Psychology degree in Clinical Psychology and have successfully treated many individuals, families and adolescents.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in healthcare. I work with adolescents, teenagers, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, mood disorders, life transitions, and emotional burnout.

My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. I understand that mental health is deeply connected to daily life, relationships, culture, and personal experiences, and I take a compassionate, whole-person approach to care.

Hey hey hey, I’m Ariel Wilson Gbenedio, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, transformational speaker, and author dedicated to helping people heal, grow, and step into their power.

I have nearly a decade of experience in the mental health field, working across a wide range of settings including crisis residential treatment, outpatient care, and program development. I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My work is rooted in evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care—blended with a deeply human, compassionate approach.

I earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California and have served in both clinical and leadership roles, including Clinical Director. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and safe enough to do the real work of healing.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, empowering, and honest. I believe healing isn’t about “fixing” you—because you are not broken. It’s about understanding your story, shifting limiting beliefs, and helping you build a life that feels aligned, fulfilling, and authentic. I specialize in working with high-achieving women, individuals struggling with self-worth, trauma recovery, and those feeling stuck in cycles that no longer serve them.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or ready for something more in your life, you don’t have to navigate it alone. My goal is to help you develop the insight, tools, and confidence to create lasting change—and to remind you of the strength that already exists within you.

Listen.... Life happens and it's during the tough and difficult times that as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker I'm here to offer a safe space of affirmation.... and accountability

My journey into mental health began with a deep interest in the intersection of human behavior and emotional resilience.

I enjoy working with adolescents and adults going through life transitions and experiencing trauma. My current practice includes individual treatment helping adults with anxiety and depression, self-esteem/confidence, grief, trauma and life transitions! Finding a therapist with whom you connect with is important.

Over the past 14 years, I have worked in a variety of settings, including private practice, community clinics and public school settings. These experiences have shaped my belief that therapy is not a "one-size-fits-all" process, but rather a collaborative partnership built on trust and evidence-based strategies!

I hold a Master of Social Work from California State Long Beach as well as a Bachelor of Social Work from Azusa Pacific University..

If you’re a young adult wrestling with racing thoughts, sadness, hopelessness, or loneliness, you’ve found a safe place to land. I specialize in supporting young adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, big life transitions, and self-esteem struggles. Whatever you’re carrying, you can show up exactly as you are here, in a warm, supportive, and completely nonjudgmental space where you never have to pretend to be okay.

Hi there! I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years experience working in the San Francisco Bay Area. I received my bachelor's degree from University of Hawaii in 2011, and my master's in counseling psychology with a specialization in Somatic Psychology from Jonh F Kennedy University in 2015. I'm currently receiving certification in Somatic Experiencing (SE) a trauma healing modality that focuses on that focuses on healing the nervous system. I

My passion is to empower those that have not found their potential. We all have our own stories and experiences which makes us perfect candidates for success when we have the right support. Whether you have lived it, experienced it or witnessed it, the effects of trauma are devastating. Quit beating yourself up. It is time to heal. With 20 years experience in addiction and over 10 working with trauma, it is time to recover from the past, survive the present, and flourish into the future. It all starts with you.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and PhD with 25 years experience working with adults, children and youth. My goal is to help you in your path towards feeling better, and experiencing an improved sense of confidence, self-esteem and functioning in your life. My specialties include adoption issues, LGBTQ issues and women's issues. I also specialize in depression, anxiety, elderly issues, disability, and stress reduction.

Life's challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, grief, or the transitions that come with different stages of life. You don't have to navigate these experiences alone. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to move toward meaningful change from an eclectic evidenced based approach that promotes hope, stability, and wellness, including faith-based perspective.

I specialize in working with adults and older adults experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, intimate relationship conflict, and couples counseling.I believes my purpose is to assist individuals to live life healthy and with hope.

I have extensive experience with substance abuse, holding a previous Certified Alcohol Drug Certificate (CADC) in Illinois, previous certification as an Emergency Services Prescreener with mental health, certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional, trained in level 2 of the Gottman Couples Method, experienced with anxiety, depression, grief & loss, and intimate relationship conflict. I received an outstanding excellent therapy award in 2021 and am committed to lives being changed. I am inspired daily by my husband, two adult children, and in love with my five grandchildren. In my spare time I love exercising, running miles, and reading educational/spiritual literature to keep myself sharp to assist others in sharpen themselves.

Introduction

I primarily use a cognitive behavioral approach. My focus area of practice is helping clients improve their lives and find meaningful change.

My communication style

My sessions are calm, collegial, interactive, respectful, directive, and helpful.

How I help clients reach goals

Change does not necessarily take a long time. We're 'shooting for the moon' right away. What's the worst that could happen?

My journey to becoming a provider

Helping others help themselves is an absolute privilege! I'd pay them to do this work (but please don't tell them that.) How did I get here? It's a long story. I originally went to college to be a journalist, but changed to broadcasting. Dumb. I needed to jumpstart my life, so I changed to this profession. Talk about purpose and meaning!

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. I have experience providing psychotherapy in community mental health, outpatient settings, and higher levels of care, working with adults, adolescents, and families facing a wide range of mental health concerns.

Today, I primarily work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, stress, self-esteem concerns, perfectionism, and eating disorder recovery. My experience includes supporting clients from diverse backgrounds through both short-term and long-term therapy, helping them develop healthier coping skills, improve emotional well-being, and create meaningful, lasting change.

I believe every person has the capacity for growth and healing, and I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves and working toward the life they want to build.