- Attachment-based work
- Cognitive behavioral tools
- Emotion-focused methods
About Darlene
Dr. Darlene Viggiano is a California LMFT with 18 years of clinical experience. She works with relationship and family concerns and a wide range of related problems including grief, anxiety, addictions, and family of origin issues. She sees clients who are dealing with intimacy struggles, parenting strain, anger, stress, or major life changes.
She uses practical, conversational sessions that focus on patterns that began in the family you grew up in. Her approach draws on attachment-based ideas to look at how early bonds affect adult relationships. She also uses cognitive behavioral techniques to identify thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going, and emotionally-focused methods to address closeness and connection issues.
Dr. Viggiano trained at Saybrook University where she earned a PhD in Psychology and earlier completed a Master’s in Psychology at National University. Over her career she has worked in intensive outpatient settings and served as a clinical lead and case manager. That work included supporting people with addiction, dual diagnosis, and anger management concerns.
She has provided trainings and workshops, and has written two books related to dreams and pregnancy loss. Her background also includes work with interventions for domestic violence and programs addressing substance use in perinatal contexts. She is a member of professional organizations related to clinical hypnosis and marriage and family therapy.
When someone brings issues tied to family roles, expectations, or past relationships, she focuses on clear, step-by-step work. Sessions typically look at current patterns, connect them to earlier experiences, and try new ways of interacting in everyday life.
Therapeutic approaches and how they translate to online work
Attachment-based work looks at patterns in close relationships and how early bonds influence current behavior. Online sessions can use this approach to map interaction styles and practice new ways of relating in real time. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors. In remote sessions CBT often uses brief exercises and homework that fit into daily life, such as tracking thoughts and trying different responses to common triggers. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) targets how partners or individuals manage emotions around closeness and conflict and helps build clearer emotional communication.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most useful, then try methods that fit the client’s needs. Clients and therapist decide together whether to emphasize attachment insights, CBT skills, or emotion-focused exercises.
Confirm the current online session options before booking. If you want flexibility, note that many people use online sessions to fit care around work and family schedules, reduce travel time, or keep shorter check-ins on busy days. Talk with the therapist during the matching process about session length and format so arrangements match your day-to-day life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
18+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with relationship and family issues plus related areas like grief, anxiety, addictions, parenting strain, and family of origin matters.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
She uses conversational, practical sessions that examine current patterns and link them to past family experiences. Work focuses on changing everyday interactions and thought patterns.
What is her clinical background?
She holds a PhD in Psychology and has 18 years of clinical experience, including roles in intensive outpatient care, case management, and clinical supervision.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is a California LMFT and practices in California.
Which languages are used in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and services. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.