Monica Gutierrez, LCSW

Monica Gutierrez is an Arizona licensed clinical social worker with seven years of experience. She focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, depression, and relationship concerns. Monica speaks English and Spanish and works with young adults and others facing life transitions.

She earned a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University and has worked in outpatient and inpatient settings. More recently she has been part of a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program team, supporting clients through structured treatment and day-to-day challenges. Monica uses a strengths-based, client-centered, and humanistic stance when meeting people where they are.

In sessions she draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy tools to teach coping skills, emotional regulation, and problem-solving. Motivational Interviewing is part of her approach when clients want support making changes or building new habits. Monica aims to get to know each person so goals and strategies fit their life.

She often helps people coping with grief, compassion fatigue, body image concerns, panic attacks, mood-related issues, and the pressures facing young adults. Monica emphasizes practical steps and small, measurable changes that can reduce overwhelm and improve daily functioning.

Outside of work she enjoys crafting, time with family, and long walks with her dog. She describes being inspired by each client’s progress and values collaborating with people as they work toward clearer goals.

How Monica’s approaches translate to online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and building a trusting relationship so clients set the pace. This approach helps when someone needs a supportive space to talk through relationship stress, grief, or life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets unhelpful thoughts and behaviors with practical exercises and homework to reduce anxiety and depression. CBT is useful for panic attacks, mood concerns, and changing patterns that keep people stuck. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can help with anger, overwhelm, and relationship problems.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. Monica will talk with each person about their goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. She adapts techniques from these methods to fit a person’s situation rather than using a one-size-fits-all plan.

Practical benefits of online therapy include easier scheduling and fitting sessions into a busy week. Online work can make it simpler to have regular check-ins, try short skills sessions, or continue care when life is hectic. Confirm the current session options with the provider before booking to learn what formats are available and to choose what will best fit daily life.