Dr. Darlene Viggiano , LMFT

Dr. Darlene Viggiano, LMFT, combines advanced academic training with decades of clinical practice to support individuals and families facing complex challenges. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from Saybrook University and completed a Master’s in Psychology at National University. Her clinical license dates back to 1999, and she is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - a credential that reflects specialized training in relationship and family systems work.

Across her career she has served as an Intensive Outpatient Program clinician, case manager, and clinical lead supervisor, and has trained paraprofessionals and students in therapeutic approaches for treating abuse, addiction, and related clinical concerns. Her hands-on experience includes working with adults who were molested as children, facilitating Batterers’ Intervention, treating clients with dual diagnosis, and addressing issues such as infidelity and perinatal substance abuse. She has also led programs in anger management, couples communication, hypnosis, and mindful movement.

Dr. Viggiano holds certification in clinical hypnosis from the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis and earned early certification in the Duluth Model Batterers’ Intervention. She has presented workshops in Jungian and transpersonal psychology and authored two academic books: Dreams and Dream-like Experiences: Their role in spiritual emergence processes, and Carrying On: A workbook for women who’ve lost a pregnancy. Her professional memberships include the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, and she has previously been a member of the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis and the American Psychological Association Division 30, from which she received an Early Career Contribution Award.

Dr. Viggiano works with a wide range of concerns including relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy and communication problems, stress and anxiety, addictions, sleep and parenting challenges, anger and self-esteem, mood disorders such as bipolar and depression, ADHD, and caregiver and codependency concerns. She integrates Attachment-Based, Client-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, Emotionally-Focused, and Existential approaches to tailor treatment to each person’s goals and circumstances.

Approaches That Translate Well to Online Therapy

Dr. Viggiano uses several evidence-informed approaches that adapt effectively to remote care. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on the ways early and current relationships shape emotional needs and patterns; it helps clients improve connection, trust, and intimacy in close relationships. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes the client's own goals and strengths by providing empathetic, nonjudgmental support so individuals can explore feelings and make meaningful decisions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches practical skills to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, making it useful for anxiety, mood concerns, stress, and many daily challenges.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Dr. Viggiano works with each person to assess needs, preferences, and goals, and together they determine which methods or combination of methods will best support progress.

Online sessions - whether by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - offer flexibility for scheduling and make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives. These options expand access for clients across California, allow continuation of care during life changes, and enable regular contact and skill practice between sessions.