Janet Giles, LMFT

Janet Giles is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California who brings more than 20 years of clinical experience across a variety of practice settings. She pairs a strong foundation in evidence-based methods with a collaborative, strengths-focused way of working to support individuals, couples, and families as they navigate stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, grief, trauma, and other life transitions.

In addition to her clinical practice, Janet has taught psychology and counseling courses as an adjunct professor in National University's counseling program. Her teaching has included Lifespan Development, Child and Adolescent Development, and Theories of Personality and Psychopathology, experiences that inform her thoughtful, developmentally attuned approach to therapy.

Her clinical style typically blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, client- and strength-based strategies, and mindfulness interventions, drawing on additional modalities when appropriate to the presenting issue. She works with people seeking extra support for new life challenges as well as those coping with significant loss or hardship. Outside of clinical work, Janet brings creativity into the therapeutic process informed by her interests in art, sewing, knitting, and a love of chess. She emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship and aims to create a comfortable, respectful environment for growth and healing.

Evidence-Based Approaches for Online Therapy

Janet Giles frequently uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. CBT is practical and goal-oriented, helping clients build coping skills and problem-solving strategies.

She also integrates mindfulness interventions that teach present-moment awareness and stress-reduction techniques. These practices can help with emotion regulation, reducing rumination, and improving focus for people dealing with anxiety, grief, or caregiver fatigue.

Alongside these methods, Janet employs a client- and strength-based approach that emphasizes each person’s resources and capacities. This perspective supports resilience and empowers clients to apply their strengths to relationship, parenting, and life transitions. Choosing the right therapeutic approach is a collaborative process - Janet works with clients to match techniques to their needs, goals, and preferences and adjusts the plan as progress is made.

Online therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for busy schedules and those with access constraints. Licensed professionals can provide consistent therapeutic support across these formats, making it easier to attend sessions, practice skills between meetings, and maintain continuity of care.