Michael Christian CilniS
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Michael Christian CilniS Licensed Professional Clinical CounselorMichael Christian CilniS Licensed Professional Clinical CounselorMichael Christian CilniS Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Michael Christian CilniS
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Michael Christian CilniS Licensed Professional Clinical CounselorMichael Christian CilniS Licensed Professional Clinical CounselorMichael Christian CilniS Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
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    • EMDR Therapy
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      • EMDR Therapy
      • Advanced Training
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  • Clinical Specializations
    • EMDR Therapy
    • Advanced Training
Schedule a Free Consultation

Awareness. Alignment. Action.

Awareness. Alignment. Action. Awareness. Alignment. Action. Awareness. Alignment. Action.

Thoughtful therapy for deeper self-understanding and meaningful change.

Welcome!

Therapy is serious work but it doesn't always have to be heavy. You shouldn't dread going to therapy! And if that's how you feel, then we should talk about it - real change happens in a strong, trusting relationship where you feel safe, supported, and maybe even able to laugh a little along the way.


To me, therapy is a partnership—I'm here to challenge you, support you, and help you connect your past, present, and future. But, don't expect me to do the work for you - true, lasting change happens when you're motivated to do the work yourself. But, I will help you set achievable goals and provide accountability to keep you moving forward.


With me, you can expect honest conversations, a supportive space, and a push when needed. The goal is for you to develop greater insight and awareness, build better habits, and gain confidence to take control of your life. 

How I Can Help:

Understand Yourself

Clarity changes how you feel and function.
When you begin to understand the patterns shaping your thoughts, emotions, and reactions, what once felt overwhelming can start to feel more manageable. Anxiety often becomes less consuming. Your mood can feel steadier. With greater awareness, you are able to slow down, respond more intentionally, and move through life with a clearer sense of direction.

Trust Yourself

Self-trust creates emotional stability.
As insight deepens, you rely less on external reassurance and more on your own judgment. Emotional responses feel less intense. Rumination and self-criticism begin to ease. You develop a stronger internal foundation that supports more confident decisions and greater resilience when life feels uncertain or stressful.

Be Yourself

Alignment supports lasting well-being.
As your life begins to reflect who you truly are, choices feel more natural and relationships more genuine. Daily life becomes less driven by fear, avoidance, or pressure. Over time, this shift can bring greater emotional balance, stronger self-esteem, and a more sustainable sense of mental health.

About Me

My journey into this profession was shaped by experiencing the transformational benefits of therapy in my own life.


Before entering the mental health field, I spent a decade working as a television publicist, promoting major network programs and later overseeing publicity for high-profile series at Viacom Media Networks.


Those experiences deepened my understanding of the difference between how life can appear externally and how it is actually felt internally.


Today, I use that perspective to help clients develop deeper self-awareness, strengthen emotional resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Therapy With Me

My approach is insight-driven and practical, blending psychodynamic, attachment-based, and trauma-informed techniques. That means we’ll look at how your past experiences and early relationships may still be shaping how you think, feel, and connect with others today. Understanding those patterns helps you break cycles that no longer serve you and create new, healthier ways of relating—to yourself and to others. I have extensive experience working with neurodivergent individuals and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and am committed to providing care that is affirming, inclusive, and grounded in genuine connection.

Rates:

Initial Consultation

15-minute initial consultation

Complimentary

I offer a complimentary 15-minute phone or video call consultation to help you decide whether we’re a good fit to work together. This brief call gives you a chance to share what you’re looking for in therapy, ask questions about my approach, and get a feel for how I work. It’s also an opportunity for me to learn more about your goals and determine if my expertise aligns with your needs. There’s no pressure to schedule—just a chance to connect and see what feels right for you.


Therapy (For CA Residents)

Individual Therapy

$225.00/ session

Individual psychotherapy sessions are 50 minutes. Treatment is tailored to each client’s needs and may include evidence-based approaches such as psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and EMDR. Sessions focus on improving insight, emotional regulation, and overall well-being within a safe, confidential, and collaborative environment. Sessions are offered in-person in Irvine, CA and via telehealth to clients within the state of CA.


Coaching (for clients outside of CA)

Coaching Services

$225.00/ session

Coaching sessions are 50–55 minutes and focus on personal growth, accountability, and practical change. Unlike therapy, coaching is present- and future-oriented, emphasizing goal-setting, behavioral strategies, and skill development rather than mental health treatment. I offer specialized services including recovery coaching and financial wellness coaching. Coaching is not a clinical service and is not eligible for insurance reimbursement.

Contact Me

Drop me a line, I'd love to hear from you!

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Michael Christian Cilnis, LPCC

Irvine, CA, USA

949-343-1910 michael@cilnistherapy.com LPCC CA18487

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