"We must believe in others until they can believe in themselves. Addicts are not defective. They are wounded individuals that lack the coping skills to address the stressors of daily living. Our role is to meet them where they are and assist them in understanding why they use drugs and alcohol as their main coping mechanism. Once they understand this, we can individualize their plan to give them the tools they need to live productive lives."
Cynthia B. Connelly, M.A., LMFT
Cindy Connelly is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has served as Clinical Director at several treatment centers over the past 20 years, in addition to maintaining a private practice in Mission Viejo, CA. Her path to clinical work is one of personal conviction: after a successful 25-year career in the insurance industry managing others, she engaged in her own therapy and experienced life-changing results.
She left her corporate career, returned to school, and earned her Master's Degree at Chapman University — all while raising two boys as a single mom. This dual foundation of business acumen and clinical expertise gives Cindy a uniquely powerful perspective that she brings to every role she holds at Oasis Treatment Centers.
"Connection is the correction."
Cindy is empathetic, caring, and deeply compassionate about the work she does. Her clinical focus centers on addressing unresolved childhood trauma, grief, and their impact on addictive behaviors. Her work with Complex PTSD in co-occurring disorder treatment settings is guided by SAMHSA Trauma Informed Care guidelines, creating safe environments that allow for in-depth therapeutic work across all levels of staff and care.
She has been a member of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies for more than 15 years and continues to stay current with the latest research in addiction and trauma neuroscience.
"When we become aware of our unconscious processes, we can change how we interact with the world and can gain a sense of mastery over our lives."
"When we become aware of our unconscious processes, we can change how we interact with the world and can gain a sense of mastery over our lives."
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Cindy and our clinical team are ready to help. Our compassionate, evidence-based programs serve Newport Beach, Irvine, and all of Orange County.
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