Dr. Rita Dumas, LMFT
Supportive therapist focusing on practical change
About Rita
Dr. Rita Dumas uses a practical, person-focused approach to help people handle stress, anxiety, relationship strains, parenting challenges, and self-esteem concerns.
Background and approach
She is a licensed marriage and family therapist in California with 15 years of experience. Her style is respectful and direct, aimed at making therapy feel accessible and useful from the first session.
She often combines client-centered methods with cognitive behavioral techniques to tailor sessions to each person's needs. That means conversations start with what matters to the client, and then move to specific steps that can reduce worry and improve everyday choices.
Sessions are aimed at clear goals like better communication, more confidence, or managing changes in life. Dr.
Dumas works with common concerns such as abandonment, control issues, divorce and separation, and family of origin questions. She also addresses deeper feelings like guilt, shame, and struggles with self-love and forgiveness.
Her approach breaks these topics into manageable parts so people can make steady progress. She uses straightforward language and practical exercises rather than jargon.
Clients can expect collaborative planning and follow-up between visits when that helps keep momentum. Therapy can include tools for coping, skill practice, and short-term behavior changes that build over time.
Sessions are offered in English and can be scheduled with a variety of online formats. The focus stays on what the client wants to change and how to get there in ways that fit everyday life.
How client-centered and CBT work online
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and building understanding. The therapist follows the client's lead, reflecting concerns and helping clarify what matters most. This approach helps people feel heard and sets the direction for change.Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It uses short exercises and practical homework to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and change unhelpful patterns. CBT is often used for stress, low self-esteem, and relationship patterns.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will collaborate to choose methods that match the client's goals and preferences. That means trying a few techniques, checking what helps, and adjusting the plan based on real results.
Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit busy lives. Video works well for in-depth conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat or text messaging can suit people who prefer writing or want brief, flexible support between sessions. These options make it simpler to keep therapy consistent while juggling family, work, and other commitments.
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Specialties and expertise
Top specialties
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Parenting issues
Also works with
Therapeutic approaches
- Experience
- 15 years
- Licensed
- California
- Languages
- English