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Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist · Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor

Caitlin Shields, M.A., AMFT, APCC

CA AMFT #160105 ↗
CA APCC #21363 ↗

Approach to care

Caitlin Shields

Caitlin supports children, teens, adults, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma-related concerns, and challenges in family relationships. She also works with caregivers seeking support with children’s emotions and behaviors.

Her collaborative approach draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and developmentally appropriate play and experiential activities. Sessions focus on expressing emotions, practicing coping skills, and strengthening relationships, with caregiver involvement discussed together.

View Psychology Today profile ↗

Education

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

National University
August 2025

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

California State University, Fullerton
December 2022
Minor in Human Services

Associate of Arts in Psychology

Fullerton College
May 2020

Relevant clinical experience

Caitlin’s background includes adolescent mental health care, elementary school counseling, and support for children and families in shelter settings. Her work has involved individual and group counseling, emotional regulation, safety planning, crisis intervention, and collaboration with caregivers and treatment teams.

Newport Academy

Associate Therapist · September 2025–July 2026
Adolescent Care Coordinator III · March–September 2025

Outreach Concern

Marriage and Family Therapy / Professional Clinical Counseling Practicum Student · September 2024–June 2025

Crittenton Services for Children and Families

Support Staff · July 2022–March 2025

California State University, Fullerton

Crisis Intervention Lab Coach and Teaching Assistant · August–December 2022

Clinical skills & areas of experience

  • Child and adolescent therapy
  • Motivational interviewing and experiential approaches
  • Solution-focused and family systems approaches
  • Trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and de-escalation
  • Assessment, treatment planning, and safety planning
  • Caregiver collaboration and school-based support

Therapy approaches

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