Cynthia Canales, LCSW, LISW, QS, Therapist in Portland, Maine

Cynthia Canales, LCSW, helps adults across Maine improve their mental health by developing practical strategies to manage stress, regulate emotions, and navigate life transitions with greater confidence. Through individualized therapy, she supports clients experiencing anxiety, depression, and substance use concerns, offering a compassionate and structured approach that promotes lasting emotional well-being. Cynthia creates a safe, supportive setting where individuals can explore challenges openly and build meaningful skills for change. Cynthia is dedicated to helping clients move through complex life transitions and rediscover balance and purpose. She is especially focused on empowering individuals to better understand their thoughts and behaviors while strengthening resilience and emotional stability. Her work emphasizes collaboration, helping clients feel heard and actively involved in their care while progressing toward personal and mental health goals. Her clinical focus includes anxiety, depression, and alcohol and drug use issues, while also supporting concerns related to midlife and later life transitions. Cynthia utilizes evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients reframe unhelpful thinking patterns and take actionable steps toward a more fulfilling life. As a Spanish-speaking provider, Cynthia is committed to increasing access to care and delivering culturally responsive mental health services to a broader community. Outside of her clinical work, Cynthia enjoys reading psychological thrillers, staying informed on laws that impact the communities she serves, and spending quality time with family. She values quiet time to recharge, which supports her balanced and thoughtful approach to care.