Dr. Rita Dumas, LMFT
Calm, practical support for parenting and relationships
Explore online therapy options- Years in practice
- 15
- Credentials
- LMFT
- Licensed in
- California
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Stress, Anxiety
- Focus
- Relationship issues
- Focus
- Parenting issues
About Rita
Dr. Rita Dumas is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 15 years of practice in California. She focuses on stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, parenting, self-esteem, and coping with life changes.
Her approach is warm and respectful and aims to make conversations feel straightforward and useful. She uses client-centered methods to listen first and shape sessions around what matters to each person. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) tools are offered when they fit a client's goals, for example to manage worry or change unhelpful thinking patterns.
Background and approach
Sessions are practical and focused on small, doable steps. Dr. Dumas pays attention to issues that often come up around relationships and family of origin, including communication problems, control issues, abandonment, and the effects of divorce or separation.
She also works with concerns tied to guilt, shame, forgiveness, and building self-love. These topics are addressed in straightforward language and with a gentle, steady pace. Her style is collaborative.
She and the client set goals together and adjust plans as progress is made. Parents reading this can expect a therapist who aims to support parenting challenges with clear strategies and coping tools. Dr.
Dumas invites clients to start where they are and to take small, measurable steps toward change. She explains options and helps people pick approaches that match their needs and daily life.
What Rita works with
Everything Rita lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Rita helps people with.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Parenting issues
- Self esteem
- Coping with life changes
- Abandonment
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Divorce and separation
- Family of origin issues
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Self-love
Approaches Rita lists
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
Therapeutic approaches and online options for parents
Dr. Dumas combines client-centered work with cognitive behavioral techniques to help people address parenting stress and relationship strain. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and building a supportive partnership so the client feels heard and understood; it helps clarify goals and priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets specific thoughts and behaviors, offering practical exercises to reduce anxiety, manage stress, and change unhelpful patterns.Choosing the right approach is a team effort. She will talk with the client about needs, daily routines, and what outcomes matter most, then adapt methods to fit. That collaborative process helps decide when conversation-focused work is best and when more structured CBT exercises would be useful.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to make care more flexible. Video sessions are useful for deeper conversation and working through exercises together. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or for quick check-ins. Live chat and text messaging allow short, timely exchanges to reinforce skills between sessions. These options let people fit therapy into work, parenting, and busy schedules while using approaches that match their goals and preferences.
Questions people ask about Rita
What concerns does she address most often?
She focuses on stress, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting, self-esteem, and coping with life changes. Additional topics include abandonment, control issues, and communication problems.
What is her therapy style like?
She uses a client-centered style that begins with listening and tailoring sessions to each person. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques are used when helpful for changing thoughts and behaviors.
How much experience does she have?
She has 15 years of professional experience working with people on stress, relationships, parenting, and related concerns.
Where is she licensed and based?
She is a California licensed marriage and family therapist with the credential LMFT and practices in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and preferences.
How does pricing work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.
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