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about 4th n goal​

 

​"4th and goal" is a term from American football that signifies a pivotal moment when a team is 10 yards (or less) from the goal line and on their final down. It's their last chance to score before the other team takes possession.

 

This concept became my guiding principle during my dissertation process—it represented my final effort to complete my degree and achieve my goal.

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This idea applies to many aspects of life. Sometimes, a single decision or play can change the course of the game, and the game of life. Such high-stakes moments can heighten anxiety and hinder one’s ability to enter the flow state, or the zone of optimal performance.

 

Our therapy sessions will focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of these mental blocks, or "yips," that prevent peak performance. By breaking down barriers and confronting issues directly, we create space for growth and reduce fear and anxiety for you or your team.

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About Me

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Dr. cynthia stern, lmft

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist License #106744

Experience

  • Extensive work with clients in various industries and all level of experience from entry level to CEO 

  • Industry experience:

    • Music & Film

    • Fashion

    • Sports & Entertainment

    • Technology

    • Psychology

    • Health

    • Entrepreneurship

    • Academia

    • 1st Responders

Education:

  • PhD Organizational Leadership

    • The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

  • MS Counseling Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy

    • Mount St. Mary's University, Los Angeles

  • BA Communications

    • Arizona State University

Certifications:

  • Certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC) with the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (Anticipated completion Fall '25)

Bio

Dr. Cynthia Stern is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a diverse and multifaceted professional background that bridges business, clinical psychology, sports performance, and organizational leadership. After earning her BA in Communication from Arizona State University, Cynthia began her career in business, working in accounting for seven years across various industries, including music, insurance, and fashion. Her experiences in these dynamic fields provided a strong foundation in global business operations and collaboration. In 2012, Cynthia transitioned into the field of psychology, combining her business acumen with her passion for helping others. 

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Dr. Cynthia earned an MS in Counseling Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, from Mount St. Mary’s University, Los Angeles. During this time, she began teaching as an adjunct faculty member. She later completed her PhD in Organizational Leadership at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where she also served as a member in the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) department and worked as the Associate Director of Clinical Training. Her clinical expertise grew through her role as Clinical Director at an eating disorder residential treatment program and her work at a detox and residential treatment center for substance use, as well as in her private practice.

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Currently, Dr. Cynthia is a partner at Ellie Mental Health - Glendale, CA, where she combines her business and clinical expertise to lead a thriving group practice. She is also an active participant in the Glendale Leadership Program, reflecting her commitment to community engagement and professional growth. Her unwavering passion for sports—both as an athlete and a dedicated fan—has fueled her interest in sport psychology. Cynthia has successfully integrated her background in business, clinical psychology, organizational leadership, and sport psychology to support clients in building mental toughness, enhancing mental performance, and achieving their goals. Cynthia also serves as a mental health consultant for Blue Child Youth Sports, where she collaborated to create the Blue Chip Mindset to promote the importance of mental performance in sports. Dr. Cynthia is also actively pursuing certification as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, further expanding her capacity to support athletes at all levels.

My Approach

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Lic#106744), I specialize in supporting athletes, creatives, entrepreneurs, working professionals, and top performers in navigating the challenges of high-pressure environments. My work focuses on enhancing individual performance by addressing mental blocks and anxieties that hinder peak potential. Through a collaborative approach, I help clients develop tailored strategies that empower them to achieve their goals with confidence, whether they are seeking personal growth, improved relationships, or professional success.

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I integrate therapeutic techniques from clinical psychology, sports psychology, and industrial/organizational psychology, using modalities like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). EFT helps clients explore their emotions and their impact on relationships, while CBT focuses on reshaping negative thought patterns and behaviors to build resilience and mental strength. Additionally, I incorporate mindfulness, visualization, and reflective practices to help individuals overcome performance plateaus and navigate significant life transitions, such as career changes or identity shifts after retirement. I also support leaders in enhancing their efforts by applying a transformational leadership approach, empowering them to inspire and motivate their teams while fostering meaningful growth and connection.

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Working from a systems perspective, I address relational dynamics alongside individual concerns, helping couples identify negative patterns and foster unity while maintaining individuality. My approach is also informed by a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, which allows me to guide high performers in balancing work and family life. By exploring value alignment, setting boundaries, and addressing challenges like substance use and overworking, I aim to restore balance, reduce anxiety, and promote a fulfilling and harmonious life for clients and their families.

Affiliations

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  • Linkedin
  • Instagram

Contact Information

700 N. Central Ave.

Suite 340

Glendale, CA 91203

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818-275-8411

cynthiastern@cestern.com

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