Therapists in 92653

Sometimes life can be difficult and we can get stuck in ways that keep us from achieving our full potential. Many people stay too long in a place of unhappiness and despair. If you are anxious, depressed, have been through a traumatic experience, or just feel stuck and hopeless, you need someone to understand you and provide the professional support and expertise to help you feel good again.

Making changes to ones life can be both uncomfortable and exciting. I am here to help you get through the toughest parts so that you may live a life that you feel good about. I strive to provide a safe and supportive space to help you heal past wounds, overcome difficulties, and cope more effectively with painful emotions. If you desire and are open to growing and changing, I can assist with teaching you new ways to cope, think, feel, and be in the world.

While I don't have an "ideal client," as I find that each experience is unique, I would say some traits generally promote optimum growth in the counseling process. Clients who make the decision not just to merely "deal" with whatever issues they may experience, but also to grow and expand as a person. Clients who know there is more to them than is currently presenting, who feel that with the right combination of factors, they can self-actualize into the person they have always wanted to be. These can be some key ingredients towards an amazing and happy life.

I am drawn to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) because of its systematic and goal-oriented approach while simultaneously allowing for a warm and collaborative relationship. As a therapist, CBT is appealing because of its evidence-based status and overall treatment success with longer-lasting symptom relief. It is rewarding to watch my clients gain the confidence to use the tools outside of sessions and become their own best therapist. I provide short-term counseling 12-16 sessions, assigning homework after each session, and having a structured approach to help my clients have a clear idea of what to expect once we get started!

Everyone has a story; everyone has struggles; everyone is fighting their own battle. We all experience some degree of suffering though it and all of us need a safe place. A safe place where we can be who we really are, where we can listen to our own needs, wants, feelings, and beliefs. I create this kind of environment for you by providing validation, empathy, and compassion. I conduct psychotherapy with adults, young children, and adolescents. My style of practice is client-centered. I create an approach tailored to the particular characteristics and needs of each client.

My style in therapy is welcoming, direct, and strength-based. I meet clients where they are to help them deal with difficult and painful moments. I work as a team with clients to assure them that things will get better and they will be able to heal over time.

Neurofeedback is a drug-free treatment that allows us to train an individual’s brain to achieve a healthier pattern of functioning. Neurofeedback guides brain functions by measuring brain waves and providing a feedback signal. Electroencephalography (EEG) is recorded during the neurofeedback treatment. Then, its various components are extracted and presented to the patient using a feedback loop in the form of either audio or video feedback. By utilizing the brain’s natural neuroplasticity, we can achieve long-lasting symptom improvement.

My approach combines teaching you skills to regulate your emotions, tolerate distress and be more mindful with conversations to build insight and process long-term patterns to understand how they got there in the first place. I believe therapy is a relationship first and foremost: I bring knowledge and expertise about the mind and emotions to the table; you bring knowledge and expertise about yourself and your experience. Together you and I will collaborate to find a balance of approaches that works for you.

Helping you see past where you are, to get you where you want to be is my role as your therapist. I understand that a person's well-being can change over time depending on their circumstances. When the demands of life start to exceed our resources and coping, then our mental and physical health can take a toll. I treat the whole person, integrating practices for the mind, body, and spirit.

My focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. We achieve this by providing you a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan. I offer effective outpatient, individualized, psychological care and treat a number of mental health disorders, to provide a neutral ground to individuals and families. I work from the theoretical framework of Internal Family Systems and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy modalities.

Know that each of us deserves the space to show up authentically and without judgment, to be truly seen and heard. You are welcome here; you and all the parts that make you uniquely you, including aspects that shine bright and ones hidden away, longing for attention. Two truths that inspire my work are that healing happens together & that you already have innate wisdom for wellbeing.

I provide customized and effective psychotherapy to adults, professionals, and seniors. In addition to depression, anxiety, and other life challenges, I offer therapy for individuals with autoimmune conditions, acute/chronic illness and chronic pain. I also work with professionals and workplace issues including stress, burnout, and work/life balance. Office hours are offered during the weekend in addition to online therapy for individuals unable to access in person services (open to all CA residents).

Are you struggling? During these uncertain times, do you sometimes feel like life is getting out of control? For over 30 years, people have been coming to me for help with transforming their broken hearts into hearts filled with LOVE, their troubled minds into minds seeking NEW VISTAS and wounded spirits into spirits filled with HOPE. You can enrich your life by learning how your brain creates change along with cognitive and emotional restructuring techniques designed to promote your own creative problem solving process.

Finding a therapist that you 'click' with goes a long way in making progress towards your goals. The first session is free to ensure the goodness of fit. I've been practicing as a clinician since 2014 and specialize in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, low self-esteem, eating disorders, personality disorders, and addictions (substances, sex, gaming, scrolling, shopping, gambling, etc).

What has stopped you in life from getting what you want? Have you found yourself having those mental blocks that you just can't get past? Have you ever asked yourself "why is this happening?" when falling back into that negative cycle you thought wasn't going to happen again? Well this is your sign that you're ready to step into a new journey to get yourself to where you want to go. I'm excited to join you on this ride to your new life! With over 10 years of therapeutic experience, I am here to provide support with helping you help yourself.

I believe therapy is a journey we embark on together, where I can provide support and guidance as you explore those parts of yourself that previously felt too dark or broken to reveal. My goal is for the therapy room to be sacred space where you feel valued and heard; and most importantly, where you feel safe.

During this exceptionally stressful time, anxiety, depression, and/or general life issues impact daily life. A need to lower anxiety, elevate mood, and find ways to cope with the unknown is important for all ages.

My hope is that everyone walks around this earth believing they can handle anything. I can help you find your way. EMDR therapy can be used in many facets. Not only for trauma, but managing anxiety, depression, and relationships. I have tools that can also help with performance enhancement in sports, work, and in all areas of your life. Let's work together getting rid of what's blocking you and start living your life.

Michael Gass Ph.D is a licensed psychologist, PSY 5201, licensed clinical social worker, LCS 1051, and licensed marriage and family therapist, LMFT 3173 and is certified as a practitioner in psychodrama by the American Board of Examiners in Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy. Dr. Gass is the director and psychotherapist at the Rebuilding Therapy Center, a comprehensive psychological and family treatment center in Laguna Hills, California. Dr. Gass is the developer of Rebuilding Therapy and author of the book: Overcoming the Past for a More Effective Future, published by Greenwood Publishing Group, Westport Connecticut.