Michael Reyes
Hi! I am Michael Reyes, LCSW. I provide accessible, evidence-based online therapy exclusively for adults across California. My work centers on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) combined with emotion-regulation skills to help people navigate stress, anxiety, depression, and life misalignment. Sessions are relational, collaborative, and results-oriented—we identify unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and equip you with practical tools you can use right away. I welcome people from all backgrounds and am committed to walking alongside you toward real, lasting change from the comfort of your own space. I’m a veteran and long-time federal employee, married with kids, grandkids, and dogs.
First session
I know starting therapy can feel a little intimidating. In our first session, I just want you to feel comfortable and heard. We’ll talk about what’s been going on for you, what feels hardest right now, and what you’d like to change. I’ll listen, ask questions, and we’ll figure out a few realistic next steps together. It is my goal to have people leave feeling a bit lighter and more hopeful about moving forward.
Strengths
I bring a balanced approach that combines attentive listening with clear, action-oriented support. I create space for clients to feel heard and understood, while also guiding the work toward practical change through CBT and emotion-regulation skills. Clients leave sessions with concrete tools they can use right away. My background as a veteran and long-time federal employee helps me understand high-pressure environments and life transitions. I’m collaborative and engaged—I hold space when needed, and I will also gently challenge patterns that keep people stuck—so the work stays both supportive and productive.
Ideal clients
My ideal clients are adults and couples navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. They are motivated to understand themselves more deeply, open to curiosity and self-compassion, and ready to actively participate in the process. Many are seeking a collaborative, non-judgmental space where they can explore emotions, build practical tools, and create lasting change at a pace that feels sustainable. Whether they’re high-achievers feeling overwhelmed, partners wanting stronger connection, or individuals ready to rewrite old stories, they value therapy that is both insightful and actionable.
Origin story
I’ve always enjoyed interacting with others and supporting people as they work through challenges to reach their goals and desires. After more than 27 years of combined military and federal service, I saw how stress, anxiety, and unprocessed struggles could quietly erode someone’s sense of purpose and hope. Earning my MSW from USC and witnessing how practical tools like CBT create real, measurable change confirmed this was the right path. I wanted to offer accessible, compassionate online support that helps people reclaim their lives and move toward what matters most to them.
Ongoing work together
Ongoing work is collaborative and builds session by session. We track progress through clear goals, regular check-ins, and the tools or insights that feel most useful to the client. Early sessions often focus on understanding patterns and building a foundation of safety and skills. As trust grows, we deepen the work—exploring root causes, practicing new ways of relating, and integrating changes into daily life. Clients know they’re making progress when they notice shifts in how they respond to stress, communicate, or view themselves. Every session builds on the last so momentum is maintained.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Together we identify unhelpful thought patterns that keep problems going, then practice more balanced ways of thinking and responding. You’ll learn practical skills you can use between sessions—like checking the evidence for a worrying thought or trying a small behavior change—so progress continues outside of our meetings. The approach is collaborative, goal-focused, and tailored to what matters most to you right now.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i)
I use CBT-i to improve sleep by addressing the thoughts and habits that keep insomnia going. We identify what’s disrupting your rest and practice simple, practical changes—like adjusting your bedtime routine and calming nighttime worry—so better sleep becomes more consistent.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
I use CPT to help you process traumatic experiences by examining and shifting unhelpful thoughts related to the trauma. Together we work through stuck points that keep distress going, so you can move forward with less intensity and more clarity.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use DBT to help you manage intense emotions and build practical skills for handling stress, relationships, and tough moments. We focus on mindfulness, emotion regulation, and effective communication so you can feel more in control day to day.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use ACT to help you relate differently to difficult thoughts and feelings while taking steps toward what matters most to you. We practice acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based actions so you can live more fully even when challenges arise.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Christian
Man
Top specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Individual Therapy
Doesn't specialize in
Couples Counseling
Family Therapy
Licensed in
CaliforniaLicense 107982