(he/him)
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or not like yourself lately? You don’t have to figure it out on your own. Hi, I’m Gustavo, a licensed therapist in California. I work with adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, and patterns that keep them feeling stuck—especially when stress, relationships, or major life changes start to feel overwhelming. A lot of the people I work with feel like their mind won’t shut off, like they’re constantly overthinking or carrying stress that doesn’t go away. Others feel burned out, unmotivated, or disconnected from themselves. Some find themselves repeating the same patterns in relationships or coping in ways that don’t actually help long-term. If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In our work together, we’ll focus on practical strategies that help you feel more in control of your thoughts and emotions. I’ll help you build confidence, set clear boundaries, improve communication, and start breaking the patterns that keep you stuck. My approach is direct, supportive, and goal-oriented. I won’t just sit back and nod—I’ll help you understand what’s going on and give you tools you can actually use in your day-to-day life. Starting therapy can feel like a big step, but you don’t need to have everything figured out to begin.
In the first session, clients can expect a warm welcome as we begin with introductions and get to know each other. We'll explore your reasons for seeking therapy and discuss the specific areas you'd like to address. Together, we'll determine if I'm the right fit for you as a therapist and if the topics you want to work on align with my areas of expertise. It's an opportunity for us to establish rapport and create a roadmap for your therapeutic journey.
As a therapist, my greatest strengths lie in my ability to empathize and build strong therapeutic relationships. I create a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to feel comfortable expressing themselves openly. My commitment to building trust, understanding, and growth allows me to effectively support clients on their journey towards healing and self-discovery.
I find great satisfaction in collaborating with individuals who prioritize their mental health and demonstrate a commitment to personal growth. I appreciate clients who are proactive and eager to engage in the therapeutic process, utilizing the skills and tools provided to navigate their challenges effectively. Moreover, I particularly enjoy working with clients who are open to introspection, as this willingness to explore their inner world often leads to profound insights and transformative experiences.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice, I employ cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a powerful tool for addressing various mental health challenges. With a focus on anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders, I assist individuals in identifying and challenging their negative thought patterns. Through structured sessions, I guide clients in recognizing the connections between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, empowering them to develop healthier coping strategies and achieve lasting change. CBT serves as a cornerstone in my approach, fostering resilience and promoting psychological well-being.
Grief Therapy
In my work with grief therapy, I provide a supportive environment where individuals can navigate the complex journey of mourning. By offering compassionate guidance, I help clients comprehend the stages of grief and validate their emotions throughout the process. Through open dialogue and reflective exercises, I hold space for them to honor their unique experiences of loss, fostering healing and resilience as they navigate their grief journey.
Motivational Interviewing
Incorporating motivational interviewing into my therapeutic approach, I facilitate a collaborative process where individuals explore their intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for change. By guiding clients to uncover their own solutions and goals, I empower them to tap into their innate strengths and aspirations. Through empathetic listening and evocative questioning, I support clients in harnessing their motivation to enact positive transformations in their lives
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
In solution-focused brief treatment, I assist clients in navigating their current challenges by focusing on their existing strengths and resources. Through targeted questioning and goal-oriented dialogue, I guide individuals in identifying practical solutions to their immediate issues. By empowering clients to leverage their skills and capacities, I help them enact meaningful change and achieve tangible results in the here and now.
Psychodynamic
In therapy, I apply psychodynamic theory to help individuals recognize how their past experiences influence their present behaviors. By delving into their personal history, we uncover subconscious patterns that impact their current actions, creating self-awareness and facilitating meaningful insights for growth.