Jacob Garel

LMFT (he/him)5 years of experienceNext available
4.9 (50)
Open-minded
Authentic
Solution oriented

My name is Jacob Garel, a licensed marriage and family therapist with a unique background in the military as a Pararescueman. With 20 years of experience serving and saving lives, I bring a deep understanding of crisis situations and a passion for helping individuals and families in need. Specializing in psychodynamic, Rogerian, and existential approaches.

As a mental health therapist, my unique background as a retired veteran with 20 years of experience in rescue operations sets me apart.

Whether it's grief work, PTSD therapy, or accompanying you on your mental health journey, I am dedicated to walking beside you every step of the way.

First session

In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, then dive into the specific challenges you're facing. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.

Strengths

As a mental health therapist, my unique background as a retired veteran with 20 years of experience in rescue operations sets me apart. My firsthand exposure to the complexities of human nature in war zones equips me with a deep understanding of trauma and resilience, allowing me to offer a distinctive perspective and empathetic approach to supporting individuals facing overwhelming mental health challenges. My transition from physical to mental rescue work demonstrates a profound commitment to helping others navigate and heal from difficult experiences.

Ideal clients

I provide compassionate support to first responders, police, military personnel, families, couples and anyone in need of support.

Treatment methods

Psychodynamic

I focus on exploring unconscious thoughts and past experiences to understand and address current psychological issues.

Attachment-based

I use attachment theory to explore how early relationships with caregivers influence an individual's patterns of relating to others. By understanding a client's attachment style, I can help them develop healthier relationships and address underlying attachment-related issues.

Existential

In existential therapy, I help clients explore the meaning of their existence, freedom, responsibility, and mortality. I use this approach focus on helping clients find purpose and authenticity in their lives by confronting existential concerns and choices.

Brainspotting

In Brainspotting, I help clients process and release trauma by identifying eye positions, or "brainspots," that are linked to emotional or somatic distress. By focusing on these spots while recalling traumatic experiences, clients can access and process unresolved emotions and memories stored in the brain.

Person-centered (Rogerian)

In Person-Centered (Rogerian) therapy, I provide a supportive and nonjudgmental environment for clients to explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. I emphasize empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness to help clients develop self-awareness, self-acceptance, and personal growth.

Location

Virtual sessions

In-person sessions
493 Pleasant Valley Rd, Diamond Springs, CA 95619

Reviews and ratings

4.9 rating (50)2 reviews
September 9, 2026

Jacob took my temperature seeking context before really getting into the meat. He brought a structured approach yet was open and willing to jive with my ramblings eventually bringing me and the theme back to a good lesson or thought.

Verified client, age 35-44Review shared after session 1 with Jacob
June 6, 2025

Jacob has been amazing, I really value and trust his perspective on things. I know that he can also help me find new ways of looking at things

Verified client, age 18-24Review shared after session 24 with Jacob

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Schedule 60 min