Dr. Peter Cabrera-Nguyen
I’m a psychotherapist and LCSW with a PhD from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis. I spent more than 10 years teaching & conducting mental health research before focusing fully on clinical work, and I’ve provided psychotherapy in settings ranging from outpatient to inpatient care. I work with adults, including older adults, and specialize in mood disorders, anxiety, trauma and stress (including religious trauma), substance use, existential issues, LGBTQ+ concerns, and men’s issues. I aim to create a warm, collaborative space where you feel supported, understood, and empowered to make meaningful change.
First session
Our first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and begin exploring what brings you to therapy and what you hope to achieve. We’ll start identifying your goals together in a space that feels warm, supportive, and secure. In the sessions that follow, we’ll work collaboratively to turn those goals into meaningful progress
Strengths
My approach to therapy is individualized, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that a strong fit between client and therapist is crucial for meaningful progress. I use evidence-based practices and tailor treatment to your unique needs, goals, and life circumstances. Clients often describe me as down to earth, compassionate, and straightforward. I’ll listen closely, support you with honesty and respect, and gently challenge you when it helps you move toward the changes you want
Ideal clients
I work with high-functioning adults from diverse backgrounds navigating life transitions, anxiety, mood concerns, trauma, identity-related challenges, & severe mental illness. I especially welcome survivors of religious abuse and LGBTQ+ clients seeking an affirming space to feel understood & supported. My approach is warm, authentic, accepting, & grounded in the healing power of a strong therapeutic relationship & evidence-based care. Together, we will identify your priorities, clarify meaningful goals, & tailor treatment to help you move forward in ways that fit your life & help you better live in accordance with your own values
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients develop a more flexible and compassionate relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions, so they feel less controlled by them. Together, we identify what matters most to you, such as relationships, health, purpose, or personal growth, and find practical ways to move toward those values. ACT can include mindfulness-based skills, learning to notice unhelpful thoughts without getting caught up in them, and taking small, meaningful steps toward the life you want to build.
Eclectic
I take an eclectic, evidence-based approach to therapy, meaning treatment is tailored to your individual needs, goals, and lived experience rather than fitting you into a predetermined model. Depending on what is most likely to be helpful, I may draw from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, psychodynamic therapy, existential therapy and more --and I am always guided by trauma-informed care. Together, we will use research-supported strategies that balance practical skills, deeper insight, and meaningful progress toward the changes that matter to you.
Trauma-Informed Care
My trauma-informed approach recognizes that difficult experiences can influence your emotions, coping patterns, relationships, and comfort with therapy. I work to create an environment that supports physical and emotional safety, respects your choices, and allows us to move at a manageable pace. Together, we’ll tailor treatment to your needs and goals, drawing on evidence-based approaches to strengthen coping skills, better understand trauma’s impact, and explore trauma-focused work when it’s appropriate for you.
Psychodynamic
I use psychodynamic therapy to help you explore how past experiences and relationships may shape the way you feel, relate to others, and respond to challenges today. Together, we’ll look for recurring patterns and explore feelings that may be difficult to recognize or put into words. My approach is collaborative, inquisitive and down-to-earth, with space to explore at a pace that feels right for you. By connecting past experiences with present concerns, we can work toward greater self-understanding, more flexibility in how you respond, and more satisfying relationships.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
I use Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help you explore how traumatic experiences may have shaped your beliefs about yourself, others, and the world. Together, we’ll identify and gently question “stuck points”—thoughts that can keep you caught in self-blame, shame, or fear—and work toward more balanced perspectives. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and down-to-earth, combining guided conversations with practical exercises you can use between sessions. The goal isn’t to minimize what happened, but to help you change how it affects your life today and build a stronger sense of trust, choice, and connection.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 139229