Greetings! My name is Micah and it is a privilege to join you on the next leg of your journey. I take a non-judgmental and honest stance, blend it with a bit of education, and invite you to tell me what your top priorities for therapy are. I strive to help people cope with change, heal old (or new!) wounds, manage life stress effectively, and explore new ways of being human. You can count on me to be respectful of both your individuality and the circumstances that surround you.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Our first session will be a little different than the rest of them, mostly meaning that I will probably talk a bit more than usual! In this session I make sure to review confidentiality and my legal mandated reporting requirements, and also talk about some fairly boring yet practical policies, such as what to do if you need to reschedule an appointment, etc. I'll ask you about any previous experiences you have had in therapy (if applicable), and then we'll start exploring why you are interested in therapy at this time, and what your goals are for treatment. We will also spend some time simply getting to know one another, and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have at the outset of our time together.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I bring a calm and even-keeled presence to therapy sessions. Since I have worked with a diverse and large number of individuals, it is likely that the concerns you bring to therapy are ones that I have helped others with in the past. With that said, I am also very intentional about treating each client as an individual and honoring the unique experiences that have brought you to this point. I strike a healthy balance between listening and giving clinically sound recommendations.
About Micah Gargala
Micah Gargala offers therapy covered by Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Orange County Mental Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal) and San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) in California.
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
This treatment method can be utilized to help us connect with our values and mindfully create space between ourselves and distressing thoughts. In this approach we redefine our relationship with problems that have bogged us down, taking action on what we can control and learning to stop struggling with what we cannot.
Trauma Informed Care
I have extensive experience working with individuals that have experienced severe trauma. My approach is to tell people that I am absolutely willing to discuss past traumas if it feels helpful to them, but I also make clear that if they don't feel comfortable, safe, or ready to talk about past events we can actually still do some really great and useful trauma work that is completely focused on the present moment. I am always sure to let clients discuss trauma on their own terms and at their own pace.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use elements of cognitive behavioral therapy in session to conceptualize and educate about how our thoughts, feelings, and actions are closely related and influenced by one another. Examining our assumptions and thought processes, as well as a focus on incorporating structure and beneficial activities into our days, are key in this approach.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I have studied, worked, and lived in a variety of different cultural contexts. I am constantly striving to approach my work through a culturally sensitive lens, and I recognize that an individual's cultural background can influence how they perceive the world, and how the world perceives them. I confront my own biases honestly and address them by seeking clinical support as needed.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I incorporate many elements of DBT into my work, particularly when discussing coping strategies that help us successfully manage intense emotions. I am a strong believer in matching the intensity of the coping skill with the intensity of the emotion, and I help clients use multiple DBT informed strategies to tolerate and navigate the entire emotional spectrum. Various mindfulness techniques are also weaved into this approach.