LPCC, 3 years of experience
Hello! My name is Bryan Mestman, and I am a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) based in California and serving clients statewide via telehealth. It is my passion to support and empower you to explore your past and investigate the present as a way to discover and embody your inherent self-worth and uniqueness as an individual. Grief, anger, loneliness, and self-doubt are all part of the human experience. When we have the courage and the support to face these conditions we can honor them and transform them into joy, acceptance, love, and peace. I am here to offer that support.
As a therapist, I will provide you with a safe and supportive space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I will listen to you without judgment and offer you insights and guidance to help you achieve your goals. I will also teach you skills and coping mechanisms to manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, and other mental health challenges we all, at some point in our lives, are faced with. I am committed to helping you to heal from old wounds, achieve your goals, and live a more fulfilling life.
My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each client. I have extensive experience utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), grief and bereavement therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and various spiritual approaches to mental health and well-being. My client-centered approach can create a strong therapeutic relationship as a means to help resolve stress, anxiety, relationship problems, and the various challenges of living as a sensitive human in a difficult and oftentimes insensitive world. I aim to be a supportive companion on your journey of discovery, self-acceptance, and healing.
My journey to becoming a therapist has been shaped by my experiences and interests but ultimately came to be through my pursuit of self-discovery. I studied film in college, worked as a park ranger for 15 years, and have spent many years practicing meditation and studying Zen Buddhism and other spiritual traditions. Through film, I explored the human experience in all its complexity. As a park ranger, I immersed myself in the natural world and learned about the interconnectedness of all living things. While studying Zen, I cultivated mindfulness and compassion, which allows me to be fully present with my clients and to understand their experiences from a deeper perspective.