Couples Counseling Therapists in Irvine, CA

“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.” this quote by a famous psychologist truly reflects my philosophy in therapy. Many of my clients have struggled with relationship distress.

My life was completely altered by my tour as a combat veteran in Iraq. I came to find meaning in that experience. I also came to see that I have learned skills that I wanted to share with others. Please watch my testimony: lifestyle.org/shows/serve-protect/ (I start speaking at 9 minutes and 40 secs). As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with almost a decade of experience, I offer counseling for individuals and couples facing a wide range of issues and conditions. I am trained in a variety of proven therapeutic methods to best meet your needs and help you see the results you desire, with God’s help.

Do you often feel overwhelmed or anxious? Have you experienced panic attacks or relationship issues with friends, family, or significant other(s)? Maybe you are having difficulty adjusting to a life change or change in general. Sometimes experiences and situations can feel quite heavy, but I am here to tell you, you don't have to carry it alone. Together we can explore your world, and discover how you can gain relief, control, acceptance, connection, or a positive change in your life. With me you will have a warm, trusting, and supportive environment so you can safely process emotions and experiences, and comfortably heal and grow.

I have been in private practice in Irvine for over 15 years, where I specialize in treating adults, couples and families dealing with a variety of mental health issues. I have extensive experience treating mood disorders, trauma, & maternal mental health issues. I believe in working therapeutically from a place of compassionate & gentle directness. My clients know me as caring, empathetic, & effective. My goal is to help you author your story with hope, resilience, & meaning, in addition to empowering you to lean into vulnerability & uncertainty. I want to help you understand your pain and equip you with tools to feel relief.

Are you ready to explore the deep complexities of your cultural experience and find support from a multicultural perspective? Do you often face feelings of isolation, struggle with self-acceptance, body-image issues, family or relationship problems, and generational trauma because of your culture? Overcoming the challenges of being multiracial can be overwhelming but you don’t have to do it alone. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship , deconstructing the POC narrative surrounding therapy, authenticity, compassion, and the use of gentle challenges to help you work towards overcoming life's challenges.

Life's challenges may seem overwhelming at times: you may find yourself stuck in an unproductive pattern, not getting what you want in life, whether it involves your relationship with your family, your significant other, or your children, life lost its happiness.

 We can work towards positive change and build on strengths as you seek what is really important to you. Change can shift our thinking and behavior patterns. Change may be connecting with others in an authentic way. Change may mean managing your emotions in a way that empowers you, not weakens. Change can be realizing your own strength and potential for the first time.

As a Marriage & Family Therapist, I have been working in the counseling profession for over 10 years with experience working with adults, adolescents, children, couples , and families impacted by a wide variety of issues ranging from day-to-day relational difficulties to crisis intervention. If you are interested in flourishing as an individual and growing the depth of your relationships, I believe that hope can be found for you. I currently have availabilities during the day and in the evenings at my office location in Irvine and via telehealth, and look forward to the opportunity to work with you.

I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist providing treatment to individuals, couples , and families, who are dealing with challenges that affect their relationships, mental health, and well-being. I provide services in both English and Polish. I am dedicated and passionate to help others. I provide a warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental environment, in which clients feel understood and validated. I work with clients who have suffered from a wide range of clinical acute and chronic psychological disorders, PTSD, anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, adjustment and neurotic reactions, alcohol and drug addictions, sexually based concerns, and emotional problems.

My focus is to help individuals and families heal from anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship /family issues. As the therapeutic area of concern is introduced, we can begin to work together in developing empowerment of self as we set up together healthy and achievable goals. I aim to establish include compassion, good communication and trust. In our relationship then I will work alongside you to develop your own coping tools. My approach is a person-centered (positive type) direction to further your strengths and resilience which is tailored towards your specific goals and needs.

Do you struggle with feelings of anxiety, depression, guilt, or low self-esteem? Do you find yourself avoiding social engagements or so preoccupied with excessive worrying? Finding ways to navigate these difficult feelings can help you get back on track. I use a psychodynamic approach and CBT that focuses on uncovering patterns of behavior and ways of relating to ourselves and others that are often outside of our awareness. I also consider how our past impacts who we are today. Through acceptance and empathy, we will establish a trusting therapeutic relationship and work together toward your personal growth and self-discovery.

I utilize a client centered approach in working with adolescents and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, and life transitions. In a safe, supportive, and non judgemental space we can explore the negative patterns in your life, work through any barriers, and move towards healing, growth, and change.

Do you feel depressed or anxious due to childhood trauma? Do you feel disconnected in your relationships with others? I’m here to help you develop an action plan for meaningful changes. My approach to therapy is relational and person-centered. I will work alongside you in a warm and understanding environment where you can explore your emotions and find better ways to deal with the stressors in your life.

VIDEO/PHONE SESSIONS AVAILABLE- Having anxiety, stress, depression, work/career transition issues? Major life changes, relationship or family issues? Addiction (drugs, alcohol, sex and/or love addiction, etc.), ADHD, or fear regarding all these major world changes? I can help. I have been doing counseling professionally for over 20 years and have seen my clients be able to make significant and consistent progress no matter how overwhelming the challenges have been when they started. I offer support, compassion, valuable experience and a healthy relationship where a person can heal and grow.

Brandon works with adults, couples , and groups using a humanistic and culturally sensitive approach to therapy. His background and military experience inspire him to support individuals who are minorities, live in low-income communities, are managing social justice issues, or are exploring family values. Brandon’s treatment approach can include behavioral, experiential, person-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-focused therapies, as well as psychodynamic psychotherapy and motivational interviewing. He believes a person plays many roles during their life, but the most important one is developing the best version of who they are.

I enjoy working collaboratively with my clients, helping each to develop the specific and unique tools necessary to cultivate a more satisfying and fulfilling life. My approach is to first actively listen, gaining a thorough understanding of the history of the situation and symptoms, the presenting challenges, and any other influences such as family history, cultural or racial factors, chronic illness, and economic stressors. We will then work together to identify treatment goals and ways to reach them. I work with a broad spectrum of clients ranging in age from 16 and above, offering individual, couples , and family therapy.

My primary goal is to become useless to you as quickly as possible. That's not a typo; I want to help you make positive changes so that you no longer need to come see me. Whether you're struggling with your relationship , feelings of depression, anxiety, a traumatic event, addiction, or a complex combination of issues, I can help you make sense of the chaos. As every person and problem is unique, I am flexible in my approach, tailoring sessions to meet your specific needs.

You wonder who you would be if you didn’t struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, anxiety, or negative self-talk. You value friends and family and validate everyone except for yourself, as if your worthiness is an exception to the rule. A lot of doubt and uncertainty comes from not knowing if we are worthy, if we’re leading “worthwhile” lives, if we are good enough to take chances, to state our needs, to show up as ourselves and not who others want, expect, or demand that we be. Before we can ask others to meet our needs, we first have to take the deep dive of figuring out what that looks like for ourselves.

Nobody is broken. We all have challenges and areas where we need to grow, and it takes bravery to face those aspects of ourselves that require growth. Being truly seen and truly heard make a world of difference in accelerating that process. I would like to be that difference for you. I have over 20 years' experience and am adept at holding space with empathy, love, and compassion. My style is sincere, warm, and engaging, and I have a facility for attunement to my clients and what they struggle with. I’m here to shine light with you and to provide a safe container to express and experience what needs to be seen, felt, or released.

Can heartbreak be cured? If so, how long will it take? Must it hurt so much? Is therapy going to help? Sadly, a broken heart cannot be cured; as with the loss of any beloved, grieving is unavoidable. But yes, a therapist helps by journeying alongside you, listening, offering comfort and wisdom gained from years of helping others regain their footing and with time, trust in love again. Why not you?