Couples Counseling Therapists in Laguna Hills, CA

Most people who seek counseling do so because something in their life is not quite right. Maybe you have already identified what is off in your life – depression, anxiety, a toxic relationship , a past trauma, a painful life transition. Maybe you are the family member or friend that people generally rely on; you give to others freely but sometimes feel as though you are running on “low” and have few places or people to turn to for your own needs. Or perhaps you just know that something is off, that you could be happier or more fulfilled than you are currently.

Peace, freedom from conflict, is a fundamental human right. "Creating more peace in the world one person, one couple, one family at a time" is my professional mission statement. My goal is to use my clinical skills to assist as many people as possible to heal and empower themselves. I have extensive training in treating trauma, depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress, chemical dependency, eating disorders, and domestic violence. For ten years I served as an associate professor of Human Services at Saddleback College training prospective counselors, therapists and others pursuing professions in human services.

Having a healthy relationship with yourself and others is not always easy. There are times when it can be challenging to embody the positive support you need, rather than that inner critic that is not always helpful. I believe that improving your sense of self-worth and self-esteem through self-acceptance, compassion and appropriate boundaries, with yourself and others, is necessary to maintaining healthy relationships and imperative when working through life stressors that impact your quality of life.

Looking for a caring therapist to help with solutions for anxiety or grief and loss? Are you dealing with the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship or divorce? Do you want a therapist who provides feedback as well as listening? I can help you through counseling and psychotherapy to move through your current struggle to a place of peace and healing. I am currently working with adults, couples , and adolescents and their parents, and I look forward to developing a therapeutic relationship with you!

I am a kind, non-judgmental, open-minded, practical therapist. I find it very important to provide relief from your pain quickly and effectively. I often use a solution-focused approach as well as strategies from many other modalities. My goal is to help you experience life's challenges better prepared, confident, hopeful, and happy. I specialize in relationship issues, dating, parenting, anxiety, depression, and addiction.

My goal as a therapist is to create a supportive environment where my clients can explore their emotional needs and overcome the obstacles which are keeping them from experiencing their fullest potential. I utilize a compassionate and collaborative approach in therapy to support my clients in addressing their life, relationships and the challenges they face. Whether you are seeking healing from the past, help for the present or hope for the future I can help!

Do you struggle with anxiety and/or depression? Are you lonely or dissatisfied with your current relationship ? Do you have difficulty getting past traumatic events in you life? Have you tried to solve your problems on your own but find yourself struggling with the same issues again and again? If you answered "yes" to any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact me. You are not alone and I would love to provide you with support and solutions to help you live your best life!

As we move through our lives, we are presented with moments of challenge and moments of opportunity, and I believe my job as a therapist is to help you prepare for both. I have found a passion in working with adults of all ages, addressing issues of identity, life transition, trauma, grief and self-acceptance. I also work with all couples ; I want to help you and your partner make sense of your relationship and help you both address your concerns and build a solid, secure and fulfilling commitment together.

You may have bouts of depression, panic attacks, anxiety, or PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). You may have difficulties in your relationships or want a relationship but have challenges attaching. Or maybe you struggle with addictive behaviors. And you struggle with understanding why you have these symptoms and what to do with them. Together, we can explore this and decrease your symptoms. Through therapy with me, you can get to healing. I have had the privilege of working with many clients since I started practicing in 1996. And you can get to healing or a better place in your life, as so many of my clients have.

Michael Gass Ph.D is a licensed psychologist, PSY 5201, licensed clinical social worker, LCS 1051, and licensed marriage and family therapist, LMFT 3173 and is certified as a practitioner in psychodrama by the American Board of Examiners in Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy. Dr. Gass is the director and psychotherapist at the Rebuilding Therapy Center, a comprehensive psychological and family treatment center in Laguna Hills, California. Dr. Gass is the developer of Rebuilding Therapy and author of the book: Overcoming the Past for a More Effective Future, published by Greenwood Publishing Group, Westport Connecticut.

Prior to entering clinical counseling, I served in the U.S. Navy till 1999 & graduated from San Jose State University with an English B.A 2005. The experience, however, of working with students with various challenges -trauma, overlooked mental health issues, abuse, learning disabilities, and family conflicts- would steer me in a different direction. After receiving my Clinical Psychology M.A. from John F. Kennedy University in 2011, I gained experience in crisis counseling, K-12 school-based counseling, college counseling, & residential for dual diagnosis clients before becoming licensed in 2017.

I understand that anxiety, stress and related feelings are not easy to deal with for many people, and sometimes help is needed to get back on track. Whether unhappiness is related to work or relationship issues, loss, change/uncertainty, trauma, or dealing with everyday life, studies have shown that counseling often helps to make positive changes. If you struggle with ongoing stress, excessive worry, self-doubt and low self-esteem, or feelings of anger, sadness, or fear, then give me a call or email. With my 30+ years of experience, I provide a safe and empathic environment to find solutions and healing.

I have extensive experience serving all ages. .I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that span from therapy for depression and grief counseling to parenting support, couples counseling and beyond. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my clients individual needs to help attain the personal growth they are striving for. Treatment specialization includes Therapy for depression and anxiety;' couples counseling ;family counseling; parenting support;counseling to grandparents raising grandchildren;grief counseling;work and career issues;stress management;addiction and recovery;conflict resolution and hypnotherapy.

CATALYST FOR CHANGE! Together we can accomplish changes in individual, marital, and career dissatisfactionto achieve desired personal growth. With over 30 years experience as a university clinical faculty instructor, corporate EAP advisor, and private practice,

I provide professional, caring psychoanalytic oriented psychotherapy with a focus on understanding an individual's experiences, values, beliefs and how these are connected to present day behaviors, relationships, and ongoing life experiences. I view psychotherapy/psychoanalysis as a life process involving a person's mental, physical, emotional, environmental, spiritual and dream experiences. I regard each of my clients with a genuine interest and respect. During our work we will generate insights, create an atmosphere for learning, establish potential life goals, process and work through challenging and painful memories, and be more fully present in everyday life situations. I enjoy working with individuals, couples , and teens.