Mark Bourassa, LPCC — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Mark!

In my experience, most people have a much higher threshold for difficult truths than they give themselves credit for. I'd gently state that I'm more interested in what you're capable of as opposed to what feels comfortable to discuss. I am analytical, direct, but also sensitive, and the work I do draws from multiple styles of therapy.

My focus

Much of my work focuses on working with clients with eating disorders, substance abuse issues, anxiety, men's issues, and personality disorders.

My approach

My practice is informed/inspired by multiple domains such as personality theory, neuroscience, spirituality, science, philosophy, psychoanalysis, and even the arts (i.e. music production, drawing, writing).

My communication style

My communication style to my clients is inquisitive, open-minded, and direct.

My journey to mental healthcare

From beach-bum surfer, to special ed teacher, to clinician. I love learning about people, philosophy, spirituality, and what makes someone who they are. Teaching special education taught me patience and how differently each mind works. That curiosity followed me into this field, where I get to sit with someone's story & help them make sense of it.

My goals for you

My first step is always making sure I understand what a patient wants their life to look like, not just which symptoms they want to reduce. I spend real time in early sessions getting specific about that picture before we ever write a formal goal down. From there, I break larger goals into steps a patient can actually see themselves accomplishing.

Our first session

You will have left the hour knowing we've discussed important aspects of your life along with some idea of what could come next.

I identify as...

Male

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)

Dialectical (DBT)

Psychodynamic

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Motivational Interviewing

+ 5 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
Allegiance
Allied
Arlo (Cigna)
Ascension-SmartHealth

+ 17 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology from Chapman University.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Mark Bourassa