Thomas Pugel, LMFT — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Thomas!

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Together, we can navigate your unique experience(s) and create the catalyst for real change. I have over 20 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, and older adults with anxiety, depression, and trauma.

My focus

I work with a wide age range. My experience is treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and their effects on relationships. It's amazing how much quality of life improves once a core issue is treated effectively.

My approach

I listen deeply as we explore your life map—the old paths and the new ones yet to be. Together, we'll discover which tools fit you best. I use a combination of Cognitive, Interpersonal, Mindfulness, and Experiential therapies to support your growth.

My communication style

I listen more than I speak. Sometimes I'm a mirror, other times a guide. I float between these roles to help you effectively. We can build a boat to get you where you want to go, and I can help you safely into it. But the decision to begin is yours.

My journey to mental healthcare

I saw a lot of brokenness in many social circles. As adults, we can face giants and terrifying beasts. It can be scary to face that alone. I'm here to walk that journey with you. We can only heal the world, one person at a time.

My goals for you

After my assessment, where I get an overall picture of what you've lived through and what you'd like help with, we work together on setting one to three first-step goals.

Our first session

The first session is the assessment and mutual goal setting. It is the foundation from which everything flows.

I identify as...

Male
Biracial or Multiracial
Christian

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Mindfulness-Based

Child/Parent Psychotherapy

Cognitive Processing (CPT)

Compassion Focused

EMDR

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Experiential Therapy

Interpersonal

Rational Emotive Behavior (REBT)

Trauma Focused

+ 12 more

Focus populations

BIPOC

Body Positivity

Cancer

Educators

First Generation American/Immigrant Parents

Little Person

Military/Veterans

Police/Fire/First Responders

Racial Justice

Single Mother

+ 10 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults
Minors
Preteens

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Surest (formerly Bind)
Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied

+ 57 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Science (MS) from California Baptist College.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Thomas Pugel