Desiree Reusch, LMFT — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Desiree!

Welcome! It is not easy to open up and talk about feelings, so I commend you for seeking help. I have over 10 years of experience treating all age groups. My specialty is anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, relationship conflicts, Tic Disorders, and Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors.

My focus

I am trained and certified in Exposure and Response Prevention to treat OCD and anxiety disorders. I also use Behavioral Activation to treat mild to moderate depression. I am also trained in Habit Reversal Therapy for treating Tic Disorders and Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors such as compulsive hair-pulling.

My approach

I provide a safe and supportive space for you to be vulnerable. Though talking and developing insight are important, taking action by changing unwanted behaviors does even more to improve symptoms. I combine empathy with a behaviorally focused approach.

My communication style

I believe that having a nonjudgmental and gently direct approach is best. I am here to be an encouraging guide who may challenge you at times, but never in a mean way.

My journey to mental healthcare

I have always been curious, especially about the brain and how it works. I grew up with a mother and brother who had severe mental illness, and I was diagnosed with OCD when I was an adolescent. I have dealt with my own struggles with OCD and depression, which have helped me to be much more compassionate with others struggling with mental health.

My goals for you

I take time to explore what isn't working for you in your life, and then I collaborate with you on what steps you are willing to take to change. I do assign work outside of sessions for you to do to help you reach your goals.

Our first session

I will do an intake with you to determine an accurate diagnosis during a first session. I will also give you the space and time to really listen to what you are going through.

I identify as...

Female
Caucasian or White

Expertise

Specialties

Anxiety

Depression

Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)

+ 7 more

Treatment approaches

Behavioral Activation

Exposure Response Prevention

Humanistic

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)

Mindfulness-Based

+ 5 more

Focus populations

LGBTQIA+

Open Relationships/Non-Monogamy

+ 2 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Minors
Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Cigna
Aetna
Allegiance
Allied
Arlo

+ 24 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Science (MS) from California State University, Fullerton.

Sessions

Video session

60 minutes

Desiree Reusch