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I am John ODonoghue, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California - MFT 40935 I enjoy helping people with family and relationship issues, workplace and career issues, and general transitions along life's journey. Other areas of expertise include grief and loss, blended family issues, stress, coping with the narcissists in your life, mild depression, anxiety, social anxiety, procrastination, guilt, anger, self-blame, PTSD, family conflict, highly sensitive people, spirituality, and existential issues.
My approach
I have learned that creating trust in the therapeutic relationship is a vital part of the process, and like all therapists I am sworn to hold you with unconditional, non-judgmental positive regard. Whether you are seeking longer-term therapy to illuminate hidden patterns, or solution-focused brief therapy for a specific problem, we will tailor our work accordingly to your goals and wishes. I am committed to helping you discover your ability to heal and grow, listen to your inner wisdom, and find peace, self-acceptance, and self-confidence instead of fear. I have studied most of the major approaches to therapy, and have a particular affinity for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Humanistic Therapies, Spiritual therapies, and believe in a holistic approach that looks at all aspects of life. I like to find out the areas where it is possible for a person to grow, and specific areas of concern.
My focus
I work very well with relationship issues, anxiety, and depression, and prefer to work with anyone between the ages of 25 and upward.
My communication style
I strive to create an atmosphere of unconditional, non-judgmental support and open-minded exploration. I am a highly rated therapist whose reviews were featured in an advertisement that Better Help published, where clients described me as being very open, understanding, compassionate, creative, humorous, and empathetic.
My journey to mental healthcare
I did not become a therapist until midlife and have had my share of major life changes, transformations, suffering, and loss. These experiences have deepened my empathy and compassion, which I hope to bring to you. In retrospect, you may see that ill fortune, suffering, and emotional pain helped you grow and that without these challenges you may not have learned what you needed to progress. Suffering can be your greatest teacher if you can find the courage to be vulnerable with yourself and others.
My goals for you
I have a specific approach to goal setting, which I am currently writing about, which is very different than most approaches to goal setting, habit formation and maintenance, and learning your true heart's desire and how to achieve it.
My first session with you
I often ask clients to relax and describe themselves as if they were writing a movie or story about themselves, with the critical issues and central conflicts of their life, in the process giving the names and ages of family members and key figures in their life.
