Debra O'Brien Ruiz, LMFT — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Debra O'Brien!

I believe you are the expert of your story and have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming daily challenges. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.

My focus

I specialize in working with multicultural adolescents, adults, aging individuals, and groups suffering from anxiety and depression, mood and personality disorders, PTSD and trauma, addiction, somatic experiencing, conduct disorders, memory loss disabilities, neurodevelopmental challenges, and schizophrenia.

My approach

I use CBT, DBT, Family Systems, Client and Solution-Focused Therapies, and holistic modalities. I believe psychoeducation helps clients understand their thinking patterns and teaches improved communication and coping skills. I incorporate The Four Agreements and bio/psycho/social/spiritual balance.

My communication style

I radiate enthusiasm, compassion, and empathy. I am deeply committed to helping others by fully engaging in the therapeutic process. I motivate others to live a life of purpose, insight, and understanding.

My journey to mental healthcare

I worked as a paraprofessional with emotionally challenged adolescents in secondary schools and knew immediately I wanted to pursue counseling. I help those struggling with mental illness, trauma, and abuse. I believe I have found my calling working with adolescents and adults in private practice.

My goals for you

A goal is a beacon to point the way and help you make decisions. We will be positive and priority-oriented in creating specific measurable achievements by setting realistic personal, professional, academic, family, and social goals.

Our first session

Our initial session will establish the format for our therapeutic sessions moving forward, in that we will complete an initial assessment so that I may better understand why you have chosen therapy, create a "problem list," and set goals. You will leave our first session motivated and with a full understanding of my therapeutic approach.

I identify as...

Female
Caucasian or White
Non-denominational, Spiritual

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Mindfulness-Based

Motivational Interviewing

Art Therapy

Dialectical (DBT)

Music Therapy

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

Somatic

+ 8 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy
Couples Therapy
Family Therapy

Ages served

Minors
Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

USC PPO / EPO Plan
Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied

+ 61 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Science (MS) in Counseling/Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy from University of Phoenix.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Debra O'Brien Ruiz