David Cayton, LPCC — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm David!

I specialize in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, adjustment issues, and stress. I work with teens, college-aged youth, and adults using Cognitive-Behavioral, Humanistic, Rational Emotive Behavior, and Reality therapies to help you make positive changes, feel emotionally stronger, and find greater happiness.

My focus

I work with teens, young adults, and adults navigating life transitions, unhelpful thoughts, difficult feelings, and everyday stressors. You may experience anxiety, depression, overwhelm, school or work issues, family conflicts, relationship concerns, or loneliness. I'll help you develop positive coping skills and work through these challenges.

My approach

I tailor therapy to your unique situation, needs, and strengths. I view our relationship as teamwork—you're the expert on yourself, and we collaborate to meet your treatment goals. I use a mix of therapies to listen, unconditionally accept you, and gain perspective on how your decisions impact your life.

My communication style

My style is relaxed, friendly, compassionate, respectful, non-judgmental, and conversational. I enjoy using humor because laughter and fun are part of healing. My goal is for you to feel open and honest about anything without fear of judgment. Of course, this freedom may take time to develop naturally over sessions.

My journey to mental healthcare

I've had my own struggles with school, self-esteem, anxiety, work, and depression, which prompted therapy at different times. Therapy was a safe space to explore and make things better without judgment. Those positive experiences as a client inspired me to become a therapist who helps people understand themselves.

My goals for you

Developing your goals is a strengths-based, collaborative process where we determine realistic, obtainable progress together. Solidifying goals may take time as we become comfortable with each other. We'll revisit your goals often and gauge progress. My ultimate goal is to work myself out of a job because you no longer need me.

Our first session

Our first session is about what brought you to therapy and getting to know what you're feeling, experiencing, and thinking. Listening and hearing your perspective is key before beginning treatment. We'll get to know you, develop trust and expectations, and begin mapping out goals and how therapy should progress.

I identify as...

Male, Cis
Caucasian or White
Agnostic

Expertise

Specialties

+ 11 more

Treatment approaches

Behavioral Activation

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

Humanistic

Mindfulness-Based

Motivational Interviewing

Reality Therapy

+ 7 more

Focus populations

Educators

LGBTQIA+

Gay

Lesbian

Non-Binary

Queer

Sex Worker

Transgender

+ 8 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

GEHA or UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
Aetna
Aetna - Medicare Advantage
Alignment Health Plan - Medicare Advantage
All Savers

+ 77 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Masters of Education (MED) in Counseling and Guidance from University of Hawaii and a Master of Science (MS) in Higher Education from Florida State University.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

David Cayton