Robert Ayala

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#95754-CA) and my goal is to provide strength based support for all of the clients I work with. With over 10 years of experience, I've learned how important it is to truly understand yourself to better navigate life's challenges and become the person that you want to be. I want to provide you a safe space to examine yourself and explore your experiences that have shaped your belief of who you are. Together we will work to reshape any negative thoughts and feelings of self and help empower you to work toward your therapy goals.

My approach

By using an eclectic mix of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), narrative therapy, and family systems therapy, I first want to get to know the person you are while getting a clear understanding of the person you want to become. We will examine your concerns and stressors and explore how these are linked to your feelings about yourself, your core values and beliefs, your relationship with others, and your current goals for change. If you are someone who often thinks negatively about yourself, I use a supportive, strength-based approach to assist in retraining your thoughts, behaviors, and views of self to be better able to obtain your personal goals.

My focus

I specialize in working with adolescents (12+), adults, and couples who are looking to obtain improved skills to better manage life's challenges. They are looking to explore their current and past relationships, stressors, and concerns and how they are prohibiting them from leading the enjoyable life they look to have.

My communication style

I take a kind, positive, supportive, and calm approach in my sessions with clients. I look to help you feel validated while working with you in establishing helpful insight to self and effective strategies for coping with challenges.

My journey to therapy

Believe it or not therapy is my second career. My first career was designing concert and music events for people who love music. I enjoyed that job because I was working to help people forget about their problems for a few hours. Then the concert would end, and I began to realize that those people would just return to their problems. I wanted to do more than just help people forget about their problems. I wanted to help people work through those problems instead. This led me back to graduate school, internships and then, finally, licensure. I find people amazing. I really enjoy learning about my clients and encouraging them to accomplish their goals for change.

My goals for you

When it comes to accomplishing your goals, I want to be your biggest champion. Whether you're looking to feel happier, feels less stress or anxiety, or improve communication with others, I want to make your goal my goal.

My first session with you

The first session is about getting to know who you are, the challenges you may be currently facing, and establishing goals you're looking to obtain with my support. We'll review the "ins and outs" of the counseling process and explore your current support network that may be helpful to you while we work together.