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My name is Debra O'Brien Ruiz, MS, LMFT (LMFT104549) and am licensed in California with 10-years professional work experience. 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 a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
My approach
I use CBT, DBT, client and solution-focused therapies, and a variety of holistic modalities. Above all, I believe knowledge is power and psycho-education is key to helping clients better understand the origin of their thinking patterns and teaching improved ways of coping to implement change
My focus
I specialize in working with multicultural adolescents, adults, and aging individuals and groups suffering with multiple social and emotional impairments and disorders, including neuro-developmental, schizophrenia, mood and personality, PTSD and trauma, addiction, somatic experiencing, conduct disorders, memory loss disabilities, and criminals.
My communication style
I radiate enthusiasm, compassion, and empathy. I am deeply committed to helping others. I motivate others to live a life of purpose.
My journey to mental healthcare
I re-invented myself every 10-years until I became a para-professional in a secondary school setting with emotionally challenged adolescents. I knew immediately, I wanted to pursue a career in counseling to help those struggling with mental illness, emotional challenges, trauma, and abuse.
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, set a deadline, and be specific in creating measurable, achievable, and realistic personal goals.
My first session with you
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 chose therapy, create a "problem-list," and goal set.
