Gerardo Puga Cervantes

Therapist focused on connection and practical change

LMFT California

Experience: 10 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, LGBT
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English, Spanish

About Gerardo

Gerardo Puga Cervantes offers therapy to people seeking a supportive, nonjudgmental space to address stress, anxiety, addiction, relationship concerns, depression, trauma, and a wide range of life changes.

Background and approach

He emphasizes building strong rapport early on so clients feel heard and respected, and he treats each person as the expert on their own life. He practices from a client-centered stance while integrating evidence-informed methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Attachment-Based approaches to tailor treatment to individual needs.

Gerardo brings ten years of clinical experience as an LMFT licensed in California, working with issues that include grief, bipolar disorder, ADHD, compassion fatigue, and challenges related to identity and sexuality. Sessions are available in English and Spanish, and he accepts clients inside and outside the United States.

Gerardo adapts his use of therapeutic tools to match personal goals, whether the focus is coping skills, emotion regulation, interpersonal patterns, or longer-term exploration of meaning and values.

Approaches that guide online therapy and how they help

Gerardo commonly integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy alongside attachment-informed work to address presenting difficulties. CBT focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, making it useful for anxiety, depression, and problematic habits. ACT emphasizes values-based action and acceptance of difficult internal experiences, which can help with distress tolerance and pursuing meaningful goals even when uncomfortable feelings arise. Attachment-Based Therapy explores patterns of relating and early connection to improve current relationships and emotional regulation.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each client to consider goals, preferences, and what feels most practical or useful, adjusting methods over time as needs evolve and progress is observed.

Online formats offered include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which provide flexibility for those balancing work, family, or travel. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and access therapeutic tools and coaching from different locations while preserving a consistent therapeutic relationship with a licensed professional.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist address?

He works with a broad range of concerns including stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship issues, bipolar disorder, ADHD, self-esteem, and career or life changes.

What is his therapeutic style and approach?

The approach is client-centered and nonjudgmental, integrating methods like CBT, ACT, attachment-based work, DBT, and existential ideas to match client needs.

How much clinical experience does he have?

He has ten years of experience as a practicing therapist providing mental health services across a variety of concerns and presentations.

What are his credentials and where is he based?

He is an LMFT licensed in California with license number CA LMFT 51224, and he provides services listed from that location.

Can I work with him if I speak another language or live abroad?

He speaks English and Spanish and is available to accept international clients as noted in his practice details.

In what formats are sessions offered?

Sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide multiple ways to connect.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and services use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What do I need to do to begin therapy?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression

Also works with

Family conflictsTrauma and abuse GriefAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationGuilt and shame Impulsivity Isolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disorders Panic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stress Self-harmSex addictionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

10+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English, Spanish