Michael Reina

Experienced therapist blending practical strategies and empathy

LMFT California

Experience: 37 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Career
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Michael

Michael Reina is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 37 years of practice in California who focuses on helping people navigate stress, anxiety, trauma, career challenges, depression, and major life transitions.

Background and approach

He emphasizes creating an open, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore difficult thoughts and emotions and find clearer ways forward. Using a blend of evidence-informed methods, Michael supports clients through practical strategies and reflective work tailored to each person's needs.

He draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to address unhelpful thought patterns, EMDR and trauma-focused practices for processing past events, and client-centered principles to promote empathy and collaboration. His long experience informs a steady, supportive presence during the therapeutic process.

Michael views seeking help as a courageous first step and aims to accompany clients toward greater satisfaction and resilience. He frames therapy as a partnership, helping people identify goals and practical steps for coping with life’s stresses and rebuilding a sense of balance and purpose.

Therapeutic Approaches You Can Access Online

Michael brings together practical and exploratory methods to address emotional and life challenges. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can be useful for anxiety, panic, depression, and workplace stress. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathetic listening and collaboration, creating a space where clients' own goals and insights guide the work. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers structured skills for managing intense emotions and improving interpersonal effectiveness, helpful for emotion regulation and relationship difficulties.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Michael treats this as a collaborative exploration. He will work with each person to determine which techniques best match their goals, preferences, and life circumstances, adjusting the plan as progress and needs evolve.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for those balancing work, caregiving, or travel. These formats make it easier to attend regularly and to use therapy tools in real time, while allowing clients to choose the interaction style that feels most supportive for their progress.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?

He works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, career issues, depression, and coping with life changes, along with related areas such as caregiver stress, communication problems, and workplace issues.

How would you describe his therapeutic style?

The approach combines empathy and practical techniques, blending client-centered listening with methods like CBT, DBT, EMDR, Jungian and trauma-focused work to match each person’s needs.

What is his professional background and experience?

He has 37 years of professional experience offering psychotherapy and support to people facing a range of emotional and life challenges.

What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?

He is a licensed marriage and family therapist with the credential CA LMFT 28044 and practices in California.

Can he work with clients who speak other languages or live abroad?

Sessions are offered in English, and he is not currently accepting international clients.

In what formats are sessions available?

He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.

How are fees and subscriptions handled?

Costs vary with location and therapist availability and sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the steps to begin working with him?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist’s availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuseCareer difficultiesDepression Coping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Caregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsGuilt and shame Isolation / lonelinessMen's issuesMidlife crisisPanic disorder and panic attacks Post-traumatic stressSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Jungian TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

37+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English