- Thought patterns
- Everyday habits
- Goal focused
About Gary
Gary Youssef is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 22 years of experience. He helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, parenting strain, relationship and family concerns, and everyday habits tied to thoughts and behavior. Gary aims for straightforward, practical conversations that families can use right away.
He uses clear, goal-focused methods to tackle problems step by step. Sessions emphasize identifying thought patterns, building new everyday habits, and trying out small changes between meetings. He often draws on cognitive behavioral ideas and solution-focused strategies to set concrete goals and track progress.
Gary's background includes long-term outpatient work in pediatric behavioral health and support roles with military family services. That work gave him experience with a wide range of issues across ages and life stages. He also spent time working in school settings and community programs.
In sessions he keeps language simple and practical. Parents get direct suggestions they can try with children or teens. Adults get concrete tools for mood, sleep, anger, and attention challenges including ADHD and compassion fatigue.
Outside of clinical work he is a father who enjoys athletics and cooking. He describes his approach as professional and approachable, focused on small changes that fit into everyday life. Prospective clients should confirm current session options before booking.
He uses clear, goal-focused methods to tackle problems step by step. Sessions emphasize identifying thought patterns, building new everyday habits, and trying out small changes between meetings. He often draws on cognitive behavioral ideas and solution-focused strategies to set concrete goals and track progress.
Gary's background includes long-term outpatient work in pediatric behavioral health and support roles with military family services. That work gave him experience with a wide range of issues across ages and life stages. He also spent time working in school settings and community programs.
In sessions he keeps language simple and practical. Parents get direct suggestions they can try with children or teens. Adults get concrete tools for mood, sleep, anger, and attention challenges including ADHD and compassion fatigue.
Outside of clinical work he is a father who enjoys athletics and cooking. He describes his approach as professional and approachable, focused on small changes that fit into everyday life. Prospective clients should confirm current session options before booking.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapySystemic Therapy
Experience
22+ years
Credentials
California, Ohio
Languages
English
Approaches that focus on thoughts and practical change
Gary often uses cognitive behavioral ideas to help clients notice unhelpful thoughts and test new ways of thinking. CBT techniques can be useful for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and changing daily routines.He also draws on solution-focused therapy, which zeroes in on small, achievable goals and the steps needed to reach them. That approach is helpful for people who want quick, practical shifts in their habits or family routines.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss needs, goals, and preferences and then choose or blend methods that fit. This is a collaborative process and adjustments are expected as goals evolve.
Confirm current session formats before booking, as specific online options are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Talk with the therapist about what will fit into your day and how sessions can be scheduled to support consistent progress.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Gary help with?
He supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma and grief, parenting and family strains, relationship and intimacy issues, sleep and eating problems, anger, self-esteem, career stresses, ADHD, and several other life challenges.
How would you describe his therapy style?
His style is practical and goal oriented, focusing on thought patterns and everyday habits. He aims for simple steps clients can try between sessions.
What is his clinical background?
He has 22 years of clinical experience, including long-term outpatient pediatric behavioral health work and roles supporting military family services.
Which credentials and location are listed?
He holds LMFT and LIMFT credentials and practices from Ohio.
Are sessions available in other languages?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
He is not currently accepting international clients.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a therapy match?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.