Eric Ruffing

"My role as psychotherapist is rooted in collaboration, empathy, curiosity, kindness, respect + compassion. Supporting everyone's goals, dreams, lifestyle choices, preferences, cultural history, spiritual practice, diversity and journey." - Eric Ruffing •  What Types of Problems Can I Help With? Self-esteem Anxiety Stress Worry "Stuckness" "Perfectionism" Relational Issues Communication Conflicts Career Transitions Life Transitions (school, family, spiritual, sobriety) Self Reflection / Existential worry • How I Work "The problem is the problem, not the person." - MIchael White+David Epston I truly believe you are not the problem. But there’s a problem (or more) that surrounds you. Why "The Problem" has shown up is part of your story. I have found that change happens when we deconstruct, investigate & evaluate what "The Problem" is doing to your life. Why you don't like it, what it is you’d rather be experiencing, and not focusing on what you've been doing wrong. Problems generate stories that you may come to believe about yourself which then create anxiety, guilt, depression, stress, worry, low self-esteem, confusion, anger, unfairness, grief or others. Over time these beliefs become a way to evaluate yourself. I'll collaborate with you to find the space for you to re-discover, create new skills, understanding, abilities and mental space for you separate the effects "The Problem" has on how you see yourself. A new re-authored, less critical & happier life story can emerge that supports your confidence, dreams, goals, culture, future. If for you traditional therapies haven't helped, not helping any longer, or don't sound right to you, I utilize modalities, theories & training that see problems as problems not people as problems. Our sessions remain respectful, curious, strength based, holistic & positive, not statistical medical models that focus on reliving traumas, labeling your behaviors, blaming your "attachment style" or "faulty thinking". We'll collaborate using Narrative, Post Modern, Solution Focused, Existential and contemplative modalities. Recognizing that mental health is impacted by more than your parents and childhood. That therapists should integrate broader ideas that question, recognize and deconstruct how societal discourses, power and expectations affect your ability to live. • About Me I'm a therapist, professor at Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology, graduate of Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, graduate of Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology, Level 1 200-hour certified meditation instructor, had a 25+ year career as an art director/graphic designer. Living as a father, husband, hiker, mountain biker, ocean lover, pet owner, animal lover, knowledge seeker, informed by the Dharma. My reason for becoming a therapist is to provide a space where you are never judged for the problems you're facing, the actions you've taken, or the goals and dreams you have for life. Availability via telehealth. Finding a therapist who you can be comfortable with is hard. Let's chat for 15 min and see if we may be right for each other? 949-534-2604