John Gilbert, LMFT

John Gilbert is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California who brings three decades of clinical experience to his work. He has worked across settings from the state hospital system to independent private practice, combining years of direct care with a practical, creative outlook. He previously trained and worked as a music therapist, and his background informs an expressive, person-centered way of engaging with clients.

His practice focuses on a broad range of concerns including stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, career and vocational issues, depression, addictions, parenting challenges, self-esteem, and coping with life changes. He also addresses ADHD, compassion fatigue, coaching needs, and complex matters such as family-of-origin dynamics, chronic pain and illness, co-morbidity, and first responder or veteran issues. John works with adolescents, adults, families, and people navigating transitions or searching for greater life purpose.

In session he uses a mix of evidence-based and experiential approaches tailored to each person - including client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), existential perspectives, hypnotherapy techniques, solution-focused strategies, and Internal Family Systems. As an LMFT he is qualified to work with relational and family dynamics as well as individual concerns; the credential indicates licensed training and overseen clinical practice in marriage and family therapy.

John emphasizes practical treatment goals and collaborative planning. He views many clients as feeling trapped by negative emotions, past events, and fear, and focuses on helping people move toward the life they want through targeted therapeutic work. Because of his licensure, letters beyond routine verification of treatment may not carry the same weight in administrative contexts, so clients who need documentation are encouraged to confirm that a California LMFT will meet the requirements of whoever requests the paperwork.