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GM Portrait of Dr. Gail Masterson

Dr. Gail Masterson

Experienced therapist guiding practical change

LMFT California

Experience
28 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Grief
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English

About Gail

Dr. Gail Masterson brings nearly three decades of clinical experience to her practice as an LMFT in California.

Background and approach

She draws on a background that includes a PhD in Psychology, an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, and work in early teletherapy settings, combining long-term psychodynamic exploration with focused, solution-oriented strategies. Her approach values the client’s own insight while offering coaching and thoughtful questioning to help clarify options and prompt meaningful steps forward.

Clients who come for help with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, self-esteem, or life transitions will find a therapist comfortable with both shorter-term and deeper work. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside client-centered and existential perspectives, and also uses mindfulness techniques and motivational interviewing when appropriate.

Dr. Masterson emphasizes collaboration and practical problem-solving, aiming to help people find footing amid uncertainty and identify paths that feel authentic and workable.

Therapeutic approaches and online care that adapt to life

Dr. Masterson often integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and client-centered therapy in her online practice. CBT provides structured techniques to identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, which can be useful for issues like anxiety, stress, and depression. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathic listening and collaboration, helping clients feel heard and supported while they explore personal values and choices.

Finding the right mix of methods is part of the therapeutic process, and Dr. Masterson approaches this collaboratively. She will work with each client to clarify goals, test approaches, and adjust strategies so the work fits the client's needs and preferences rather than imposing a single method from the start.

Online therapy with her includes video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity during life transitions, manage caregiving or work obligations, and access consistent therapeutic support without traveling to an office.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief, self-esteem, depression, ADHD, and coping with life changes as listed in her specialties.
What therapeutic style can I expect in sessions?
The approach blends client-centered listening with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, existential reflection, mindfulness practices, and motivational interviewing to meet practical and deeper needs.
How much clinical experience does this therapist have?
She has 28 years of psychotherapy experience, combining shorter solution-focused work with extended psychotherapeutic exploration.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She is a licensed marriage and family therapist with California license CA LMFT 24543 and practices in California.
Are sessions offered in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are conducted in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available for online work?
Clients can meet through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging according to the listed session formats.
How is cost handled for therapy with this therapist?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working together?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

Family conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesDepressionCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisPregnancy and childbirthSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

28+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English