- Stress and anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Social anxiety
About Thomas
Thomas Pugel is a California-licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with 20 years of clinical experience. He works with people who are managing stress, anxiety, trauma or abuse, and depression. He also focuses on mood disorders, panic and post-traumatic stress, and social anxiety and phobia.
He keeps sessions practical and straightforward. Conversations focus on current problems and steps that can help reduce symptoms. He adapts the pace to what each person can manage and checks in about progress regularly.
Over two decades he has supported people through panic attacks and recurring worry. He also has experience helping those who are coping after traumatic events. That experience includes working through patterns that keep difficult feelings active.
His approach uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to identify thinking and behavior patterns that maintain distress. Sessions often include talking through situations that trigger anxiety and practicing small behavioral experiments between meetings. Progress is measured in concrete changes clients notice in daily life.
People who are considering therapy are encouraged to start with a short matching questionnaire and then schedule a first session. Thomas works in English and accepts international clients. Costs vary by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
Approaches Thomas Uses and what they do
Thomas works with evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on what is happening now and on practical steps to reduce distress. One approach is cognitive work that helps identify unhelpful thinking patterns and replace them with more balanced thoughts; this can reduce anxiety and improve day-to-day functioning. Another common element is behavioral work that encourages small, manageable experiments in real life to test fears and build confidence, which is often used for panic and social anxiety.Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. He will work collaboratively to decide which methods fit a person’s needs, goals, and preferences and will adjust the plan as progress is made.
The original biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm which online options are available before booking. In general, online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow more consistent check-ins. Some formats also allow shorter or phone-only check-ins when a full video session is harder to arrange. Thomas accepts international clients and will discuss practical arrangements when scheduling.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and depression, plus mood disorders, panic, post-traumatic stress, and social anxiety and phobia.
What is his therapeutic style?
He uses practical, evidence-based techniques and focuses on current problems and steps to reduce symptoms.
How much experience does he have?
He has 20 years of professional work experience as a therapist in clinical settings.
What are his credentials and location?
He is an LMFT licensed in California and practices from that state.
Which languages and client locations are supported?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are offered?
The biography does not specify session formats; confirm current session options before booking.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What do I do to get started?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a first session.