Dr. Gail Masterson, LMFT

Dr. Gail Masterson brings 28 years of psychotherapy experience to individuals, couples, and families who are trying to find steadiness amid change. She frames uncertainty as a space for possibility and partners with people who feel stalled by circumstances beyond their control to explore new directions and practical steps forward. With a blend of coaching, thoughtful questioning, and deep listening, she aims to help people identify the choices and resources that can move them toward a more creative and meaningful life.

Her background includes a BA in Humanities, an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a PhD in Psychology, and she is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. Over the years she has worked in both brief, solution-oriented formats and longer term psychotherapy, drawing on training that included extended clinical work as well as teletherapy experience at the Viscott Center for Natural Therapy with David Viscott, MD. That mix of short-term focus and longer exploration makes her comfortable working with a range of concerns and timeframes.

Dr. Masterson has experience with couples, families, and individuals from the teen years through older adulthood, including end-of-life care. She emphasizes collaboration, encouragement, and support so that people can begin before they feel fully ready and discover the path that fits them best.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Dr. Gail Masterson draws from client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches to tailor online care to each person. Client-centered therapy emphasizes collaboration, empathy, and helping people find their own answers by building on their strengths and values - it is useful for navigating life changes, relationship concerns, and questions of purpose. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, and is often effective for stress, anxiety, depression, and problem-solving during difficult transitions. Mindfulness therapy teaches present-moment awareness and simple practices to reduce reactivity and support emotional regulation, which can help with anxiety, grief, and coping with chronic stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Dr. Masterson works together with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the focus as those needs evolve in therapy. This collaborative stance helps ensure the work feels relevant and achievable.

Online sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, mobility limits, or geographical distance. These formats make it easier to access licensed professionals and continue consistent care from wherever the client is, while preserving the same therapeutic principles used in face-to-face work.