Dr. Gabriel Ruiz

I'm Dr. Gabriel Ruiz, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California specializing in trauma therapy and EMDR. I help teens, young adults, and adults heal from the lasting impact of traumatic experiences, difficult relationships, chronic stress, and emotional wounds that continue to affect daily life.

Many of my clients struggle with anxiety, emotional overwhelm, people pleasing, low self-worth, relationship difficulties, or feeling constantly "on edge" even when life appears manageable from the outside. Together, we work to understand how past experiences may still be affecting the present and build a greater sense of safety, confidence, and self-trust.

I am particularly passionate about supporting adolescents and young adults. In addition to ongoing therapy, I offer short-term support during the summer months for students who may benefit from extra help maintaining emotional well-being, navigating life transitions, processing difficult experiences, or preparing for a successful return to school. Whether support is needed for a few months or longer-term, I strive to provide a space where clients feel understood, supported, and empowered in their healing journey.

I earned my Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) from Simmons University and completed my MSW and bachelor's degree in Psychology at California State University, Bakersfield.

My approach is warm, trauma-informed, collaborative, and affirming. I primarily use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients process traumatic experiences, regulate emotions, and develop healthier ways of coping and relating to themselves and others.

I believe trauma affects more than thoughts alone. It can impact the nervous system, relationships, self-esteem, emotional regulation, and the way people experience safety and connection. Because of this, I focus on helping clients understand not only what happened to them, but how those experiences may still be affecting them in the present.

I strive to create a therapeutic space where clients feel emotionally safe, understood, and supported without judgment. My work is also grounded in a culturally responsive and socially conscious perspective that recognizes the impact of identity, environment, and lived experiences on mental health and healing.

Clients often describe me as down-to-earth, compassionate, and easy to talk to. In our first session, we'll focus on getting to know you at a pace that feels comfortable. We'll explore what brings you to therapy, the challenges you've been carrying, and the goals you hope to work toward.

Whether you're seeking brief support during the summer months or looking for longer-term trauma-focused therapy, we'll work together to create a plan that fits your needs and goals.

You do not need to share every detail of your experiences right away. Building safety and trust is an important part of trauma work, and therapy should never feel rushed or overwhelming. My hope is that you leave the first session feeling heard, supported, and hopeful about the possibility of meaningful change.