Dr. Maryann Reuter

As a psychologist, I prioritize emotional health and wellness as a way to help prevent depression and anxiety. When life feels unbalanced and stress becomes overwhelming, I help clients restore balance and realign important areas of their lives. Symptoms such as sleep difficulties, relationship challenges, changes in eating habits, angry outbursts, chronic emptiness or sadness, and panic attacks can point to deeper concerns that may not yet be fully understood. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, I can help you find relief while also exploring what your body or psyche may be trying to communicate via those symptoms. Ultimately, my goal is to help you build greater satisfaction and meaning in your life. Emotional well-being is not just one part of health—it is the foundation for which other parts of your life are built upon.

I started working in mental health over 20 years ago when I moved from NJ to CA for graduate school. I was an MFT before earning my Ph.D. My commitment and expertise have led me to become licensed in California, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Although my training began with adults, I have sought out specialization to work with children and teens, as well as the whole family system. My trauma expertise has also led to specialized work in grief, hospice care, and end-of-life transitions.

I have taught in several graduate programs in Southern California, including classes on Law and Ethics, Clinical Interventions with Children and Adolescents, Trauma and Crisis Intervention, the Life Cycle, and Family Therapy. I currently teach at Pepperdine University as adjunct faculty.

My approach begins with a comprehensive assessment. During the first appointment, I ask detailed questions and gather the background information you feel comfortable sharing. This may include your childhood and upbringing, relationship history, school or work experiences, and any past factors that have shaped where you are today. I also assess current emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms so I can better understand your overall well-being. With this information, I can recommend whether outpatient therapy is a good fit and discuss the best way to move forward. Depending on your needs, I may draw from different therapeutic theories and techniques, which I am happy to explain during your first session. Some clients also come in with a specific concern or goal, and short-term, solution-focused therapy may be an appropriate option.

I strive to create a warm and safe environment in your meetings with me. I support clients to slowly open up and share their lives as they are ready to, which can happen at a different pace for each person. I balance my care and compassion for you with asking deep and direct questions to support you seeing things differently than you have before. Sometimes that includes my direct interpretation of what you share with me, other times that could be my direct questions to guide you in recognizing your own discoveries. While my approach is gentle and caring, I also believe it is my job to challenge you to explore new ways of seeing yourself. I am open-minded and strive to join you where you are starting at so I can understand you and tailor my approach to your unique situation. I think of therapy as your journey, but with me to walk beside you to guide you in creating new pathways forward.

Therapists have many different styles, and finding one who feels like the right fit is important. I encourage you to schedule an initial session with at least two therapists so you can experience different approaches and choose the one that feels most supportive for you.