Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in San Luis Obispo, CA

I’m Thomas Moore, LPCC, a licensed professional clinical counselor providing therapy for individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, identity development, and complex relational patterns. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in repeating cycles such as overthinking, people pleasing, emotional shutdown, intense reactions, or difficulty maintaining stable relationships even when they logically understand what they should do. My goal is to help you translate insight into real change.

My approach is structured and compassionate. I integrate evidence based methods including cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation training, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and trauma informed therapy. Sessions focus on understanding why your brain reacts the way it does and building practical tools you can actually use outside the therapy room. This is not only about talking through problems but learning how to respond differently when they show up in real life.

I work well with clients who want more than passive support and are ready to build skills, increase self awareness, and interrupt patterns that no longer serve them.

What clients should know before starting

Therapy with me is collaborative and active and you will learn strategies rather than only venting. We will work on understanding both the emotional and neurological side of your reactions. Sessions focus on present day functioning while also addressing past experiences that still affect you. I may gently challenge patterns when it supports growth while maintaining a supportive and respectful space. Progress often comes from small repeated changes rather than sudden breakthroughs.

If you are looking for therapy that combines validation with practical change, we will likely work well together.

If you're looking for an empathic, reliable therapist, I strive to provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can explore current stressors, past experiences, relationship dynamics, and develop a deeper understanding of yourself. I believe meaningful change begins with feeling heard, understood, and safe enough to be authentic.

I know what it feels like to want more say over your own life. After years working in psychiatric hospitals and community care settings, I bring a grounded, whole-person perspective to every session. Whether you are managing anxiety, navigating depression, or working through ADHD, my goal is to help you understand what is happening and build a clear path forward. I am straightforward with you because I believe you deserve honest answers, not guesswork. My schedule is built around flexibility, with morning and afternoon openings Monday through Friday, so we can find a time that works for your life.

Reaching out for support isn’t always easy, especially when you’ve been trying to manage everything on your own. I work with adults and adolescents who may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or simply unsure of what to do next. You may be navigating depression, trauma, relationship or family challenges, grief, stress, or a difficult transition in your life. Whatever brings you in, you don’t have to have it all figured out. I’m warm, approachable, and genuinely interested in understanding your experience, not judging it. I want therapy to be a place where you can exhale, be yourself, and feel like you don’t have to carry everything alone.

Introduction

I primarily use a cognitive behavioral approach. My focus area of practice is helping clients improve their lives and find meaningful change.

My communication style

My sessions are calm, collegial, interactive, respectful, directive, and helpful.

How I help clients reach goals

Change does not necessarily take a long time. We're 'shooting for the moon' right away. What's the worst that could happen?

My journey to becoming a provider

Helping others help themselves is an absolute privilege! I'd pay them to do this work (but please don't tell them that.) How did I get here? It's a long story. I originally went to college to be a journalist, but changed to broadcasting. Dumb. I needed to jumpstart my life, so I changed to this profession. Talk about purpose and meaning!

I am a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience providing specialized, confidential telehealth. My practice is built to support ambitious individuals—including busy professionals and dedicated college students—navigating high-pressure environments, life transitions, and relationship challenges.

Because your schedule is already packed with work or demanding coursework, I offer dedicated session times outside standard hours, including early mornings and weekends. Whether you are dealing with academic/professional burnout, family-of-origin issues, or deep emotional blocks, I provide a warm, inclusive space to unburden those patterns. I practice fluidly in English, Spanish, and Spanglish, honoring your unique cultural or bicultural lived experience.