HOW  I work 

The reason I became a therapist is to provide a space where you are never judged for your behaviors, current situation, or problems you’re having. My position with you is that of walking side by side to (re)discover & build your skills, talents, values, goals, dreams and the life you imagine for yourself. I truly believe you are not the problem, but that problems influence everyone one of us and get in the way of our expectations for ourselves, our desires and what we are living for.

Problems generate stories that you may come to believe about yourself which then create anxiety, guilt, depression, stress, worry, low self-esteem, confusion, anger, unfairness, grief or others. Over time these beliefs become a way to evaluate yourself. I'll collaborate with you to find the space for you to re-discover, create new skills, understanding, abilities and mental space for you separate the effects "The Problem" has on how you see yourself. A new re-authored, less critical & happier life story can emerge that supports your confidence, dreams, goals, culture, future.

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If for you traditional therapies haven't helped, not helping any longer, or don't sound right to you, I utilize modalities, theories & training that see problems as problems not people as problems. Our sessions remain respectful, curious, strength based, holistic & positive, not statistical medical models that focus on reliving traumas, labeling your behaviors, blaming your "attachment style" or "faulty thinking". We'll collaborate using Narrative, Post Modern, Solution Focused, Existential and contemplative modalities. Recognizing that mental health is impacted by more than your parents and childhood. That therapists should integrate broader ideas that question, recognize and deconstruct how societal discourses, power and expectations affect your ability to live.

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ABOUT me 

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My reason for becoming a therapist is to provide a space where you are never judged for the problems you're facing, the actions you've taken, the goals and dreams you have for life. I'm of service to help live the life you want.

I'm a therapist, professor, graduate of Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, graduate of Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology, Level 1 200-hour certified meditation instructor, had a 25+ year career as an art director/graphic designer. Living as a father, husband, hiker, mountain biker, ocean lover, pet owner, animal lover, knowledge seeker, informed by the Dharma.

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  "The problem is the problem, not the person." 

MIchael White+David Epston

ERIC RUFFING M.A., LMFT,  LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST #127256  

-Ericruffingtherapy.com serving: Orange County, Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Buena Park, Capo Beach, Cerritos, Corona Del Mar, Costa Mesa, Coto De Caza, Cypress, Dana Point, El Toro, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Ladera, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Nigel, Lake Forest, La Habra, Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Los Angeles, Mission Viejo, Monarch Beach, Newport Beach, Orange, Placenta, San Clemente, Rancho Santa Margarita, Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Turtle Rock, Tustin, Westminster, Villa Park, Yorba Linda.