- Practical steps
- Goal focused
- Family systems
About Gary
Gary Youssef is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 22 years of experience. He helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, grief, addictions, and life transitions. He is based in Ohio and offers therapy in English.
Gary takes a practical, straightforward approach in sessions. He focuses on what is happening now and on small steps that can make daily life easier. He draws on therapy methods that look at thoughts, behaviors, and patterns in relationships to help clients find workable changes.
His background includes long clinical experience in outpatient and pediatric settings and work supporting service members while at a military medical center. That history shaped his interest in behavioral health, family systems, and stress related to school, work, and caregiving roles.
Gary combines approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy to set clear goals and build skills people can use between sessions. He also uses Motivational Interviewing to help people find their own reasons to change and Systemic Therapy to look at how relationships affect behavior.
Outside of clinical work he is a father who enjoys athletics and cooking. He has worked with children, adolescents, adults, parents, and caregivers over many years and draws on that range when adapting plans to a person’s situation.
Gary takes a practical, straightforward approach in sessions. He focuses on what is happening now and on small steps that can make daily life easier. He draws on therapy methods that look at thoughts, behaviors, and patterns in relationships to help clients find workable changes.
His background includes long clinical experience in outpatient and pediatric settings and work supporting service members while at a military medical center. That history shaped his interest in behavioral health, family systems, and stress related to school, work, and caregiving roles.
Gary combines approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy to set clear goals and build skills people can use between sessions. He also uses Motivational Interviewing to help people find their own reasons to change and Systemic Therapy to look at how relationships affect behavior.
Outside of clinical work he is a father who enjoys athletics and cooking. He has worked with children, adolescents, adults, parents, and caregivers over many years and draws on that range when adapting plans to a person’s situation.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapySystemic Therapy
Experience
22+ years
Credentials
California, Ohio
Languages
English
How his approaches translate to online therapy
Gary commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on noticing unhelpful thoughts and changing behaviors to reduce distress. CBT can help with anxiety, depression, sleep, eating concerns, and coping skills for daily stress.He also uses Motivational Interviewing to help people clarify their own reasons for change and build motivation in steps that feel doable. This approach often helps when someone is unsure about making a change or is working through addictions or lifestyle shifts.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences, and adapt techniques based on progress and feedback.
Confirm current session options before booking to know which formats are available. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow a shorter check-in when schedules are tight. Talk with the therapist about what will work best for timing, session length, and how to pause or adjust care as life changes.
Frequently asked questions
What issues does Gary focus on?
He supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, parenting, grief, addictions, trauma and related concerns listed in his specialties.
How would you describe his therapy style?
Sessions are practical and goal oriented, focusing on clear steps and behavior changes that fit everyday life.
What is his professional background?
He has 22 years of clinical experience, including work in outpatient psychiatry and pediatric settings and support for U.S. service members while at a military medical center.
Where is he licensed and located?
He holds LMFT credentials in California and Ohio and is based in Ohio.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.