- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Emotion regulation skills
- Communication practice
About Bruce
Bruce Bates is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with 23 years of clinical experience. He works with people dealing with stress, anxiety, anger, relationship strain, grief, and coping with life changes. Sessions are described in straightforward terms and aim to build practical skills for day-to-day challenges.
Bates uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy, often called DBT, which blends behavior strategies and mindfulness. In sessions he focuses on teaching concrete skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance. He aims to help people reduce reactive behavior and manage strong feelings more intentionally.
People come to him for help with impulsivity, control issues, and communication problems. He also supports those facing caregiver stress, chronic illness or pain, and workplace pressures. Conversations cover what is causing strain now and what skills will make a difference in ordinary life.
Bates typically works in a skills-based way. That means practicing new responses, breaking down difficult moments, and rehearsing clearer communication. He explains techniques in plain language and gives exercises to try between meetings.
He asks clients to identify short-term goals and then checks progress against them. If needed, sessions address grief, panic symptoms, or social anxiety with the same skills focus. People should expect practical steps they can use outside the room.
Sessions are conducted in English and follow California LMFT standards. Before booking, confirm the current session formats and scheduling details using the listing's booking options.
How DBT skills and online sessions work together
Dialectical Behavior Therapy combines clear behavioral techniques and mindfulness practices. The behavioral side focuses on learning and rehearsing new responses to stressful situations, which helps with impulsivity and anger. Mindfulness practices teach simple attention skills to notice feelings early and reduce automatic reactions.These methods are useful for anxiety, stress, anger, and problems with relationships or communication. In plain terms, clients learn step-by-step skills for handling strong emotions, tolerating distress, and improving how they talk with others. Sessions include explanation, short in-session practice, and homework to use between meetings.
Deciding which techniques to use is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to identify goals and try approaches that fit their needs and preferences. Progress is checked regularly and methods are adjusted if something is not helping.
The listing does not specify session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, or reduce travel time. Different formats can also change the pacing of exercises - for example, shorter phone check-ins may suit a quick skills review while video sessions allow guided practice and role play.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
23+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of anger or frustration does he help with?
He works with everyday anger such as losing temper with loved ones, workplace frustration, mounting resentment, and reactions to life changes.
What is his therapeutic style like?
Sessions are skills-focused and practical. The approach emphasizes learning specific techniques to manage emotions and improve communication.
How much experience does he have?
He has 23 years of clinical experience working as a therapist in California.
What credential does he hold and where does he practice?
He is a California LMFT and practices in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with him?
He is not currently accepting international clients.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working together?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.