Mara Bruckner, LMFT
California LMFT for autism and anxiety
- Autism and anxiety care
- Family and relationship support
- CBT informed therapy
About Mara Bruckner
Mara Bruckner is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Southern California with more than 22 years of clinical experience in both private practice and county and state-funded agencies. Her early work included behavior therapy for children, teens, and adults on the autism spectrum, providing play therapy, applied behavior analysis (ABA), social skills groups, and guidance for parents to support skill building and daily functioning.
In private practice Mara has extensive experience with teens and adults who have Asperger's or high-functioning autism, as well as with adolescents facing anxiety, depression, and other challenges common to that developmental period. She also sees adults across the lifespan and addresses a broad range of concerns including stress, relationship and family issues, intimacy, addictions, grief, parenting, bipolar disorder, and coping with life transitions.
Mara is certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - a practical, evidence-informed approach that helps people identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, phobias, OCD, and relationship difficulties. Her counseling style is warm and interactive, with judicious use of humor to lighten heavy topics. She tailors treatment to each person's needs, drawing on CBT, psychodynamic, solution-focused, and client-centered methods, and emphasizes a collaborative approach that invites clients to participate actively in their care. Mara is licensed in California as CA LMFT 36105.
In private practice Mara has extensive experience with teens and adults who have Asperger's or high-functioning autism, as well as with adolescents facing anxiety, depression, and other challenges common to that developmental period. She also sees adults across the lifespan and addresses a broad range of concerns including stress, relationship and family issues, intimacy, addictions, grief, parenting, bipolar disorder, and coping with life transitions.
Mara is certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - a practical, evidence-informed approach that helps people identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, phobias, OCD, and relationship difficulties. Her counseling style is warm and interactive, with judicious use of humor to lighten heavy topics. She tailors treatment to each person's needs, drawing on CBT, psychodynamic, solution-focused, and client-centered methods, and emphasizes a collaborative approach that invites clients to participate actively in their care. Mara is licensed in California as CA LMFT 36105.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTGriefParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeCommunication problemsControl issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSexual dysfunctionSocial anxiety and phobia
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Mara Bruckner have?
Mara Bruckner has 22 years of clinical experience.
Is Mara Bruckner a licensed therapist?
Yes. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - LMFT - licensed in California (CA LMFT 36105).
In which languages does Mara Bruckner provide therapy?
Mara provides therapy in English.
Where is Mara Bruckner located?
Mara is located in California.
How can I work with Mara Bruckner as my therapist?
You can work with Mara Bruckner through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Mara Bruckner work with international clients?
Mara Bruckner does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Mara Bruckner cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with a therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Mara integrates several established approaches into online work to meet a range of needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and adjusting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; it is commonly used for concerns such as anxiety, depression, phobias, and relationship patterns by teaching practical skills and strategies. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a supportive, nonjudgmental relationship in which the therapist listens deeply and helps clients explore their values and goals; this approach can be helpful for issues involving self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship concerns. Psychodynamic Therapy explores unconscious patterns and past influences that shape current feelings and relationships, offering insight that can be useful for persistent interpersonal difficulties and recurring emotional reactions.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Mara, along with other licensed professionals, works collaboratively with each client to determine the best fit based on needs, goals, and personal preferences, and may combine elements from different methods as appropriate.
Online sessions offer practical flexibility - Mara provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate varying schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access ongoing support from a licensed therapist without the need to travel, helping clients maintain continuity of care around work, family, and daily responsibilities.