John Rettger, Ph.D.

My psychotherapy practice integrates a diverse range of modalities to address your unique needs. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Compassion-focused approaches, Yoga-based techniques, The Gottman Method for couples and family therapy, as well as Psychodynamic, Existential, and Transpersonal therapies.

I specialize in treating a wide array of psychological concerns such as anxiety and panic disorders, depression, and relationship challenges (including family, friends, and co-workers). I also focus on marriage and partnerships, personal growth, self-esteem issues, and helping individuals cope with existential crises arising from challenging life experiences, loss, trauma, aging, and spiritual emergence or emergencies.

My approach involves offering practical and actionable steps to reduce suffering and increase insight into its origins. I provide relevant education about your psychological concerns, recommend tailored treatment approaches, and offer in-session guidance to transform unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and behaviors into opportunities for growth. I place a strong emphasis on developing distress tolerance and acceptance skills through meditation, relaxation, breath work, acceptance-based methods, and self-compassion strategies.

Together, we will explore how these practices can become integral parts of your daily routine, empowering you towards healing and personal growth.

I received my PhD in clinical psychology from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in 2011 and my California psychology license (PSY27863) in 2015. Before this, I earned degrees in Business & Information Technology and child psychology from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. My doctoral research focused on spiritually integrative approaches to psychotherapy.

I trained at Sofia University’s Community Center for Health & Wellness and the Stanford Early Life Stress Research Program, with additional experience in community mental health and working with children and adolescents.

At Stanford, I developed mindfulness and psychotherapy interventions for trauma-impacted communities, featured on PBS Newshour. I co-edited Applied Mindfulness: Approaches in Mental Health for Children and Adolescents and have published extensively in academic journals.

Outside of work, I enjoy being a dad, practicing yoga and surfing, and studying psychology, philosophy, and spirituality while enjoying Southern California’s beaches.