- Stress and anxiety
- Addictions support
- Attachment and communication
About Christopher
Christopher 'Chris' Gunst is a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 15 years of professional experience. He helps people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship problems, and family conflict. He also focuses on issues like abandonment, attachment difficulties, communication problems, guilt and shame, loneliness, mood concerns, self-love, and challenges common in young adulthood.
Chris approaches work in a direct and practical way. He prioritizes a clear working relationship and spends time early on understanding what someone wants to change. Together they map out goals and small steps that feel doable. Sessions are conversational and focused on skills people can use between meetings.
He respects different life stories and aims to be mindful of how past relationships shape current choices. Conversations often include tracking patterns, improving communication, and building healthier coping when stress or addictive urges arise. Forgiveness and repairing ruptures in relationships can also be addressed when relevant.
Chris keeps explanations plain and avoids clinical jargon. People can expect straightforward feedback, concrete suggestions, and gentle challenge when it helps move things forward. He works with adults who are navigating the pressure of early adulthood, such as changes after school, first jobs, relationship shifts, and questions about identity.
For practical next steps he asks people to describe what feels most urgent, then together they pick a pace that fits daily life. He notes that change takes repeated effort and that therapy is a collaborative process informed by real-world goals.
Approaches you might use and online sessions
Chris describes his work as based on evidence-based therapeutic techniques that translate into clear steps in sessions. One common approach focuses on identifying unhelpful patterns in relationships and behavior, then practicing new ways of communicating and responding. This helps when people feel stuck by repeated conflicts, abandonment issues, or attachment wounds. Another approach emphasizes mood and stress management through behavioral changes - tracking triggers, small routine shifts, and coping skills to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms and to manage addictive urges.Finding the best approach is part of the work. Chris expects to review goals and preferences with each person, and to adjust methods as they learn what works. That means therapy is a collaboration: he brings techniques and the person brings their real-life priorities, and they choose a path together.
The profile does not list specific online session formats, so confirm available options before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, shorten travel time, and allow a quick check-in on a lunch break or between classes. Some formats also use less bandwidth or allow audio-only conversation for a simpler check-in. Ask about current session types when you sign up so you know how sessions will match your daily life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he work with?
He supports adults with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship problems, and family conflict, plus related issues like abandonment, attachment, guilt, loneliness, and young adult concerns.
How would he describe his therapeutic style?
His style is practical and conversational. He focuses on clear goals, usable skills, and open discussion about patterns that affect daily life.
How much experience does he have?
He has 15 years of professional work experience as a clinician.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is an LMFT - a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - practicing in California.
Can I work with him if I live outside the United States?
He is not currently accepting international clients; sessions are conducted in English and within his stated practice region.
Which session formats does he offer?
The original profile does not list specific session formats. Confirm current session options before booking to ensure they fit your needs.
How does payment work and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.