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Dr. Louis Buchhold

Dr. Louis Buchhold

LMFT

California

Therapist blending creativity with practical change

Continue with Louis

At a glance

Credentials
LMFT
License
LMFT, California / LMFT40266
Experience
22 years
Languages
English
Location
California

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

    • Experiential arts methods
    • Actionable between-session tasks
    • Existential perspective

    About Louis

    Dr. Louis Buchhold is a California licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than two decades of clinical work. He holds a doctorate in Counseling Psychology and two master’s degrees, and he blends talk therapy with creative, experiential methods. He uses straightforward, goal-focused sessions and invites people to shape the work around their needs.

    He favors an existential perspective that helps people find meaning and direction in difficult moments. He also uses cognitive behavioral techniques to identify patterns and try small changes that can make daily life feel easier. Motivational Interviewing is part of his approach when people are weighing change or feeling ambivalent.

    In session he uses art, sand play, psychodrama, and other experiential arts methods to surface feelings and try new ways of being. Those activities are paired with brief, practical assignments between sessions so progress continues outside the room. He frames clients as experts in their own story and offers guidance and structure.

    Dr. Buchhold has worked with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and addictions. He also addresses intimacy and sexuality topics, LGBTQ issues, grief, and relationship concerns. Additional focus areas include chronic illness and pain, aging and geriatric issues, and a variety of behavior and process addictions.

    Sessions are conversational and down to earth. People who like a mix of creative exercises and clear, actionable steps may find his style fits well. He emphasizes collaboration and supports people as they take concrete steps toward change.

  2. Approaches that guide online work and change

    Dr. Buchhold draws on Motivational Interviewing to help people explore ambivalence about change and strengthen their own reasons for taking next steps. He uses Client-Centered Therapy to create a trusting, nonjudgmental space where the person’s goals lead the work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps track thoughts and behaviors and test small, practical experiments to see what makes life easier.

    Choosing the best approach is collaborative. The therapist will listen to the concerns, talk about goals, and recommend methods that match those aims. Together they adjust what they try based on what feels most useful and realistic for the individual.

    If you are considering online therapy, confirm the current session options before booking so you know what formats are offered. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets experiential exercises and CBT homework continue between meetings so momentum is not lost. Licensed professionals can adapt art-based and talk-based techniques for remote sessions, and the therapist will discuss how to tailor activities to your situation when you schedule.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issues

    Also works with

    Trauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression

    Additional focus areas

    Aging and geriatric issuesBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyDrug and alcohol addictionForgivenessHIV / AIDSIsolation / lonelinessMen's issuesPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Sex addictionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobia

    Therapeutic approaches

    Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

    Experience

    22+ years

    Listed in

    California

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What kinds of problems does he help with?

    He works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and addictions. He also focuses on intimacy, sexuality, LGBTQ issues, grief, and relationship concerns.

    How would you describe his therapeutic style?

    His style mixes experiential arts like art and sand play with practical, brief therapy techniques. Sessions balance creative exercises and clear, actionable steps to try between visits.

    What is his professional background?

    He has 22 years of clinical experience, holds a doctorate in Counseling Psychology, and has two master’s degrees including one in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling and one in Art Therapy.

    What credentials and region should I know about?

    He is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California; the credential is listed as CA LMFT.

    Which languages are sessions offered in?

    Sessions are offered in English.

    Can international clients work with him?

    International clients are not currently accepted.

    How are fees and payment handled?

    Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

    How do I begin a therapy match?

    Select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.

  6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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Dr. Louis Buchhold Continue with Louis