Online in California
(Online Only)
Life transitions, health challenges, losses, depression or anxiety can be overwhelming or disorienting at times, and it can be really comforting to know someone understands you and you are not alone. I provide a calm, accepting space for you to feel comfortable sharing, along with concrete tools and strategies that are rooted in science to help you make tangible changes in your life. Therapy is a collaborative process with me, and we will work together to identify your goals and track your progress. You can make it through the challenges you face, and you can feel better.
Client Focus
Session Format: Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Asian, Black / African American, Buddhist, Christian, Hispanic / Latino, Jewish, LGBTQ+, Middle Eastern, Muslim, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Multicultural Therapy Acknowledges the role of culture, race, and identity in mental health. It values diversity and adapts treatment to each person’s background.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Psychoeducational Therapy Provides education and coping tools about mental health conditions. It empowers clients with knowledge and practical skills.
Approach Description: As a narrative therapist, I take the time to understand your story and find ways to shift out of self-criticism into empowerment. I weave in science-backed strategies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to provide concrete tools and strategies to help you make lasting changes.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee $160
- Accepts Insurance
- NorCal Kaiser, Cigna, Aetna
Education & Credentials
Gail Kirk Poust LMFT
- Female
- License # 128899
- Licensed in California
- Practicing Since 2014
Education: Gail has a Master in Science in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling from San Francisco State University. She also has a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Sociology from the University of Illinois. She has additional training in perinatal mental health and women's mental health.
Gail Kirk Poust Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available Online for residents of California
- Online Therapy Details: My Best Practice portal
Gail is a licensed marriage and family therapist who works with individual adults in the state of California. She works with individuals with depression, anxiety, OCD, grief and life transitions. She specializes in women's issues including PMDD, infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, pregnancy loss, perimenopause and menopause. She received her Master of Science in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling from San Francisco State University. This program had a strong emphasis on Person-Centered Therapy and Multicultural Therapy. Since graduation, Gail has received additional training in perinatal mental health and women's mental health. Her undergraduate education in Anthropology and Sociology continues to inform her work as she takes the time to understand each person's culture and identity.