Meet Mike Drasin, M.A., Therapist for Individuals, Couples, and Families in San Ramon, CA

I believe exploration fosters growth, whether or not the destination is clear, and is essential for deeper self-understanding. Our thoughts, behaviors, and feelings stem from how we interact with the world—and how it interacts with us. In therapy, I use empathy, non-judgment, and empowerment to explore these themes. As a relational therapist, I focus on identity—who we are as individuals, family members, romantic partners, and friends —and how our experiences shape our sense of self. Some of my related interests include intergenerational trauma, men’s issues, and the intersection of gender, social roles and culture.

I work with individuals, couples, and families using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), solution-focused, and psychodynamic therapy. My treatment areas include anxiety, depression, ADHD, personality disorders, self-harm, and addiction recovery. However, I treat the person first. Everybody is unique and can respond differently to the same approach for the same problem. As such, I tailor therapy to your specific needs and your personality.

 Couples therapy is one of my areas of expertise, where I focus on creating long-term, fundamental change. I utilize integrative behavioral and couples therapy (IBCT), which is suited for addressing communication issues and lost feelings of connection and intimacy. IBCT is also appropriate for couples seeking to better understand their attachment styles and love languages. I also offer premarital counseling and co-parenting classes.  

Before joining Ritenour Counseling, I was a couples therapist at Able Mediation and Counseling and a school therapist and guest teacher at John Muir Charter School’s Richmond campus. I hold a BA in psychology from the University of Colorado, where I researched chronic pain and early schizophrenia symptoms in adolescents, and an MA in marriage and family therapy from Alliant International University. (I’m also a San Ramon Valley High alum, where I played lacrosse and competed on the mock trial team—go Wolves!) Outside therapy, I’ve run a musical instrument restoration business for over a decade, play guitar in a few bands, and collect books faster than I can read them.

I work with couples, families, and individuals in-person and virtually. Children 13 years or younger are preferably seen in-person.