A Thoughtful, Direct Approach to Therapy
I’m Dr. Brandon W. Cassels, a licensed psychotherapist based in Westlake Village, California. I work with adults who want more than surface-level conversations—they want clarity, insight, and real change. My approach is direct, collaborative, and grounded in both clinical training and lived experience. I believe therapy works best when we’re honest, curious, and willing to look at what’s actually shaping our lives. If you’re ready to understand yourself more deeply and move forward with intention, this is the work I offer.
10+
17 States
Therapy That Goes Beyond What You’ve Tried Before
I want you to know that therapy with me isn’t about polite head-nods or scripted questions. When you sit with me, you’re getting someone who shows up fully—someone who listens carefully, thinks deeply, and speaks honestly. My role is to help you understand yourself in a way you may not have been able to before. Together, we’ll look at what’s actually driving the patterns, emotions, and conflicts in your life, without judgment or pretense.
My approach is direct, compassionate, and rooted in real insight. I believe in naming things clearly, exploring what needs accepting, and identifying what needs to change so you can stop repeating the same cycles. You won’t be expected to fit into a box or perform a version of yourself that feels safe or familiar. You can show up exactly as you are, and we’ll work from there.
This process isn’t always easy, but it is meaningful. You’ll gain clarity, self-respect, and a stronger sense of who you are becoming. And you won’t be doing it alone — I’m right there with you, helping you make sense of your story and supporting you as you move into a life that feels more grounded, more intentional, and more authentically yours.
— Dr. Brandon W. Cassels
Meet Brandon W. Cassels, Founder & Therapist
Brandon W. Cassels is the founder of Ursus Psychotherapy Services and a licensed therapist who works with adults navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and life transitions.
Professional Background
Brandon brings a strong clinical foundation along with hands-on experience supporting adults through stress, uncertainty, and periods of transition. His background allows him to approach therapy with both professional rigor and genuine human understanding.
Licensure
While Brandon is based out of California, he is licensed in multiple states and can work with clients who live anywhere in the list below:
CA: #124516
CO: #MFT.0002355
FL: #TPMF926
HI: #MFT-770
IA: #126199
ID: #1171649
MO: #2023029627
MT: #BBH-LMFT-LIC-76031
NV: #4556-R
OR: #T2217
SC: #8137
TN: #2337
TX: #205019
UT: #13305486-3902
VA: #0717002185
WA: #LF61559482
WI: #2212-124
Education
Brandon completed graduate-level training in mental health counseling and is fully licensed to practice psychotherapy. He maintains ongoing continuing education to stay current with ethical standards and evidence-based clinical practices.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
University of California, Berkeley — History of Medicine, Science, and Technology
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Pacifica Graduate Institute — Counseling Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Pacifica Graduate Institute – Depth Psychology with Specialization in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices
Clinical Approach
Brandon’s approach to therapy is collaborative, client-centered, and practical. He works alongside clients to explore patterns, build insight, and develop tools that support change both in and outside of sessions.
Areas of Focus
Brandon primarily works with adults experiencing anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and challenges related to identity, relationships, and life transitions. His work emphasizes clarity, emotional regulation, and self-understanding.
Practice Philosophy
Ursus Psychotherapy Services was founded with the belief that therapy should feel grounded, intentional, and human. Brandon values depth without pressure and progress without rushing, creating a space where clients feel respected and supported.
What Clients Appreciate
Clients often describe Brandon as calm, thoughtful, and easy to talk to. His ability to make complex emotional experiences feel understandable helps clients feel less alone and more confident in their growth.
Ongoing Professional Development
Brandon is committed to continued learning and regularly engages in professional development to refine his skills, stay aligned with best practices, and provide high-quality care.
Dr. Brandon W. Cassels Therapy Framework
For Adults Seeking Clarity, Confidence, and Meaningful Change
Brandon’s approach integrates insight-oriented work, humanistic values, and relational understanding to help you move beyond surface-level coping and into genuine self-awareness, emotional strength, and long-term growth.
Individual Therapy
Break patterns, understand your internal world, and reconnect with yourself.
Explore the thoughts, emotions, and experiences shaping how you show up in your relationships, work, and life.
Relationship & Connection Work
Make sense of conflict, communication, and emotional patterns.
Whether you’re feeling disconnected, unsure about your relationship, or stuck in recurring cycles, let’s explore what’s beneath the surface and what needs to shift.
Identity, Masculinity & Sexuality
Navigate identity questions with honesty and clarity.
Work through the beliefs, expectations, and internal conflicts surrounding masculinity, sexual identity, desire, and self-image—without pressure or judgment.
Insight-Driven Personal Growth
Understand what holds you back and build the confidence to change.
We will uncover your core narratives, examine your patterns, and develop the resilience and self-trust needed to grow into the person you’re becoming.
Therapeutic Approaches
How We’ll Work Together
Psychodynamic Insight
Understand how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence how you think, feel, and relate today.
Humanistic Approach
A genuine, grounded therapeutic relationship where you feel seen, respected, and supported in becoming your most authentic self.
Relational Therapy
Make sense of the habits, expectations, and emotional responses that shape your relationships—with partners, family, and yourself.
Depth-Informed Exploration
Explore identity, sexuality, shame, and the deeper layers of your internal world in a thoughtful and structured way.
Skills & Strategy Integration
Practical tools for emotional regulation, communication, ADHD challenges, and daily functioning—applied when they’re actually useful.
Action-Oriented Strategies
Turn insight into change with tools for managing emotions, setting boundaries, and navigating ADHD-related challenges.
Let’s Talk About What You’re Looking For
If you’re considering therapy, the next step doesn’t have to be complicated. Reaching out is simply a way to see if this work feels like the right fit for you. I’m happy to have an initial conversation, learn more about what’s bringing you in, and explore whether working together makes sense. When you’re ready, I’m here.