Craig Meisner

Biography

Qualifications & Experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 12 years of counseling experience. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Phoenix in Sacramento. My internship hours were completed at Hearts and Hands Counseling in Roseville, CA.

My Call to Christian Counseling

I grew up in a Christian home in a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I decided to pursue counseling after my own journey through severe anxiety and panic disorder. During this time, I became close to God and learned to depend on Him. After years of spiritual growth and learning to work through fear and hopelessness, God gave me a desire to help others overcome their struggles.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

My hobbies include playing the drums, which I’ve done since I was eight years old, golfing with my wife, watching sports, playing video games with my son, and shopping with my daughter.

Services and Specialities

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Chemical Dependency
• Counseling for Teens
• Couples Counseling
• Codependency
• Depression
• Family Counseling
• Individual Counseling
• Infidelity and Affairs
• Marriage Counseling
• Men’s Issues
• OCD
• Online Counseling
• Personal Development
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Relationship Issues
• Sex and Porn Addiction
• Sexual Abuse
• Spiritual Development
• Trauma

Anxiety

When we encounter situations we interpret as either physically or emotionally painful, our brain sends a signal to our nervous system to protect us. Unfortunately, our own defenses that automatically trigger during stressful events end up manifesting as physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety that can significantly affect our ability to experience joy, feel secure, and function normally in our relationships and daily lives. During our sessions, I will help you explore and discover the fearful thoughts and beliefs underlying your anxiety. After discovering the thoughts and beliefs driving the fears around your circumstances, we will explore how you can feel safe and at peace by learning to let go and put your faith in Christ.

Couples Counseling

In my years of counseling couples, I have observed that the majority state their main concern as communication. It’s true that a lack of communication is a core stressor in most strained relationships, but often this is just a symptom of issues underneath. For many of us, conflict presents a danger, and therefore, we pull away and avoid each other. In many instances, conflict results in resentment, which then creates emotional and physical distance in the relationship. Sometimes, couples experience major conflicts, which immediately create a breakdown in communication. Other times, small conflicts build over time, slowly tearing apart the fabric of closeness and open communication. Whatever your situation, I will work with you as a couple to provide a safe place to express your concerns to each other, working through your differences with safe and open communication to arrive at a place of lasting resolution and renewed strength in God’s purpose for your marriage.

Depression

At its heart, depression tends to feel like unending sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness. These feelings often strip individuals of their motivation and ability to feel joy and happiness in their daily lives and relationships. In our sessions, we will safely explore your past and present experiences that may be contributing to distressing thoughts and beliefs about your current circumstances. Once you feel comfortable that you have discussed everything you need, we will go to work finding acceptance and hope in your circumstances through aligning your beliefs and faith in God’s promises.

Trauma

Trauma results from experiencing an event involving severe physical or psychological danger. When experiencing severe danger, our nervous system unleashes an intense response, which in many cases, results in long-term severe anxiety and depression. Experiences such as physical and sexual abuse, as well as childhood neglect, are unfortunately common reasons why individuals have trauma and seek counseling. If you have experienced trauma, you can expect an incredibly supportive space to tell your story. Traumatic events can be extremely difficult to discuss, and therefore, you will have all the time and space you need to explore, process, and discuss what occurred. After you feel comfortable enough, we can begin the process of healing by gently facing the tremendously painful experiences and learning to feel safe in the grace and peace of God.

Spiritual Development

Our spiritual development never ends. After we become saved, the Holy Spirit give us a never-ending thirst for spiritual wisdom and faith in Christ. This is the time that God is sanctifying our hearts. As most Christians learn, life often doesn’t get easier after becoming saved, and in fact for many, life seems to get harder. We will never fully understand the spiritual reasons for everything that is happening in our lives and in the world today, but I would enjoy being someone who could offer you biblical wisdom and guidance in your journey.

Payment and Forms

Sessions: I offer 53-minute sessions. Sessions can be held more than once per week, weekly, or every other week. Scheduling options are discussed in greater detail during your Risk-Free Initial Session.

Availability (by office location):

• Newport Beach – Wednesday and Thursday
• Carlsbad – Monday, Tuesday and Saturday
• Online Counseling – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for Individuals, Couples, and Groups looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment the full fee per session is required at the time of service.

Insurance: As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), most insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out of Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover adolescents, individuals, and couples.

Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 4% per transaction may be added for credit card payments.