Jeffrey Stambook

Jeffrey Stambook is a marriage and family therapist licensed to practice in Oregon and California, and he has 16 years of clinical experience. He has been licensed in California since 2006 and maintains a focus on helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges.

His mental health work began in 1998 in a small farming community just outside of Bakersfield, California, when he was hired by a community health clinic to provide mental health case management for children and families. That early work clarified his desire to help others and motivated him to continue his education and training. He went on to work in a range of settings, including a period at a mental hospital, to build the skills needed for private practice, and he began seeing clients in his own office shortly after becoming licensed.

Jeffrey emphasizes the importance of being heard and offers a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can address their greatest challenges. He strives to treat every person with respect, sensitivity, and compassion while encouraging practical steps toward change. His clinical approach is informed by cognitive-behavioral principles, often focusing on shifting unhelpful habits such as negative thinking. Marriage and couples work is a significant part of his practice; he believes strong relationships involve paying attention to one another and making time to enjoy each other. He has received training in the methods developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman and uses their material with most couples he sees.

Jeffrey also emphasizes that one does not need to be “crazy” or in severe distress to pursue counseling. Beliefs or expectations about therapy can delay help until problems become more serious, and many people say they wish they had started sooner. He encourages seeking support early to avoid unnecessary distress.