👋🏼 I’m Patrick Cleveland, LMFT
Greetings, and welcome. I am the Founder and Executive Director of Daybreak Counseling Center and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In addition to my clinical work, I am a business owner, which gives me firsthand insight into the pressures, responsibilities, and demands that many working professionals face. Earlier in my career, I served for five years as an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Long Beach City College, and I genuinely enjoy working with college students as they navigate identity, independence, and future direction.
My academic path began at California State University, Fullerton, where I earned bachelor’s degrees in both Psychology and Philosophy. Personal struggles during my teen years sparked a deep curiosity about human behavior and the unseen forces that shape our decisions. Discovering psychoanalytic theory and the concept of the unconscious mind profoundly influenced my understanding of how past experiences and internal conflicts can shape present-day life. That fascination continues to inform my work today.
After graduation, I worked in community mental health providing behavioral counseling to at-risk youth. Inspired by the skill and impact of one of my supervisors, I pursued graduate training in psychotherapy. I earned a master’s degree in Integral Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, an approach that integrates Western psychological science with Eastern contemplative traditions to support holistic healing.
About Me
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 22 years of experience working in mental health.
I later completed a second master’s degree in Philosophy as a Way of Life at the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom. Studying abroad broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for cultural differences, intellectual exploration, and personal growth. These experiences contribute to my comfort working with students, international populations, and individuals facing major life transitions.
My work is grounded in curiosity, compassion, and respect for the complexity of human experience. I welcome conversations about meaning, purpose, identity, spirituality, and the difficult questions that arise during periods of change. Whether you are a student, professional, or someone seeking deeper self-understanding, therapy can provide a space to reflect, heal, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
Testimonials
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Patrick has been such an integral part of my evolution over the past 5+ years. Knowing he's there when I most need a professional listener who is a continuous student of the human experience, is a gift. When a challenge/experience arrives in my life, I get to face it knowing I can call on him if I want to. It matters. The knowledge that there is a therapist I have built trust with provides a freedom to face the unknown on my own, without being alone. In a perfect world, everyone would have a therapist. I had no idea how much my ability to work through challenges would improve, just from having someone to talk through the big ones with. Patrick in particular has a deep understanding of the ways our minds can respond to life, and provides that insight without the detached, clinical vibe so many therapists seem to approach patients with. It's something truly special that he brings to the table. Finding a therapist you vibe with is not a simple task. Having one is a gift. You are a gift, Patrick. Thank you. - David C.
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Patrick Cleveland is the very best therapist I could have asked for. I had no idea I could connect with someone so well and that it would benefit my life in such a comprehensive way. I have seen Patrick for multiple issue ranging from adjustment issues, relationship issues, to grief counseling. I had seen other therapists before, but not connected in a way that allowed me to truly benefit. His style is non-intrusive and allows you to dig deeper into what your triggers and mindset might really be in and he encourages the development of self-awareness that will create an opportunity for catharsis and change. I spent much of my time just talking to Patrick in a way that might seem casual, but it was the best version of therapeutic release. He is intelligent, attentive, and kind. His background in philosophy coupled with his psychology education make him extremely well suited for anyone looking for not only the practical parts of therapy but the existential (should you want to dive in). I would unreservedly recommend him to anyone searching for therapy. Particularly if you want a different style than what many current therapists offer. I will consider him my sole therapist for as long as I am local to his services. My life is better for knowing him; I will remember my time with him as a bright light during darker times - Candace
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Patrick is a very open-minded, non-judgmental therapist who practices excellent containment. He was able to assist me while pulling from different traditions/approaches as were fitting for the situation. Patrick was able to seamlessly blend and adjust (even including schools of existential thought, when applicable) to follow my train of thought and encourage me down the path I needed to go. During our sessions, he helped me get to a point in which I was able to make important decisions/life transitions I had once thought daunting. He also helped me to express emotions and feel entitled to my narrative of being hurt and neglected; even if "others have it worse" is objectively true, my feelings are still my feelings, and my pain is valid. Learning this actually helped me to NOT be stuck in a victim mentality, which is what I was trying (and failing) to accomplish by repressing or explaining away my feelings to begin with. Patrick also helped me to drastically limit contact with and set better boundaries with some people in my life. I feel I have achieved many milestones with his help, and my mental health is much better for this. He also allowed me to bring my husband to two of the sessions, even though we were not signed up for "couple's therapy" without charging extra, and this really helped me to get some clarity and start conversations I needed help to have. Patrick is very practical and willing to help you take the next logical steps to continue on your journey. I really appreciate the loving kindness Patrick showed toward me and the extra steps he took sending me articles for further reading. He is a great therapist! - Bridgette
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Patrick is a game changer. I had done therapy before with no significant progress to a point where I was honestly skeptical of the whole thing. Flash forward to 2 years ago when I decided to give it one more chance and searched for the best therapist around and Patrick popped up. Let me tell you there is a reason for why he comes so highly recommended. I went from not being able to maintain a long term relationship to now being engaged to my fiancée in a healthy productive one. He always seems to have the right viewpoint and advice on difficult situations that really help when I'm in those circumstances. The awareness and confidence I now have to properly get thru things I once struggled with has been a game changer for me and I owe that to Patrick. - Michael
Education, Credentials, & Trainings
Education:
M.A. Philosophy As A Way of Life
University of Liverpool ( Liverpool, United Kingdom )
M.A. Integral Counseling Psychology
California Institute of Integral Studies (San Francisco, CA )
B.A. Psychology & B.A. Philosophy
California State University, Fullerton (Fullerton, CA)
Licenses:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #80907
Certificates:
Certificate of Leadership Excellence
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Experience:
Over 22 years of experiences working in the mental health field
with a wide variety populations and settings spanning from community mental health to private practice.