The Journey Starts Here
Young Men’s Counseling, Groups, Adventures, and Support
Specialized counseling and coaching for young men facing life’s challenges
About David Heckenlively, MFT
David’s bio
David has worked with teens, young men, and their families as a California Licensed Therapist (LMFT #38744) since 2004. David worked with youth before being licensed since 1990. Over the past three and a half decades, he has practiced across a wide range of youth-focused settings and feels deeply called to support young men in their growth, resilience, and the discovery of their personal legend.
David draws from a broad and integrated skill set developed over 30+ years, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Integral Psychology, Experiential Therapy, and Wheel of Life coaching, among other approaches. His work blends clinical depth with practical guidance, helping young people build meaning, direction, and confidence in their lives.
About Legend Counseling
Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy
At Legend Counseling, we believe every man has a purpose to fulfill. For young men, that journey begins with taking responsibility, reflecting honestly on their choices, and gradually discovering what we call a personal legend—the pursuit of purpose, integrity, adventure, and a life that feels meaningful and worth living. The path is rare
At Legend Counseling, we believe every man has a purpose to fulfill. For young men, that journey begins with taking responsibility, reflecting honestly on their choices, and gradually discovering what we call a personal legend—the pursuit of purpose, integrity, adventure, and a life that feels meaningful and worth living. The path is rarely easy. Setbacks, failures, and painful experiences are not signs of defeat but essential parts of growth. Struggle often clarifies the road forward, and no one is meant to walk it alone.
When young men are struggling, it often shows up across many areas of life. We see these struggles as signals—a call to do something differently. In a culture that emphasizes comparison, numbing, and avoidance, Legend Counseling challenges young men to reengage with life by accepting reality, taking responsibility, and choosing healthy action. Through reflection, honest conversation, physical activity, and meaningful change, we help young men take the next brave step toward seeing their lives as valuable and worth improving, one step at a time.
Services
Philosophy
Philosophy
We offer individual and group counseling that respects the whole young man and does not reduce him to a diagnosis. At Legend Counseling, we invite young men to grow in self-awareness and gain a clearer understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and actions, while learning how life’s challenges can become meaningful opportunities for growt
We offer individual and group counseling that respects the whole young man and does not reduce him to a diagnosis. At Legend Counseling, we invite young men to grow in self-awareness and gain a clearer understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and actions, while learning how life’s challenges can become meaningful opportunities for growth and change.
Group counseling adds connection and shared experience. It offers a supportive place where young men can learn from one another, try out new ways of thinking and relating, and turn insight into positive, real-world steps forward.
Approach
Philosophy
Approach
We see every young person as creative, capable, and full of potential. Our approach blends the forward movement of coaching with the compassion of therapy, offered in a calm and low-pressure environment. We invite young men to speak openly about what is really happening in their lives and to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Whe
We see every young person as creative, capable, and full of potential. Our approach blends the forward movement of coaching with the compassion of therapy, offered in a calm and low-pressure environment. We invite young men to speak openly about what is really happening in their lives and to see challenges as opportunities for growth. When needed, we provide supportive challenges that help them stretch, build confidence, and keep moving forward.