Cancer Therapists in Los Angeles, CA
I also specialize in working with people impacted by cancer, whether you are facing a diagnosis or a loved one offering support.
We all need extra support sometimes to get us through life's challenges. I can offer a non-judgmental and safe space in which you can freely explore whatever it is that you are facing. Together, we can identify the places where you may feel stuck, and work on removing the obstacles that stand in your way. Whether you're an individual in need of support or change, a couple wanting to improve communication, or a family in conflict, my goal is to assist you in moving forward with clarity.
I also specialize in working with people impacted by cancer, whether you are facing a diagnosis or a loved one offering support.
We all need extra support sometimes to get us through life's challenges. I can offer a non-judgmental and safe space in which you can freely explore whatever it is that you are facing. Together, we can identify the places where you may feel stuck, and work on removing the obstacles that stand in your way. Whether you're an individual in need of support or change, a couple wanting to improve communication, or a family in conflict, my goal is to assist you in moving forward with clarity.
Significant life transitions, complex grief, serious illness, trauma, can change your life radically. You might be grieving the loss of normalcy and expectations about how your life should be. Maybe you are having a hard time adjusting to these changes, grappling with uncertainty or questioning your meaning and purpose.
Significant life transitions, complex grief, serious illness, trauma, can change your life radically. You might be grieving the loss of normalcy and expectations about how your life should be. Maybe you are having a hard time adjusting to these changes, grappling with uncertainty or questioning your meaning and purpose.
I have ample experience working with anxiety, life adjustments, cancer, and grief/loss.
I look at the whole person when approaching care. Drawing on trauma-informed principles and evidence-based techniques, I am always mindful of the impact of your past on present day struggles. Doing so allows us to resolve underlying issues that impact your well being. Your mental health is a collective experience and together we will approach it as such.
I have ample experience working with anxiety, life adjustments, cancer, and grief/loss.
I look at the whole person when approaching care. Drawing on trauma-informed principles and evidence-based techniques, I am always mindful of the impact of your past on present day struggles. Doing so allows us to resolve underlying issues that impact your well being. Your mental health is a collective experience and together we will approach it as such.
As an Oncology Social Worker, I’ve gained a unique perspective on the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by cancer.
I am a bi-lingual Latinx therapist. I weave in holistic approaches with evidence-based therapeutic practices such as cognitive reframing, emotional regulation, strength-based, and mindfulness. The modalities utilized in session will be personalized and tailored to your individual needs and goals to enhance your healing journey.
As an Oncology Social Worker, I’ve gained a unique perspective on the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by cancer.
I am a bi-lingual Latinx therapist. I weave in holistic approaches with evidence-based therapeutic practices such as cognitive reframing, emotional regulation, strength-based, and mindfulness. The modalities utilized in session will be personalized and tailored to your individual needs and goals to enhance your healing journey.
I work with individuals, couples, and families using specialized training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, reproductive mental health, cancer-related issues, and gender and sexuality.
We humans have multiple complexities that, when not heard and understood, can cause distress, pain, and even trauma. By being curious about your complexities together, we can both address your immediate distress and help you understand yourself more holistically, creating opportunities for sustainable healing and change. Complexities that we may explore in our work include your presenting concerns; intersecting identities; relationships with yourself, others, and the systems we exist in; life transitions and losses; acute and complex trauma(s); maladaptive coping behaviors; or any combination of the above.
I work with individuals, couples, and families using specialized training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, reproductive mental health, cancer-related issues, and gender and sexuality.
We humans have multiple complexities that, when not heard and understood, can cause distress, pain, and even trauma. By being curious about your complexities together, we can both address your immediate distress and help you understand yourself more holistically, creating opportunities for sustainable healing and change. Complexities that we may explore in our work include your presenting concerns; intersecting identities; relationships with yourself, others, and the systems we exist in; life transitions and losses; acute and complex trauma(s); maladaptive coping behaviors; or any combination of the above.
Dr. McKinley, LMFT Porcupine Garden Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Online Only
I work with adults navigating:
Grief and loss (including non-death loss)
Life transitions and major life changes
Boundaries, self-trust, self-worth, perfectionism and overwhelm
Specialized areas of focus and interest include:
Therapy for terminal illness and cancer
Chronic illness and chronic pain
Supporting life with cancer for those choosing alternative or integrative care
I believe in real therapy for real people. My style is direct, compassionate, and practical with warmth, precision, and a sense of humor. I will sit with you in the hard places, name what I see, challenge and help you build the internal strength, meaning and boundaries needed to live with clarity and integrity.
I work with adults navigating:
Grief and loss (including non-death loss)
Life transitions and major life changes
Boundaries, self-trust, self-worth, perfectionism and overwhelm
Specialized areas of focus and interest include:
Therapy for terminal illness and cancer
Chronic illness and chronic pain
Supporting life with cancer for those choosing alternative or integrative care
I believe in real therapy for real people. My style is direct, compassionate, and practical with warmth, precision, and a sense of humor. I will sit with you in the hard places, name what I see, challenge and help you build the internal strength, meaning and boundaries needed to live with clarity and integrity.
My work has centered on helping people impacted by cancer, chronic illness, grief, and unexpected life transitions.
My approach is tailored to each person I meet. I use client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy within a safe, calm, and judgment-free environment. My goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and equipped with tools that create space for healing and growth.
My work has centered on helping people impacted by cancer, chronic illness, grief, and unexpected life transitions.
My approach is tailored to each person I meet. I use client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy within a safe, calm, and judgment-free environment. My goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and equipped with tools that create space for healing and growth.
The experiences of grief, a cancer diagnosis, or supporting a loved one with cancer are challenging and often lonely.
As a psychologist, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), along with my years of experience supporting others through grief, adjustment to cancer, and managing worry. My approach is collaborative, transparent, and compassionate. I offer a guided approach to processing feelings and learning new skills.
The experiences of grief, a cancer diagnosis, or supporting a loved one with cancer are challenging and often lonely.
As a psychologist, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), along with my years of experience supporting others through grief, adjustment to cancer, and managing worry. My approach is collaborative, transparent, and compassionate. I offer a guided approach to processing feelings and learning new skills.
I specialize in Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT), a newer, evidence-based treatment for OCD that has shown strong results, often in just a few sessions. Inference-Based CBT (ICBT) helps you understand how OCD creates doubt and teaches you how to step out of it and reconnect with what you already know.
I specialize in Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT), a newer, evidence-based treatment for OCD that has shown strong results, often in just a few sessions. Inference-Based CBT (ICBT) helps you understand how OCD creates doubt and teaches you how to step out of it and reconnect with what you already know.
Whether you find yourself facing the anxiety of a personal or family health challenge, managing the pressure of working as a healthcare professional, or dealing with the turmoil and pain of grief - you’re not alone. Therapy can be a dedicated space where you feel safe to nurture yourself, heal at your own pace, and discover more about who you truly are.
With over a decade of professional experience in both the medical and mental health fields, I bring compassionate support to those navigating some of life’s most challenging moments - helping you find strength and healing when you need it most.
Whether you find yourself facing the anxiety of a personal or family health challenge, managing the pressure of working as a healthcare professional, or dealing with the turmoil and pain of grief - you’re not alone. Therapy can be a dedicated space where you feel safe to nurture yourself, heal at your own pace, and discover more about who you truly are.
With over a decade of professional experience in both the medical and mental health fields, I bring compassionate support to those navigating some of life’s most challenging moments - helping you find strength and healing when you need it most.
My specialties are centered on supporting people with value guided living, life transitions, cancer care support, grief & loss, and trauma.
While honoring you being the expert of your life, I seek to walk alongside you as a guide & partner during this particular challenging part of your life journey.
My specialties are centered on supporting people with value guided living, life transitions, cancer care support, grief & loss, and trauma.
While honoring you being the expert of your life, I seek to walk alongside you as a guide & partner during this particular challenging part of your life journey.
A cancer diagnosis touches every part of life—emotional, physical, relational, and psychological.
I work with adults navigating every stage of the cancer experience—from the initial shock of diagnosis, through the uncertainty of treatment, to the complex realities of survivorship. This includes grieving one’s former self, adjusting to a new normal, and coping with the ongoing fear of recurrence.
A cancer diagnosis touches every part of life—emotional, physical, relational, and psychological.
I work with adults navigating every stage of the cancer experience—from the initial shock of diagnosis, through the uncertainty of treatment, to the complex realities of survivorship. This includes grieving one’s former self, adjusting to a new normal, and coping with the ongoing fear of recurrence.
I often work with clients who have experienced chronic illness, cancer, or are grieving; however, my experience extends to anxiety, trauma, women's issues, and life transitions as well.
I have been a pediatric hematology/ oncology/ BMT nurse for nearly a decade. During this time, I have had the honor of caring for children and families, standing alongside them and bearing witness to both their joy and their suffering. On so many days, I found myself wishing there was so much more that I could do to support my beloved patients and families… so I became a therapist! My goal is to be able to serve both patients/families enduring illness and the health care providers who care for them.
I also have my Masters in Palliative Care- and have a special interest in providing throughout grief and bereavement.
I often work with clients who have experienced chronic illness, cancer, or are grieving; however, my experience extends to anxiety, trauma, women's issues, and life transitions as well.
I have been a pediatric hematology/ oncology/ BMT nurse for nearly a decade. During this time, I have had the honor of caring for children and families, standing alongside them and bearing witness to both their joy and their suffering. On so many days, I found myself wishing there was so much more that I could do to support my beloved patients and families… so I became a therapist! My goal is to be able to serve both patients/families enduring illness and the health care providers who care for them.
I also have my Masters in Palliative Care- and have a special interest in providing throughout grief and bereavement.
Change can come in the form of a life transition such as moving, a new job, grief and loss, or even a cancer diagnosis.
I have worked extensively in assisting adults experiencing a cancer diagnosis, supporting a loved one with cancer, facing life transitions, living with chronic illness or coping with grief. Personally, I have experienced cancer as a caregiver and as a patient. I also have experience with the LGBTQ+ population.
Change can come in the form of a life transition such as moving, a new job, grief and loss, or even a cancer diagnosis.
I have worked extensively in assisting adults experiencing a cancer diagnosis, supporting a loved one with cancer, facing life transitions, living with chronic illness or coping with grief. Personally, I have experienced cancer as a caregiver and as a patient. I also have experience with the LGBTQ+ population.
My name is Archelena McDonald (the preferred name is Dee Dee), and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles, California, and serving clients statewide via telehealth. I currently work with adults and specialize in providing treatment for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, psychosis, grief and loss, PTSD, and couples/family counseling. Therapy is never a "one size fits all," so I try to partner with my client to help identify desired areas of growth.
My name is Archelena McDonald (the preferred name is Dee Dee), and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles, California, and serving clients statewide via telehealth. I currently work with adults and specialize in providing treatment for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, psychosis, grief and loss, PTSD, and couples/family counseling. Therapy is never a "one size fits all," so I try to partner with my client to help identify desired areas of growth.
Hello! I’m Kate, a collaborative, relational, trauma-informed, and LGBTQ+ affirmative therapist. For over 10 years now, I’ve aimed to provide a safe, empowering space where we can slow down & untangle all the messiness of being a human. My hope is always for my clients come away with a greater sense of knowing themselves, more personal agency, & confidence that they can navigate the inevitable challenges of their future. I strive to embody a lens that is feminist, anti-racist & anti-oppressive in this work. My training includes Hakomi Mindful Somatic Therapy, Attachment-Focused EMDR & Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy.
Hello! I’m Kate, a collaborative, relational, trauma-informed, and LGBTQ+ affirmative therapist. For over 10 years now, I’ve aimed to provide a safe, empowering space where we can slow down & untangle all the messiness of being a human. My hope is always for my clients come away with a greater sense of knowing themselves, more personal agency, & confidence that they can navigate the inevitable challenges of their future. I strive to embody a lens that is feminist, anti-racist & anti-oppressive in this work. My training includes Hakomi Mindful Somatic Therapy, Attachment-Focused EMDR & Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy.
Madeline Elia - Integrative Somatic Therapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I work with adults of all backgrounds seeking support with challenges including anxiety/OCD, relationship issues, sexual functioning issues, chronic pain, cancer, and grief/loss.
Are you looking to feel unstuck, less anxious, or more connected in your relationships? In my practice, I support people who are ready to expand and grow into the best versions of themselves. My approach integrates the mind, body, and spirit to help clients uncover unhelpful beliefs, reprocess and release stored trauma, and create more meaning in their lives. All of us experience some form of trauma or loss, but I do not believe we are destined to stay stuck in our suffering. With compassion and curiosity, we can achieve a more integrated sense of self.
I work with adults of all backgrounds seeking support with challenges including anxiety/OCD, relationship issues, sexual functioning issues, chronic pain, cancer, and grief/loss.
Are you looking to feel unstuck, less anxious, or more connected in your relationships? In my practice, I support people who are ready to expand and grow into the best versions of themselves. My approach integrates the mind, body, and spirit to help clients uncover unhelpful beliefs, reprocess and release stored trauma, and create more meaning in their lives. All of us experience some form of trauma or loss, but I do not believe we are destined to stay stuck in our suffering. With compassion and curiosity, we can achieve a more integrated sense of self.
With 28+ years of experience as a seasoned therapist, I provide a "sauna for your feelings," a safe space and container for you to step away from your life to reflect, release and re-align. My goal is to facilitate the identification of difficult thoughts, feelings, and past experiences that prevent us from being comfortable with who we would like to be, what we want, and the kind of relationships that we want to have with others. I find that people who fully invest in themselves have the greatest rate of success.
With 28+ years of experience as a seasoned therapist, I provide a "sauna for your feelings," a safe space and container for you to step away from your life to reflect, release and re-align. My goal is to facilitate the identification of difficult thoughts, feelings, and past experiences that prevent us from being comfortable with who we would like to be, what we want, and the kind of relationships that we want to have with others. I find that people who fully invest in themselves have the greatest rate of success.
NEW:TX! Adulting is already hard enough; throw in infertility, postpartum depression/anxiety, pregnancy following loss (heIlo, anxiety!), loss/grief/bereavement, trauma, relationship/communication issues, boundaries and family conflict and now you've got discomfort, unpleasant feelings, disconnection and stress. While we may not be able to change all of the obstacles in your life, we can work collaboratively to adjust expectations, reinforce coping skills, strengthen resilience, improve communication skills, set boundaries, process trauma and elicit clarity and direction. (We are a boutique group Telehealth practice- warm & fuzzy).
NEW:TX! Adulting is already hard enough; throw in infertility, postpartum depression/anxiety, pregnancy following loss (heIlo, anxiety!), loss/grief/bereavement, trauma, relationship/communication issues, boundaries and family conflict and now you've got discomfort, unpleasant feelings, disconnection and stress. While we may not be able to change all of the obstacles in your life, we can work collaboratively to adjust expectations, reinforce coping skills, strengthen resilience, improve communication skills, set boundaries, process trauma and elicit clarity and direction. (We are a boutique group Telehealth practice- warm & fuzzy).
I have practiced as a therapist for 35 years with an MA in Clinical Psychology from JFK University. I have taught psychology and trained therapists at the University of Santa Monica for many years. I have extensive training in trauma therapies, Including Brainspotting, EMDR and many other treatment modalities. I have been able to help many traumatized individuals suffering from crippling fear, anxiety, hopelessness, depression, and low self-esteem find hope and joy and move forward with their lives.
I have practiced as a therapist for 35 years with an MA in Clinical Psychology from JFK University. I have taught psychology and trained therapists at the University of Santa Monica for many years. I have extensive training in trauma therapies, Including Brainspotting, EMDR and many other treatment modalities. I have been able to help many traumatized individuals suffering from crippling fear, anxiety, hopelessness, depression, and low self-esteem find hope and joy and move forward with their lives.
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Cancer Therapists
How does cancer affect mental health?
A cancer diagnosis is a major life event that can significantly influence the mental health of any individual. Being diagnosed with cancer often introduces a sense of uncertainty about the future, which can cause clients to experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and significant distress. Many cancer patients may also worry about the toll that their diagnosis may have on their family, their physical health, their job, and their financial situation. The compounding of such stressors can also decrease mental health in clients and may lead to additional symptoms that can influence mental health, such as sleeping difficulties or social withdrawal.
What is the best psychological therapy for cancer patients?
The best type of psychological therapy for cancer patients is highly dependent on the needs of the individual. The therapy type that a client benefits from may also depend on what stage of the cancer journey they are in. Recently diagnosed cancer patients, for instance, may benefit from therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which can help clients develop skills to manage the emotional distress that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Alternatively, cancer patients further along in their journey may benefit from therapies like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or other forms of mindfulness therapy to help manage symptoms or physical pain associated with treatment. Clients may also consider group therapy, which offers cancer patients an opportunity to receive support from other individuals dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
Are there any risks or drawbacks in going to therapy while dealing with cancer?
Although attending therapy while dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be helpful, one major concern for cancer patients can be the financial cost of seeking therapy. Many therapists are out-of-network, meaning they do not accept insurance, and thus clients are expected to pay the entirety of the session fee. Since many cancer patients may be out of work as a result of their diagnosis or cancer treatment regimen, the costs of therapy sessions can be substantial. Luckily, many cancer centers and local clinics may offer free or substantially reduced-cost counseling services to cancer patients and their families. In addition, cancer patients may be eligible for grants or other forms of funding from local agencies and nonprofits to seek therapy for their cancer diagnosis. Such opportunities can be very helpful for cancer patients, as they allow clients to obtain the benefits of therapy without the financial strain.
How long does cancer therapy typically last?
The length of cancer therapy depends on the needs of each client. In some cases, cancer patients may only require therapeutic support during the period following their initial diagnosis—to help manage the uncertainty and shock of a cancer diagnosis. In other cases, clients may choose to receive therapy throughout their treatment, and even following, their cancer journey. Pursuing therapy for a longer period of time can help clients develop a deeper relationship with their therapist and provide opportunity to process the challenges presented by cancer treatment, such as physical pain, and challenges associated with cancer survivorship, such as ongoing identity concerns, physical limitations, or relationship challenges.