Couples Counseling Therapists in Santa Monica, CA

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Photo of Mark B. Copeland, Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA
Mark B. Copeland
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I have broad knowledge of various psychological theories and methodologies, but my work with adults and couples is predominantly psychodynamic.
At various times in their lives people need help in recognizing what they want and are not getting. In an atmosphere of safety and support, we will look at patterns and beliefs that prevent each person from feeling cohesive and understood. We will also look at patterns that trigger feelings of depression, anger and anxiety, as well as longings that may be shameful and out of awareness. With support and understanding shame can be dealt with and reduced leading to a life that is less isolated and anxiety ridden.
(424) 294-8921
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Santa Monica, CA 90403
Photo of Emily Elson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Emily Elson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified
Verified
I believe you should like your therapist and feel like you’re making progress, rather than just spinning your wheels. A clinician’s knowledge, approach, and personality are key to achieving that, so I offer free 15 minute phone consultations in order to determine if we’d be a good fit. I have over 20 years experience treating adults, teens, and couples in the areas of anxiety, depression, relationships, and general self-growth. My other specialties include: mindfulness, integrative health, introversion, and highly sensitive people.
(310) 220-4038
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Santa Monica, CA 90404
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Photo of Gabrielle Zhuang, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Gabrielle Zhuang
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified
Verified
She has worked with individuals, couples and families from diverse backgrounds in hospital, governmental and non-profit settings.
If you feel you are living a truncated life, overburdened by anxiety, depression or lacking a feeling of rich aliveness, connection and joy I hope we can work together. I offer an atmosphere of empathy and acceptance as we explore the individual and relational issues that are coming up for you. We will transform insight into actionable change.
(323) 745-8237
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Santa Monica, CA 90401
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Photo of Dr. Margie Mirell, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Dr. Margie Mirell
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, AASECT, Imago
Verified
Verified
Struggling with conflicts within yourself and with others? Discover satisfaction in every aspect of your life. To help you recover and gain a sense of healthy self-esteem, I have specialized techniques for dealing with complex trauma, PTSD, sexual issues, addiction, relationship issues, disordered eating, and grief. Sometimes we need to talk it out. Not for sympathy, but to find truth that guides us to our purpose and peace within ourselves. I teach you to avoid pain, change behavior patterns, and dialogue for more creative, productive, and healing solutions.
(310) 773-0391
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Santa Monica, CA 90401
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Photo of Christine Mourad, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Christine Mourad
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFA, MA, LMFT, EMDR
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Therapy is a process and a relationship which is deeply personal and holistic. I create a safe, confidential, trusted, collaborative and creative space to move toward your personal and relational goals and potential. I offer EMDR to address trauma, resiliency and attachment, and the latest neuroscience knowledge, coupled with body and mindfulness practices. In session, we focus on your unique history, relationships, beliefs, strengths, goals, trauma, dreams and values. We uncover blocks to freedom, expression, and relationships to move toward the goals and vision you wish for yourself, to enable your fullest aliveness.
(818) 960-1781
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Santa Monica, CA 90401
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Photo of Cheryl B Lanktree, Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA
Cheryl B Lanktree
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I am a psychological trauma specialist who has spent over 25 years working with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced child abuse, family violence, rape and assault, traumatic loss of loved ones, and the psychological effects of serious or severe medical problems or injuries. I offer individual, couples , and family therapy for these and other problems, including relationship issues and the problems associated with working in the entertainment industry. I work with clients who have experienced a single trauma as well as those who have experienced complex trauma. At this time, I am limiting my practice to traumatized adults.
(213) 701-1149
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Santa Monica, CA 90403
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology--West LA, Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA
Silver Lake Psychology--West LA
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
Therapy is a process of self-reflection and conversation that honors the struggles of life: career uncertainty, relationship decisions, loneliness, grief and the ongoing pursuit self-love.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
(424) 374-3520
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Santa Monica, CA 90401
Photo of Lauren Martin Culp, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Lauren Martin Culp
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, CD
Verified
Verified
People come in with a desire to feel better, less stressed; resulting in successfully and confidently improving personal and professional relationships. Customized sessions help individuals achieve their goals- like attracting healthier romantic relationships, making better career or life choices, affair repair, clarity in parenting challenges or managing ADHD. Practical tools all based on my extensive professional training in holistic health, natural nutrition, body-mind therapies, meditation, etc.-specifically to support individuals, couples , and families.
(424) 704-8635
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Santa Monica, CA 90404
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Photo of Deryl Goldenberg, Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA
Deryl Goldenberg
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I do individual and couples therapy dealing with: addictions; defensive communication; sexuality; aggression; parenting, and money. *I find that most couples during arguments or stressful times, communicate poorly--are reactive and quick to blame. I really value helping the individuals develop themselves and their skills as a way out of this cycle, and towards a loving relationship . *In individual therapy we may deal with loneliness, anxiety, addictive patterns/substances or depression. We work together to set personal goals and on staying accountable. I focus on their maladaptive thoughts/feelings that can interfere with them retaking charge of their life.
(805) 214-8988
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Santa Monica, CA 90401
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Photo of Dr. Ashley Conner, Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA
Dr. Ashley Conner
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Living with intense and debilitating feelings may leave you with a sense of overwhelm, hopelessness, and anger. You may have conflicts in your relationships, hold resentments, or try your best to manage with unsuccessful ways of coping. Do you have a hard time feeling safe or heard in your relationships, or trusting your intuition? You deserve a safe and supportive relationship to heal the impact of life. I help highly emotional and high conflict persons manage their intense emotional experiences, understand the causes, and learn alternative ways to cope so they can navigate life and relationships with greater satisfaction.
(310) 496-8794
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Santa Monica, CA 90401
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Photo of Sum Yee Wang, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Sum Yee Wang
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Cross Cultural Relationship : Because of my unique background as an Asian American, I have developed a sensitivity to issues that arise from cross cultural relationships.
As an Asian woman who has straddled two cultures for many years, I have a deep understanding of the struggles Asian women and men face in relationships, family life, and the workplace. I also know that our unique cultural history and cultural norms can present so many obstacles to healing emotional injuries and finding emotional health. If you are feeling lonely and isolated, anxious and guilty, inadequate, overwhelmed, conflicted, or depressed, I understand. And I have the experience to help you find concrete, practical solutions to these emotional challenges, yielding timely results. I am fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese and English.
(310) 943-9008
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Santa Monica, CA 90401
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Photo of Adriana Garcia, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Adriana Garcia
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I primarily work with adults, couples , and adolescents, and use empathy and warmth to help address each unique individual's need.
Change is possible and I believe therapy is a place where you can explore the challenges and achievements that make our lives feel more fulfilled. My approach to therapy is one of empathy, collaboration and practicality. I like to make therapy fun, engaging, and a safe place for you to comfortably explore your emotions and learn new healthy coping skills to support your growth. I have a passion for helping others achieve more fulfillment and balance in their lives. My goal is to provide a safe space to explore feelings that may contribute to ongoing difficulties, re-process experiences, and ultimately co-create your next chapter.
(424) 672-3668
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Santa Monica, CA 90403
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Photo of Layla Jillood, Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA
Layla Jillood
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
What this means, is that I examine unconscious process by looking at past events and relationships and how they relate to the present and by examining the therapeutic relationship to see how these unconscious processes play out.
"The greatest thing you can do in life is to overcome your insecurities and fears" Mahatma Gandhi. It is common for us to feel stuck in areas of our life that are not working. The primary task of psychotherapy, is to offer a different perspective in order to gain a deep level of self awareness. This awareness can challenge existing patterns that are no longer serving us. Together, we will explore areas in your life where you feel stuck/trapped, difficulty in relationships, unresolved early childhood issues and life transitions.
(424) 268-2253
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Santa Monica, CA 90403
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Photo of Michelle King, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Michelle King
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, MS
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
I know it can be hard to find a therapist, and I believe connection and trust are the most important things to look for in a therapeutic relationship .
Are you looking for someone to talk to, finding that family and friend support just isn't enough? I am a licensed professional, here to listen and encourage insight to help you work through struggles and find happiness in a genuine way. I am a Certified EMDR Therapist and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, also specializing in Addiction, Anxiety, Life Transitions, and Relationships. I am here to help you make the changes you're looking for to make your life better.
(424) 348-6795
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Santa Monica, CA 90405
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Photo of Dr. Arlice Cleveland, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Dr. Arlice Cleveland
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I work with children, adolescents, young adults, parents, individuals, couples , elders and families struggling with a broad range of anxiety, trauma, emotional and behavioral issues.
I can assist and support you with problem-solving skills, traumas, and collaboratively work with you in obtaining new coping strategies for issues such as: Depression, anxiety, relational disruptions, unresolved childhood issues, stress management, and more. Many of my clients have shared that attending therapy with myself has helped them learn new techniques in self-management and personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and some of life daily stressors. I can work with you in achieving a fresh perspective on a difficult problem and help you identify your true authentic self.
(424) 373-8129
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Santa Monica, CA 90405
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Photo of Tara Vatankhah, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Santa Monica, CA
Tara Vatankhah
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, RYT
Verified
7 Endorsed
Verified
7 Endorsed
I am trained in working with trauma and work with both individuals and couples in a private practice setting.
The natural ebb and flow of life can keep us flowing between a state of connection & disconnection to our authentic selves. Often times, the disconnection sparks the desire to seek therapy, subsequently leading to an inward journey back to the Self. I would feel honored to be part of your journey. The foundation of my therapeutic approach is based on the idea that wisdom lives within all of us. My hope is to help you tap into & live from that place of connection to your own unique inner compass. I utilize mindfulness, somatic, narrative, CBT & family systems theoretical frameworks to help you create & lead a more fulfilling life.
(213) 376-3065
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Santa Monica, CA 90403
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Photo of Savannah Shizuko Okada, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Santa Monica, CA
Savannah Shizuko Okada
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, APCC, AMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
On the outside, you make success look easy, though it comes at a cost. You hide parts of yourself leaving you wrestling with anxiety, self-esteem, or shame/guilt. Through my supportive and calm nature, I work to offer a safe space that recognizes the duality within yourself, so you can move closer to your authentic self. I enjoy and have success helping clients improve communication, understanding emotions, and create a healthy relationship with themselves and others. I am passionate about empowering you to live the life you love by deepening your insight and finding practical solutions.
(310) 873-6754
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Santa Monica, CA 90405
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Photo of Hayden Hunter, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Santa Monica, CA
Hayden Hunter
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified
Verified
The lotus flower blooms most beautifully from the deepest and thickest mud. What is your personal mud? My goal is to help you with deep self-exploration while developing ways to navigate and bloom through the mud in your life. My diverse, expansive training allows me the opportunity to authentically meet my clients and support them in their therapeutic journey using an integrative, collaborative, and trauma-informed approach. Whether it be related to difficult emotions like anxiety and depression, nuances of grief and trauma, debilitating existential crises and illness, or personal and professional relationship challenges.
(310) 362-4760
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Santa Monica, CA 90404
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Photo of Elizabeth Corpstein, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Elizabeth Corpstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I am specially trained in emotionally focused therapy, the cutting edge approach designed to guide distressed couples out of their maze of misunderstandings and recapture their sense of intimacy.
Life can be challenging and overwhelming. You are not alone if you are longing to feel deeper satisfaction with yourself and your relationships. Life feels very different when you feel confident, empowered, and fulfilled. I will illuminate paths to attain or reconnect you with these parts of yourself. I have helped many women and men transform their feelings of shame, disappointment, and desperation into self-confidence, happiness and hope. After working with me you will be able to make better choices in all areas of your life, including love, work and family relationships.
(323) 452-4003
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Santa Monica, CA 90403
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Photo of Dawn Pesso, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Dawn Pesso
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified
Verified
Something big is happening. You could even call it a crisis. It can be overwhelming when you're going through a big change in your life or when you feel you are at a crossroads. This can happen because you realize a relationship that you're in just isn't good for you, or worse, that it's toxic. This can also happen when you're considering a career change, or choosing a career for the first time? Big decisions can leave you feeling confused, stuck/frustrated, fearful, sad, angry, lonely, and more.
(310) 484-5943
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Santa Monica, CA 90404
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Couples Counseling Therapists

Does couples counseling work?

Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.

When should a couple seek counseling?

Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.

How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?

The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.

How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?

The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.