Therapists for Seniors in Santa Monica, CA
I am here to help you get unstuck and reclaim your natural state of joy, well-being, purpose, and vitality. "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure (Marianne Williamson)." In our fast-paced world, it's easy to lose touch with ourselves and our sense of well-being. This has led to a rise in depression/anxiety, substance abuse, marital/relationship issues, and other difficulties. I am skilled at alleviating these symptoms and have been successful in working with individuals, couples, children/adolescents, and families of all ages backgrounds.
I am here to help you get unstuck and reclaim your natural state of joy, well-being, purpose, and vitality. "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure (Marianne Williamson)." In our fast-paced world, it's easy to lose touch with ourselves and our sense of well-being. This has led to a rise in depression/anxiety, substance abuse, marital/relationship issues, and other difficulties. I am skilled at alleviating these symptoms and have been successful in working with individuals, couples, children/adolescents, and families of all ages backgrounds.
Maybe you're the one everyone leans on, and no one thinks to ask how you're holding up. Maybe the anxiety you used to manage has started waking you at three in the morning. Maybe you've built the life you were supposed to want and feel oddly hollow inside it. Or maybe you love your family and still feel unseen by them.
Whatever brought you here, something that used to work has stopped working — and you'd rather understand why than keep pushing through it.
Maybe you're the one everyone leans on, and no one thinks to ask how you're holding up. Maybe the anxiety you used to manage has started waking you at three in the morning. Maybe you've built the life you were supposed to want and feel oddly hollow inside it. Or maybe you love your family and still feel unseen by them.
Whatever brought you here, something that used to work has stopped working — and you'd rather understand why than keep pushing through it.
I emphasize honesty and transparency in my therapeutic relationships, fostering open communication and trust. By being forthright with clients, I aim to create an environment where I can explore challenges, setbacks, and successes with clients, without judgment or pretense. Ultimately, my goal is to collaborate with clients to cultivate self-awareness, resilience, and positive change. I established my private practice, Oruga Psychotherapy, to create a space where individuals could find solace, support, and empowerment on their paths toward healing. I believe that everyone deserves a healthy life with emotional and mental wellbeing.
I emphasize honesty and transparency in my therapeutic relationships, fostering open communication and trust. By being forthright with clients, I aim to create an environment where I can explore challenges, setbacks, and successes with clients, without judgment or pretense. Ultimately, my goal is to collaborate with clients to cultivate self-awareness, resilience, and positive change. I established my private practice, Oruga Psychotherapy, to create a space where individuals could find solace, support, and empowerment on their paths toward healing. I believe that everyone deserves a healthy life with emotional and mental wellbeing.
As a licensed clinical supervisor and psychologist with 14 years of experience, I have helped countless adults, adolescents, and families across many settings (hospitals, community centers, assessments, forensic). I currently work at UCLA. My clinical expertise is in treating anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, relationship issues, and life transitions. Further, my background as a Chinese Malaysian – who has lived in different parts of the U.S. for almost two decades – has given me a unique perspective on the challenges that immigrants and people of color face. I am fluent in English, Mandarin Chinese, and Cantonese.
As a licensed clinical supervisor and psychologist with 14 years of experience, I have helped countless adults, adolescents, and families across many settings (hospitals, community centers, assessments, forensic). I currently work at UCLA. My clinical expertise is in treating anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, relationship issues, and life transitions. Further, my background as a Chinese Malaysian – who has lived in different parts of the U.S. for almost two decades – has given me a unique perspective on the challenges that immigrants and people of color face. I am fluent in English, Mandarin Chinese, and Cantonese.
All of us create patterns of behavior in our formative years to help us survive real and perceived dangers. What are those patterns? How have those patterns inhibited our lives today? How can we break free from those patterns and develop a more alive and integrated sense of self?
All of us create patterns of behavior in our formative years to help us survive real and perceived dangers. What are those patterns? How have those patterns inhibited our lives today? How can we break free from those patterns and develop a more alive and integrated sense of self?
Would you like to experience a positive change in your life and in your relationships? I offer tools which will assist in the process of positive change. I am committed to helping you find greater wellness, clarity and joy. Whether you are looking for relief from suffering of symptoms of depression and anxiety, an enhanced relationship with yourself and others, greater self-awareness, the cultivation of your own voice and authentic self, or you want to move more fully in the direction of your vocational, athletic, or artistic dreams, therapy is a life-changing gift to give yourself.
Would you like to experience a positive change in your life and in your relationships? I offer tools which will assist in the process of positive change. I am committed to helping you find greater wellness, clarity and joy. Whether you are looking for relief from suffering of symptoms of depression and anxiety, an enhanced relationship with yourself and others, greater self-awareness, the cultivation of your own voice and authentic self, or you want to move more fully in the direction of your vocational, athletic, or artistic dreams, therapy is a life-changing gift to give yourself.
Welcome! I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, complex trauma, relationship challenges, grief, recovery, and life transitions. Many of my clients find themselves at a threshold: a season of change, loss, uncertainty, or transformation, and are longing for something deeper than symptom management alone.
There is talk therapy, and then there is depth therapy. Together, we explore not only present struggles but the underlying patterns, stories, and experiences that shape them. By attending to both the wisdom of the body and the deeper layers of the psyche, we discover what healing, joy, and freedom can look like.
Welcome! I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, complex trauma, relationship challenges, grief, recovery, and life transitions. Many of my clients find themselves at a threshold: a season of change, loss, uncertainty, or transformation, and are longing for something deeper than symptom management alone.
There is talk therapy, and then there is depth therapy. Together, we explore not only present struggles but the underlying patterns, stories, and experiences that shape them. By attending to both the wisdom of the body and the deeper layers of the psyche, we discover what healing, joy, and freedom can look like.
Life is too short to live it feeling unsatisfied, confused, depleted and or powerless. Sometimes you can manage, but other times you want to turn to someone who will provide an compassionate, non-judgmental space for you to (re)connect with your deepest, most authentic self. Maybe you're in a relationship which feels stagnant, emotionally/physically disconnected or is burdened by accumulated hurts and betrayals, and you and your partner are seeking clarity, support and a new way of being either together or apart. Being skillful in relationships with others (and oneself) has become essential, and is central to our well being.
Life is too short to live it feeling unsatisfied, confused, depleted and or powerless. Sometimes you can manage, but other times you want to turn to someone who will provide an compassionate, non-judgmental space for you to (re)connect with your deepest, most authentic self. Maybe you're in a relationship which feels stagnant, emotionally/physically disconnected or is burdened by accumulated hurts and betrayals, and you and your partner are seeking clarity, support and a new way of being either together or apart. Being skillful in relationships with others (and oneself) has become essential, and is central to our well being.
You’re thoughtful and capable, often the one others rely on, yet anxiety, self-doubt, or old emotional wounds can quietly take over. Maybe you’re a parent breaking generational patterns or someone who appears “fine” while carrying pain that never fully healed. I support adults — especially parents — in healing early wounds, reducing anxiety, reconnecting with self-worth, and building more secure, compassionate relationships. My warm, trauma-informed, attachment-focused approach helps you feel safe to show up as your full, authentic self.
You’re thoughtful and capable, often the one others rely on, yet anxiety, self-doubt, or old emotional wounds can quietly take over. Maybe you’re a parent breaking generational patterns or someone who appears “fine” while carrying pain that never fully healed. I support adults — especially parents — in healing early wounds, reducing anxiety, reconnecting with self-worth, and building more secure, compassionate relationships. My warm, trauma-informed, attachment-focused approach helps you feel safe to show up as your full, authentic self.
You deserve a therapeutic space where your inner world is taken seriously—a place to retreat, where life gets quiet enough for your soul to speak. If you’ve found your way here, something in you is probably already asking for attention: an old strategy losing its grip, a familiar dynamic returning, a truth getting louder. In our work, we stop negotiating with what you already know and turn toward what’s actually here.
I work within a relational, depth-oriented, and transpersonal current. Together, we create a space where you can begin living from the inside out, not just thinking about your experience from a distance.
You deserve a therapeutic space where your inner world is taken seriously—a place to retreat, where life gets quiet enough for your soul to speak. If you’ve found your way here, something in you is probably already asking for attention: an old strategy losing its grip, a familiar dynamic returning, a truth getting louder. In our work, we stop negotiating with what you already know and turn toward what’s actually here.
I work within a relational, depth-oriented, and transpersonal current. Together, we create a space where you can begin living from the inside out, not just thinking about your experience from a distance.
Pacific MFT Network LA- ADHD, Couples,
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
13 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Find your best therapist match with us! We're a diverse, highly-trained, and inclusive team of therapists helping you to live the life you want. We build supportive, compassionate, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients, so you feel safe to grow and heal. To enhance your experience, we offer concierge billing for PPO insurance and flexible scheduling, including weekday, evening, and weekend appointments. We work with children, teens, and adults, providing therapy for individuals, couples, and families. We support clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions.
Find your best therapist match with us! We're a diverse, highly-trained, and inclusive team of therapists helping you to live the life you want. We build supportive, compassionate, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients, so you feel safe to grow and heal. To enhance your experience, we offer concierge billing for PPO insurance and flexible scheduling, including weekday, evening, and weekend appointments. We work with children, teens, and adults, providing therapy for individuals, couples, and families. We support clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions.
"The function of a psychotherapist is to become obsolete as soon as possible." That quote is from my own psychotherapist and mentor, years ago, and it's the model and motto of my practice. There are, of course, exceptions, including couples or individuals who return for a "tune up" once in a while and others who call me in as co-strategist when some new turbulence hits. Another exception is my work with schizophrenic spectrum patients, who need a long-term connection with consensus reality from wherever they happen to be stuck "on the other side of the mirror".
"The function of a psychotherapist is to become obsolete as soon as possible." That quote is from my own psychotherapist and mentor, years ago, and it's the model and motto of my practice. There are, of course, exceptions, including couples or individuals who return for a "tune up" once in a while and others who call me in as co-strategist when some new turbulence hits. Another exception is my work with schizophrenic spectrum patients, who need a long-term connection with consensus reality from wherever they happen to be stuck "on the other side of the mirror".
Whether you're navigating the unique pressures of living in our modern society, coping with unprocessed trauma, or grappling with grief in all its multidimensional forms, I will be beside you on your journey toward your authentic self. Maybe your physical capabilities have changed or your sense of self has been altered; perhaps you are exploring intergenerational trauma, cultural reclamation, or just feel stressed. I will work with you to learn new ways to meet your own needs. Guided by curiosity and deep questioning, we will find pathways toward safety and connection that work for you.
Whether you're navigating the unique pressures of living in our modern society, coping with unprocessed trauma, or grappling with grief in all its multidimensional forms, I will be beside you on your journey toward your authentic self. Maybe your physical capabilities have changed or your sense of self has been altered; perhaps you are exploring intergenerational trauma, cultural reclamation, or just feel stressed. I will work with you to learn new ways to meet your own needs. Guided by curiosity and deep questioning, we will find pathways toward safety and connection that work for you.
People who see me for the first time are often feeling overwhelmed, confused, depressed or anxious. Some people are unable to sleep, have distressing thoughts, or cannot control troublesome habits and behaviors. Others have have struggled with chronic pain due to injuries or illnesses. Many have endured the stigma of having a major mental illness which created difficulties in daily functioning, mood swings, or poor judgement and distorted thinking. And others have functioned well with significant achievements in their careers, family, and relationships but still feel empty inside, and cannot experience pleasure, meaning, or fulfillment from their lives.
People who see me for the first time are often feeling overwhelmed, confused, depressed or anxious. Some people are unable to sleep, have distressing thoughts, or cannot control troublesome habits and behaviors. Others have have struggled with chronic pain due to injuries or illnesses. Many have endured the stigma of having a major mental illness which created difficulties in daily functioning, mood swings, or poor judgement and distorted thinking. And others have functioned well with significant achievements in their careers, family, and relationships but still feel empty inside, and cannot experience pleasure, meaning, or fulfillment from their lives.
Nakisa is a licensed psychotherapist and clinical supervisor at Feya Health, utilizing eclectic and holistic approaches to support clients in engaging in meaningful self discovery via effective clinical models alongside Ketamine and Oxytocin Assisted Psychotherapy. Nakisa believes in the efficacy of a holistic and client centered approach, utilizing compassion and non-judgment to guide individuals in healing and developing a strong relationship with themselves, others and their environments. Nakisa believes in the efficacy of a holistic and client centered approach.
Nakisa is a licensed psychotherapist and clinical supervisor at Feya Health, utilizing eclectic and holistic approaches to support clients in engaging in meaningful self discovery via effective clinical models alongside Ketamine and Oxytocin Assisted Psychotherapy. Nakisa believes in the efficacy of a holistic and client centered approach, utilizing compassion and non-judgment to guide individuals in healing and developing a strong relationship with themselves, others and their environments. Nakisa believes in the efficacy of a holistic and client centered approach.
I have a doctorate in clinical psychology from Purdue University, and most recently spent a number of years as the Clinical Director at the UCLA Counseling Center. I have worked in VA and Community Mental Health settings, and received additional extended training at the UCLA Human Sexuality Program. I come across as warm, down to earth, and easy to trust and talk to. I offer confidential, professional services to adults and couples in a relaxed Santa Monica setting, where I have an integrative approach (using insight-oriented, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and other orientations) tailored to your needs and concerns.
I have a doctorate in clinical psychology from Purdue University, and most recently spent a number of years as the Clinical Director at the UCLA Counseling Center. I have worked in VA and Community Mental Health settings, and received additional extended training at the UCLA Human Sexuality Program. I come across as warm, down to earth, and easy to trust and talk to. I offer confidential, professional services to adults and couples in a relaxed Santa Monica setting, where I have an integrative approach (using insight-oriented, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and other orientations) tailored to your needs and concerns.
I enjoy treating the common human foibles (depression, anxiety, couples counseling, etc.), but I also have much experience dealing with trauma, parenting concerns, chronic pain, the elderly, and the psychological impact of medical conditions.
A good therapist has wisdom, compassion and the ability to connect deeply with you, while creating a safe healing environment. These are among the strengths that my patients ascribed to me during my many years as a Pediatrician... and that ultimately led me to a career in psychotherapy. Having raised two preadolescent daughters after my wife died, I have experienced many of life's tragedies, celebrations, anxieties and fears. With empathy, expertise, and kindness, I've helped countless individuals and families work through their issues. I would look forward to doing the same with you. I employ HUMOR when appropriate and useful.
I enjoy treating the common human foibles (depression, anxiety, couples counseling, etc.), but I also have much experience dealing with trauma, parenting concerns, chronic pain, the elderly, and the psychological impact of medical conditions.
A good therapist has wisdom, compassion and the ability to connect deeply with you, while creating a safe healing environment. These are among the strengths that my patients ascribed to me during my many years as a Pediatrician... and that ultimately led me to a career in psychotherapy. Having raised two preadolescent daughters after my wife died, I have experienced many of life's tragedies, celebrations, anxieties and fears. With empathy, expertise, and kindness, I've helped countless individuals and families work through their issues. I would look forward to doing the same with you. I employ HUMOR when appropriate and useful.
I am a Certified Child and Adult Jungian Analyst. I am devoted to helping facilitate the development of a conscious balance in your life. Loss, trauma, dysfunctional relationships, addiction, creative blocks and much more can keep you stuck and stall development. I work with adult clients to help them mine the unconscious and reveal the connection between this material and behaviors and patterns that obstruct vitality. This starts with the establishment of a sound trusting therapeutic relationship. From this foundation, I support and guide you in uncovering and recovering your own resources and strengths.
I am a Certified Child and Adult Jungian Analyst. I am devoted to helping facilitate the development of a conscious balance in your life. Loss, trauma, dysfunctional relationships, addiction, creative blocks and much more can keep you stuck and stall development. I work with adult clients to help them mine the unconscious and reveal the connection between this material and behaviors and patterns that obstruct vitality. This starts with the establishment of a sound trusting therapeutic relationship. From this foundation, I support and guide you in uncovering and recovering your own resources and strengths.
Seeking support during life’s transitions can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. I specialize in helping individuals and families through some of life’s most challenging seasons—including divorce, co-parenting, peripartum and postpartum mental health, fertility challenges, parenting multiples, reflective parenting, and the unique shifts that accompany peri/menopause. I also work with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship issues, and self-esteem concerns.
Seeking support during life’s transitions can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. I specialize in helping individuals and families through some of life’s most challenging seasons—including divorce, co-parenting, peripartum and postpartum mental health, fertility challenges, parenting multiples, reflective parenting, and the unique shifts that accompany peri/menopause. I also work with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship issues, and self-esteem concerns.
I specialize in treating all types of eating disorders and trauma. Are you struggling with depression, anxiety or early childhood trauma? We know that trauma lives in our bodies and affects the way we operate in the world. Therapy is a collaborative journey. We will work together to change the things that are not serving you. I include mindfulness meditation as a tool that can help you be present to your life! If we don't pay attention, we'll miss the moment. I also incorporate EMDR (eye-movement desensitization reprocessing) a protocol for working with trauma to help you move through early childhood experiences.
I specialize in treating all types of eating disorders and trauma. Are you struggling with depression, anxiety or early childhood trauma? We know that trauma lives in our bodies and affects the way we operate in the world. Therapy is a collaborative journey. We will work together to change the things that are not serving you. I include mindfulness meditation as a tool that can help you be present to your life! If we don't pay attention, we'll miss the moment. I also incorporate EMDR (eye-movement desensitization reprocessing) a protocol for working with trauma to help you move through early childhood experiences.
See more therapy options for Santa Monica
Nearby Seniors Therapists Searches for Santa Monica
- Baldwin Hills
- Beverly Hills
- Century City
- Culver City
- El Segundo
- Marina Del Rey
- Pacific Palisades
- Playa Del Rey
- Rancho Park
- Venice
- West Los Angeles
- Westchester
FAQ - About Therapy for Seniors
Is one ever too old for mental health therapy?
Individuals of all ages can benefit from mental health therapy. Indeed, older adults in particular may benefit from the social and psychological support a therapist can provide; the topics that older adults address in therapy may simply differ from those of younger clients. Seniors should seek out a therapist who has experience working with older individuals and who is well-versed in addressing common concerns among elderly individuals, such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, and physical mobility challenges.
How is counseling for seniors and the elderly different from counseling for other age groups?
In general, counseling offers an opportunity for clients to process difficult life events and develop coping skills they can use outside of the therapy session. Therapists who specialize in working with elderly clients generally have the same framework but may place a special emphasis on specific topics, such as caregiver relationships and reducing loneliness. They may be specially equipped to deal with certain physical conditions or facilitate discussion surrounding end-of-life topics. Counseling for the elderly may also place a greater emphasis on social work-type topics to ensure that geriatric clients have access to necessary resources, such as food, a safe home environment, and healthcare.
How can therapy improve the quality of life of aging individuals?
Therapy for aging adults can greatly improve quality of life by providing an opportunity for them to process difficult emotions related to end-of-life, navigate relational or caregiver challenges, and develop coping skills for common mental health conditions, like anxiety or depression. Subsequent reductions in negative emotions and mental health disorder symptoms can make day-to-day living much more manageable for aging adults and those that care for them. The ongoing relationship with a trusted therapist can also help seniors combat loneliness and provide a sense of structure for their routine.
What are the qualities to look for in therapists who see seniors?
Seniors counselors, like mental health counselors in general, should be kind, empathetic, skilled at listening, and knowledgeable about their particular area of expertise. Counselors specializing in working with the senior population should be very familiar with the aging process in general and the common conditions that the elderly can face, such as dementia, depression, loneliness, and/or physical illness. Many senior counselors are also well-equipped to help caregivers and families navigate the aging process of their loved ones, and they may draw on Interpersonal Therapy to help facilitate improved interactions between seniors and those that care for them.