Female Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
Finding queer joy when the world feels like it’s falling apart can feel impossible. You wake up already anxious, your body stuck on edge 24/7 from the constant chaos in the news. On top of that, your own struggles: anxiety, trauma, depression, a recent breakup, never seem to give you a break. If you’ve learned to survive by people-pleasing, overachieving, or numbing out, with everything happening politically and socially, those old coping tools just won’t work anymore. You might feel exhausted at work, distant in your relationships, or like you just want to escape. If you're LGBTQ+ remember, finding joy is a part of the resistance!
Finding queer joy when the world feels like it’s falling apart can feel impossible. You wake up already anxious, your body stuck on edge 24/7 from the constant chaos in the news. On top of that, your own struggles: anxiety, trauma, depression, a recent breakup, never seem to give you a break. If you’ve learned to survive by people-pleasing, overachieving, or numbing out, with everything happening politically and socially, those old coping tools just won’t work anymore. You might feel exhausted at work, distant in your relationships, or like you just want to escape. If you're LGBTQ+ remember, finding joy is a part of the resistance!
You might be moving through a major life transition—becoming a parent, shifting identities, navigating complex relationships, or questioning long-held patterns. You want space to make sense of it all, to feel less alone, and to connect more deeply with yourself and others. You may be experiencing overwhelm, grief, or uncertainty, and are looking for a therapist who can hold the nuance of your lived experience with warmth, curiosity, and care.
You might be moving through a major life transition—becoming a parent, shifting identities, navigating complex relationships, or questioning long-held patterns. You want space to make sense of it all, to feel less alone, and to connect more deeply with yourself and others. You may be experiencing overwhelm, grief, or uncertainty, and are looking for a therapist who can hold the nuance of your lived experience with warmth, curiosity, and care.
Welcome to my therapy site. Life can be very stressful for all of us. Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Would you like to improve your self-esteem and/or your relationships? You can learn a lot about yourself and your ways of being. You can also get help with making changes so that you are happier with how your life is going. These are good reasons to call for a consultation. I offer a supportive, non-judgmental therapy relationship in which my clients feel respected and understood.
Welcome to my therapy site. Life can be very stressful for all of us. Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Would you like to improve your self-esteem and/or your relationships? You can learn a lot about yourself and your ways of being. You can also get help with making changes so that you are happier with how your life is going. These are good reasons to call for a consultation. I offer a supportive, non-judgmental therapy relationship in which my clients feel respected and understood.
Bridget Ann (Benninger) Kushwah
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CMIP, CIMHP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Finding fulfillment and meaning in life isn’t easy. Just when we think we have it together, new circumstances pull us apart. When we experience stress, anxiety and depression, it is important to find support. Trauma, relationship conflicts, transitioning to a new phase of life such as parenthood, feeling lost or confused. All these situations deserve attention and compassion. I am here to support you in finding stability, balance, and fulfillment. I work well with individuals, couples, families, adolescents and children because I am passionate about building healthier relationships and facilitating positive development and growth.
Finding fulfillment and meaning in life isn’t easy. Just when we think we have it together, new circumstances pull us apart. When we experience stress, anxiety and depression, it is important to find support. Trauma, relationship conflicts, transitioning to a new phase of life such as parenthood, feeling lost or confused. All these situations deserve attention and compassion. I am here to support you in finding stability, balance, and fulfillment. I work well with individuals, couples, families, adolescents and children because I am passionate about building healthier relationships and facilitating positive development and growth.
Hi and thanks for taking the time to research my therapist profile. As a therapist specializing in teens and young adults, I am committed to helping individuals navigate the unique challenges that come with this stage of life. Whether you or a love one is struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges or just trying to find a sense of direction , I believe therapy provides a safe, supportive space for growth, healing and self discovery.
Hi and thanks for taking the time to research my therapist profile. As a therapist specializing in teens and young adults, I am committed to helping individuals navigate the unique challenges that come with this stage of life. Whether you or a love one is struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges or just trying to find a sense of direction , I believe therapy provides a safe, supportive space for growth, healing and self discovery.
It is my greatest privilege to join someone on their journey; to help them find their way around the boulders, over the stumbling blocks and out of the crevasses that have derailed goals, clouded views or kept them from happiness. To see them make the changes they have dreamed of. Together we can examine patterns, identify sources of hope, build on strengths, challenge fears and create road maps which you can use to take those next powerful, healing steps. I specialize in working with individuals and couples struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder, mood and anxiety disorders, trauma and relational issues.
It is my greatest privilege to join someone on their journey; to help them find their way around the boulders, over the stumbling blocks and out of the crevasses that have derailed goals, clouded views or kept them from happiness. To see them make the changes they have dreamed of. Together we can examine patterns, identify sources of hope, build on strengths, challenge fears and create road maps which you can use to take those next powerful, healing steps. I specialize in working with individuals and couples struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder, mood and anxiety disorders, trauma and relational issues.
I offer you a listening ear, an empathic heart, an ability to understand where you’re coming from, and questions that can help you figure out what you want and how to get there. My strong belief in your innate worth and ability to live your life in a way that is fulfilling for you is matched by a commitment to helping you see yourself in the same way. With over 20 years of experience as a therapist, I work from a Strength-based perspective to collaborate with you in dealing with depression, anxiety, insomnia, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship issues, issues of immigration, and other life challenges.
I offer you a listening ear, an empathic heart, an ability to understand where you’re coming from, and questions that can help you figure out what you want and how to get there. My strong belief in your innate worth and ability to live your life in a way that is fulfilling for you is matched by a commitment to helping you see yourself in the same way. With over 20 years of experience as a therapist, I work from a Strength-based perspective to collaborate with you in dealing with depression, anxiety, insomnia, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship issues, issues of immigration, and other life challenges.
I am a Licensed Social Worker who is committed to creating a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and life challenges with honesty and care. I bring a warm, caring presence into the therapy space, where you can feel seen, heard, and supported just as you are. I value genuine connection and believe healing happens in relationships through trust, curiosity, and collaboration. Together, we’ll explore patterns, deepen your understanding of yourself, and work toward meaningful change in a way that feels both grounded and alive.
I am a Licensed Social Worker who is committed to creating a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and life challenges with honesty and care. I bring a warm, caring presence into the therapy space, where you can feel seen, heard, and supported just as you are. I value genuine connection and believe healing happens in relationships through trust, curiosity, and collaboration. Together, we’ll explore patterns, deepen your understanding of yourself, and work toward meaningful change in a way that feels both grounded and alive.
I support teens, college students, and young adults working through eating disorders, perfectionism, anxiety, OCD, life transitions, and identity exploration. Because of my own background and identities, I am passionate about working with People of Color, trans-racial adoptees, LGBTQ folks, and athletes.
I support teens, college students, and young adults working through eating disorders, perfectionism, anxiety, OCD, life transitions, and identity exploration. Because of my own background and identities, I am passionate about working with People of Color, trans-racial adoptees, LGBTQ folks, and athletes.
Many of the people I work with come to me during times of stress and uncertainty—feeling lost, on edge, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves and their relationships. Some are new mothers navigating shifts in identity, while others are women stretched thin by perfectionism, overachievement, or people-pleasing, often at the expense of their own needs. What they all share is a desire to feel more grounded, establish healthier boundaries, and increase self-awareness. In our work together, we’ll explore what’s beneath the surface, cultivate empowerment, and practice responding from a place of peace rather than urgency.
Many of the people I work with come to me during times of stress and uncertainty—feeling lost, on edge, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves and their relationships. Some are new mothers navigating shifts in identity, while others are women stretched thin by perfectionism, overachievement, or people-pleasing, often at the expense of their own needs. What they all share is a desire to feel more grounded, establish healthier boundaries, and increase self-awareness. In our work together, we’ll explore what’s beneath the surface, cultivate empowerment, and practice responding from a place of peace rather than urgency.
Welcome to my page, I’m Dr. Gina Gonzalezreyna, I deeply honor the courage it takes to seek hope and help; taking this step is already a meaningful act of self-care.
We all experience life stages when extra support and understanding are needed, and everyone is deserving of that care. Whether you’ve decided it’s time to address patterns that no longer serve you, or a recent event has disrupted your sense of balance and belonging I will provide you with professional guidance and support drawing from my experience in various therapeutic techniques that cater to your needs. I'm also fluent in Spanish.
Welcome to my page, I’m Dr. Gina Gonzalezreyna, I deeply honor the courage it takes to seek hope and help; taking this step is already a meaningful act of self-care.
We all experience life stages when extra support and understanding are needed, and everyone is deserving of that care. Whether you’ve decided it’s time to address patterns that no longer serve you, or a recent event has disrupted your sense of balance and belonging I will provide you with professional guidance and support drawing from my experience in various therapeutic techniques that cater to your needs. I'm also fluent in Spanish.
Your story matters. It has guided you. Yet, you may feel like you’re ready to respond differently to uncomfortable situations. If you are looking to connect current reaction to your past while learning how to create compassions for your ‘overwhelming’ feelings, I can help. If you’re a teen, young adult, adult or a couple looking for tools and deepen self understanding, I can help. My approach can help transform past experiences into sources of strength.
Drawing on my training from Art Center, I bring both creativity and clinical training to the therapeutic process. My approach blends trauma informed care to you (EMDR, BSP & SE).
Your story matters. It has guided you. Yet, you may feel like you’re ready to respond differently to uncomfortable situations. If you are looking to connect current reaction to your past while learning how to create compassions for your ‘overwhelming’ feelings, I can help. If you’re a teen, young adult, adult or a couple looking for tools and deepen self understanding, I can help. My approach can help transform past experiences into sources of strength.
Drawing on my training from Art Center, I bring both creativity and clinical training to the therapeutic process. My approach blends trauma informed care to you (EMDR, BSP & SE).
I’m a widely trained therapist currently practicing in California. I believe therapy can provide a safe, meaningful space for individuals to explore deeper parts of themselves and discover new insights into life’s challenges. My work is rooted in relationship—I recognize the profound value of a trusting, authentic connection between therapist and client. In each session, I offer warmth, compassion, and genuine curiosity, creating a nurturing environment where we can examine the patterns that either foster or limit your potential for wholeness.
I’m a widely trained therapist currently practicing in California. I believe therapy can provide a safe, meaningful space for individuals to explore deeper parts of themselves and discover new insights into life’s challenges. My work is rooted in relationship—I recognize the profound value of a trusting, authentic connection between therapist and client. In each session, I offer warmth, compassion, and genuine curiosity, creating a nurturing environment where we can examine the patterns that either foster or limit your potential for wholeness.
Feeling depressed, anxious, uncertain of what path to take next? Feeling lost, alone, or unsure of yourself? These are all common concerns that my clients face daily, and have come to understand their source by working in a safe collaborative space in therapy. Many of my clients are at a cross roads whether it be leaving their parents home, trying to launch from college, deciding whether or not to get married, have a baby, or change careers or retire. Therapy can help with any transition. In a supportive, collaborative environment we will discover what blocks you from growing and thriving.
Feeling depressed, anxious, uncertain of what path to take next? Feeling lost, alone, or unsure of yourself? These are all common concerns that my clients face daily, and have come to understand their source by working in a safe collaborative space in therapy. Many of my clients are at a cross roads whether it be leaving their parents home, trying to launch from college, deciding whether or not to get married, have a baby, or change careers or retire. Therapy can help with any transition. In a supportive, collaborative environment we will discover what blocks you from growing and thriving.
I am incredibly passionate about psychotherapy, and not only that, I believe in it with all my heart. I value the individuality of each and every one of my clients, and I believe the relationship we form is the basis for real change and growth. I am committed to understanding my clients very deeply, and in helping them understand themselves. In addition to gaining insight and awareness, I encourage clients to utilize skills and implement change to help them live life to their fullest. I give 100% of my effort, attention, and focus on my clients to provide the best care needed.
I am incredibly passionate about psychotherapy, and not only that, I believe in it with all my heart. I value the individuality of each and every one of my clients, and I believe the relationship we form is the basis for real change and growth. I am committed to understanding my clients very deeply, and in helping them understand themselves. In addition to gaining insight and awareness, I encourage clients to utilize skills and implement change to help them live life to their fullest. I give 100% of my effort, attention, and focus on my clients to provide the best care needed.
Struggling with conflicts within yourself and with others? You may have consulted with AI-based psychotherapy, but these tools fall short in providing personalized, nurturing support. Through my analytic therapy approach, you can gain the capacity to heal from complex traumas, family historical behavioral patterns, sexual trauma, addictions, PTSD, relationship issues, disordered eating, and grief. By learning how your physical symptoms relate to your emotional experiences, from the fight or flight (neuro-sympathetic) nervous system, a person can heal not only emotionally but physically.
Struggling with conflicts within yourself and with others? You may have consulted with AI-based psychotherapy, but these tools fall short in providing personalized, nurturing support. Through my analytic therapy approach, you can gain the capacity to heal from complex traumas, family historical behavioral patterns, sexual trauma, addictions, PTSD, relationship issues, disordered eating, and grief. By learning how your physical symptoms relate to your emotional experiences, from the fight or flight (neuro-sympathetic) nervous system, a person can heal not only emotionally but physically.
The complexities of life open us to the unknown, to spectrum of feelings that can leave us discouraged, confused, overwhelmed, isolated. These complexities also hold the potential for profound insight, meaning, and growth. My hope in our work is to help make room for and access new ways of partnering with yourself, your feelings and capacities, broadening your response repertoire, and cultivating new ways of reconnecting with your creative embodied self to feel more at home with yourself in your unique skin and lived experiences.
The complexities of life open us to the unknown, to spectrum of feelings that can leave us discouraged, confused, overwhelmed, isolated. These complexities also hold the potential for profound insight, meaning, and growth. My hope in our work is to help make room for and access new ways of partnering with yourself, your feelings and capacities, broadening your response repertoire, and cultivating new ways of reconnecting with your creative embodied self to feel more at home with yourself in your unique skin and lived experiences.
Life can be tough, but how you handle challenge shows strength and courage. How are you coping and managing relationships? Maybe you are feeling stuck or hopeless, worried or isolated. Are you or a loved one struggling to deal with life's transitions? Therapy can help you address these issues and strengthen yourself and your relationships in the process. I believe in human resiliency and welcome you to see how this process can help you work towards more fulfillment, joy, and hope for you, your child, or loved one.
Life can be tough, but how you handle challenge shows strength and courage. How are you coping and managing relationships? Maybe you are feeling stuck or hopeless, worried or isolated. Are you or a loved one struggling to deal with life's transitions? Therapy can help you address these issues and strengthen yourself and your relationships in the process. I believe in human resiliency and welcome you to see how this process can help you work towards more fulfillment, joy, and hope for you, your child, or loved one.
My approach is psychodynamic, relational, and insight-oriented with a holistic focus on the mind-body continuum.
My approach is psychodynamic, relational, and insight-oriented with a holistic focus on the mind-body continuum.
Therapy is one of the few relationships in life where it can truly be just about you. I enjoy working with clients who are willing and wanting to change, but are struggling to find the best path to achieve this. I work with a diverse population, but most of my clients are in their 20s-40s struggling with past traumas or current stressors. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, the need to be "perfect", relationship issues, eating disorders/body image issues and other aspects of adulting that can be stressful and daunting.
Therapy is one of the few relationships in life where it can truly be just about you. I enjoy working with clients who are willing and wanting to change, but are struggling to find the best path to achieve this. I work with a diverse population, but most of my clients are in their 20s-40s struggling with past traumas or current stressors. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, the need to be "perfect", relationship issues, eating disorders/body image issues and other aspects of adulting that can be stressful and daunting.
See more therapy options for Santa Monica
Nearby Female Therapists Searches for Santa Monica
- Beverly Hills
- Century City
- Culver City
- El Segundo
- Leimert Park
- Marina Del Rey
- Pacific Palisades
- Playa Del Rey
- Rancho Park
- Venice
- West Los Angeles
- Westchester
Female Therapists
Does it matter what gender my therapist is?
In general, there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or because they feel more comfortable with a therapist of their own gender due to shared life experiences or perspectives. Considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender may matter or improve their therapeutic experience. The most important consideration is that a client is able to build a trusting relationship with their therapist.
Should I see a female therapist?
Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist. For women, this could be because they believe that they will be able to better connect with a woman, and that a female therapist will be able to relate to their specific challenges and personal issues. It may be particularly beneficial for women to see a female therapist, for example, for gender-specific issues, such as sexism in the workplace, relationship issues, and gender roles. The most important factor in therapy is the client-therapist connection, and a therapist's gender as well as many other factors may play an important role in this.
Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?
Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?
It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.