Lesbian Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
I work collaboratively to create a supportive place where you can explore your inner world and come to know yourself more fully. Many of the people I work with have had repeated experiences of feeling unseen or misunderstood, without the kind of deep listening and attunement that allows their authentic self to be clearly expressed and received.
Therapy can become a place where that begins to happen. Over time, you may begin to experience yourself differently and engage in personal discovery that opens up a greater sense of possibility in how you live your life and what feels meaningful to you.
I work collaboratively to create a supportive place where you can explore your inner world and come to know yourself more fully. Many of the people I work with have had repeated experiences of feeling unseen or misunderstood, without the kind of deep listening and attunement that allows their authentic self to be clearly expressed and received.
Therapy can become a place where that begins to happen. Over time, you may begin to experience yourself differently and engage in personal discovery that opens up a greater sense of possibility in how you live your life and what feels meaningful to you.
Being human is hard and you don't have to do it alone. My goal is to help people better understand their past, present, and future to guide more fulfilling and meaningful life experiences, relationships, and careers. I provide a non-judgmental and supportive space that encourages curiosity and making effective changes. We will focus on navigating difficult narratives, managing emotions, building a cohesive mind-body connection and developing a strong values-driven decision making process.
Being human is hard and you don't have to do it alone. My goal is to help people better understand their past, present, and future to guide more fulfilling and meaningful life experiences, relationships, and careers. I provide a non-judgmental and supportive space that encourages curiosity and making effective changes. We will focus on navigating difficult narratives, managing emotions, building a cohesive mind-body connection and developing a strong values-driven decision making process.
Most therapists can't hold what you're actually carrying, I can. You may look successful, capable, and put together while privately feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or like you are carrying more than anyone realizes. You may have been misread, pathologized for your depth, or told you are too much when you are simply honest. You may be exhausted from code-switching, masking, overgiving, or repeating painful patterns. You know your struggles aren't personal failures, but responses to real experiences. Therapy w/ me helps you untangle what is yours, what was inherited, and what you are ready to release.
Most therapists can't hold what you're actually carrying, I can. You may look successful, capable, and put together while privately feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or like you are carrying more than anyone realizes. You may have been misread, pathologized for your depth, or told you are too much when you are simply honest. You may be exhausted from code-switching, masking, overgiving, or repeating painful patterns. You know your struggles aren't personal failures, but responses to real experiences. Therapy w/ me helps you untangle what is yours, what was inherited, and what you are ready to release.
Generally, I treat groups, couples, and individuals--21 years of age or older. I am best suited to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar, alcohol/drug issues, personality disorders, anger, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorders, grief/loss, employment difficulties, military/veterans, spiritual issues, and relationship problems.
Generally, I treat groups, couples, and individuals--21 years of age or older. I am best suited to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar, alcohol/drug issues, personality disorders, anger, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorders, grief/loss, employment difficulties, military/veterans, spiritual issues, and relationship problems.
Maybe you're feeling stuck, anxious, alone, in pain, or have the sense that something is missing. I’m here to support you in your journey toward greater self-awareness, emotional balance, and lasting healing.
By combining a mind-body approach with a deep exploration of past and present, we can work together to uncover patterns, build resilience, and develop the tools needed for growth and well-being. I enjoy working with clients who are experiencing life transitions, ready to explore and heal previous traumas, creatives, perfectionists, and/or folks navigating relationship challenges.
Maybe you're feeling stuck, anxious, alone, in pain, or have the sense that something is missing. I’m here to support you in your journey toward greater self-awareness, emotional balance, and lasting healing.
By combining a mind-body approach with a deep exploration of past and present, we can work together to uncover patterns, build resilience, and develop the tools needed for growth and well-being. I enjoy working with clients who are experiencing life transitions, ready to explore and heal previous traumas, creatives, perfectionists, and/or folks navigating relationship challenges.
Are you looking for a therapist who understands LGBTQ+ experiences so you can focus on growth without explaining your identity? Do you want to feel ease and trust in therapy, knowing your identity will be respected from the start? Is it important that your therapist offers an affirming space and brings both specialized training and lived experience within the LGBTQ+ community? For over seven years, I've specialized in creating a safe and compassionate space for LGBTQ+ people to process identity, relationships, minority stress, trauma, and life transitions, while building greater self-trust, agency, and self-regulation.
Are you looking for a therapist who understands LGBTQ+ experiences so you can focus on growth without explaining your identity? Do you want to feel ease and trust in therapy, knowing your identity will be respected from the start? Is it important that your therapist offers an affirming space and brings both specialized training and lived experience within the LGBTQ+ community? For over seven years, I've specialized in creating a safe and compassionate space for LGBTQ+ people to process identity, relationships, minority stress, trauma, and life transitions, while building greater self-trust, agency, and self-regulation.
You are feeling like life is full of chaos and no matter what you do, you can’t seem to get a handle on what is happening. Your relationships are broken, or strained and not only is it affecting you, but others are pulling away. You feel lost as if you have no purpose in life. You are tired of the spinning wheel. Depression, anxiety, anger, relationship challenges and much more keep you stuck and unable to grow. ENOUGH! You're ready for answers to start a new Holistic, healthy journey and become that whole person you were meant to be - Mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually - whole!
You are feeling like life is full of chaos and no matter what you do, you can’t seem to get a handle on what is happening. Your relationships are broken, or strained and not only is it affecting you, but others are pulling away. You feel lost as if you have no purpose in life. You are tired of the spinning wheel. Depression, anxiety, anger, relationship challenges and much more keep you stuck and unable to grow. ENOUGH! You're ready for answers to start a new Holistic, healthy journey and become that whole person you were meant to be - Mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually - whole!
Are you a high-achieving professional, founder, or investor who feels like you’re holding everything together — except the relationships that matter most? Or a couple who loves each other but has started to feel more like roommates than partners?
I work with individuals and couples in San Francisco who are ready to go deeper — to understand the patterns keeping them stuck and build something more connected and fulfilling.
Are you a high-achieving professional, founder, or investor who feels like you’re holding everything together — except the relationships that matter most? Or a couple who loves each other but has started to feel more like roommates than partners?
I work with individuals and couples in San Francisco who are ready to go deeper — to understand the patterns keeping them stuck and build something more connected and fulfilling.
Some days you hold it all together. Other days, the weight is harder to hide, restless nights, a tightness in your chest, a feeling of being untethered. You may also see it in your teen: the spark dimming, smiles fading, or unexplained aches and tension. What you want is simple, but feels far away, ease, connection, a sense of safety in your own skin. Therapy can be a place to gently untangle what’s been carried too long, helping you or your child feel lighter, more grounded, and more connected to yourself and others.
Some days you hold it all together. Other days, the weight is harder to hide, restless nights, a tightness in your chest, a feeling of being untethered. You may also see it in your teen: the spark dimming, smiles fading, or unexplained aches and tension. What you want is simple, but feels far away, ease, connection, a sense of safety in your own skin. Therapy can be a place to gently untangle what’s been carried too long, helping you or your child feel lighter, more grounded, and more connected to yourself and others.
I focus on trauma, attachment styles, PTSD, anxiety, and family conflict, helping clients understand how past experiences shape emotions, relationships, and patterns of coping. My work supports individuals in reducing hypervigilance, strengthening emotional regulation, and building healthier, more secure connections. I provide LGBTQ+ affirming care grounded in compassion, cultural humility, and evidence-based trauma therapy. Together, we create a safe, collaborative space for healing, resilience, self-acceptance, and balance. My approach combines evidence-based trauma therapy with compassion and cultural humility.
I focus on trauma, attachment styles, PTSD, anxiety, and family conflict, helping clients understand how past experiences shape emotions, relationships, and patterns of coping. My work supports individuals in reducing hypervigilance, strengthening emotional regulation, and building healthier, more secure connections. I provide LGBTQ+ affirming care grounded in compassion, cultural humility, and evidence-based trauma therapy. Together, we create a safe, collaborative space for healing, resilience, self-acceptance, and balance. My approach combines evidence-based trauma therapy with compassion and cultural humility.
My approach is based on my belief that we have the power to create healthy emotions & dismantle unwanted emotions. When meeting with you, I'll want to understand how your ongoing circumstances, emotions, behaviors, or thoughts impact the short term as well as the overall outcomes in your life. I base my treatment on evidenced-based inventions, eastern & wellness perspectives, and a conscious awareness approach. Compared to many other psychologists, my therapy style may be more goal oriented, assertive, and with a stronger focus on observing and measuring therapeutic progress over longer term emotional processing.
My approach is based on my belief that we have the power to create healthy emotions & dismantle unwanted emotions. When meeting with you, I'll want to understand how your ongoing circumstances, emotions, behaviors, or thoughts impact the short term as well as the overall outcomes in your life. I base my treatment on evidenced-based inventions, eastern & wellness perspectives, and a conscious awareness approach. Compared to many other psychologists, my therapy style may be more goal oriented, assertive, and with a stronger focus on observing and measuring therapeutic progress over longer term emotional processing.
Whether you’re navigating a loved one’s substance use or your own, you might find yourself asking, what now? Maybe you’re ready for change, but the options around you feel rigid, demanding decisions you’re not ready to make. That can feel even heavier when you consider the pain you’ve been carrying, often alone, for far too long. You deserve more than shame and blame. You deserve support from someone who will meet you exactly where you are, without pressure or judgment. Your healing should move at your pace, and the next step should be yours to choose.
Whether you’re navigating a loved one’s substance use or your own, you might find yourself asking, what now? Maybe you’re ready for change, but the options around you feel rigid, demanding decisions you’re not ready to make. That can feel even heavier when you consider the pain you’ve been carrying, often alone, for far too long. You deserve more than shame and blame. You deserve support from someone who will meet you exactly where you are, without pressure or judgment. Your healing should move at your pace, and the next step should be yours to choose.
I'm a therapist offering compassionate, evidence-based therapy using CBT, ACT, and CETA. I support clients facing anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions in a collaborative space focused on practical tools and meaningful change.
Soy terapeuta y ofrezco terapia compasiva y basada en evidencia utilizando TCC, ACT y CETA. Apoyo a personas que enfrentan ansiedad, depresión, trauma o transiciones de vida, en un espacio colaborativo enfocado en herramientas prácticas y cambios significativos.
I'm a therapist offering compassionate, evidence-based therapy using CBT, ACT, and CETA. I support clients facing anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions in a collaborative space focused on practical tools and meaningful change.
Soy terapeuta y ofrezco terapia compasiva y basada en evidencia utilizando TCC, ACT y CETA. Apoyo a personas que enfrentan ansiedad, depresión, trauma o transiciones de vida, en un espacio colaborativo enfocado en herramientas prácticas y cambios significativos.
Hi, I’m Caela. You may be the person everyone relies on while quietly feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or disconnected from yourself. Many of my clients are young adults navigating anxiety, identity exploration, relationship challenges, life transitions, or the pressure of always having to “hold it together.”
I specialize in working with LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and neurodivergent adults, especially those moving through spaces that haven’t always felt affirming. As a Black, queer-identifying woman, I intentionally create a space where you don’t have to over-explain your identity or experiences to feel understood and respected.
Hi, I’m Caela. You may be the person everyone relies on while quietly feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or disconnected from yourself. Many of my clients are young adults navigating anxiety, identity exploration, relationship challenges, life transitions, or the pressure of always having to “hold it together.”
I specialize in working with LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and neurodivergent adults, especially those moving through spaces that haven’t always felt affirming. As a Black, queer-identifying woman, I intentionally create a space where you don’t have to over-explain your identity or experiences to feel understood and respected.
Anxiety and trauma can be painful, leaving you overwhelmed, stuck, or isolated. Even though you crave safety and connection, it may be hard to trust others again. As your anxiety grows, you may find your world starts to get smaller and smaller. But now you’re ready to make changes. You want to understand why your body and mind react the ways they do, and gain more control over your thoughts and emotions. You’re ready to break free from patterns of anxiety that keep you from living the life you want. You believe there’s a more grounded way to live; you just need some guidance and support.
Anxiety and trauma can be painful, leaving you overwhelmed, stuck, or isolated. Even though you crave safety and connection, it may be hard to trust others again. As your anxiety grows, you may find your world starts to get smaller and smaller. But now you’re ready to make changes. You want to understand why your body and mind react the ways they do, and gain more control over your thoughts and emotions. You’re ready to break free from patterns of anxiety that keep you from living the life you want. You believe there’s a more grounded way to live; you just need some guidance and support.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or wanting assistance with a specific issue, I commend you for taking a step towards finding support. You may be adjusting to a recent life event, wanting a better relationship with a significant other, or feeling understandably hopeless/outraged/fearful about our global landscape.
I’m here to listen, to be curious about you & to offer you my observations & feedback. I aim to help you reduce stress, find peace & clarity, and remove any roadblocks in the way of you living your best life. “Best,” is subjective, therefore part of our work together may be figuring out what that means for you
Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or wanting assistance with a specific issue, I commend you for taking a step towards finding support. You may be adjusting to a recent life event, wanting a better relationship with a significant other, or feeling understandably hopeless/outraged/fearful about our global landscape.
I’m here to listen, to be curious about you & to offer you my observations & feedback. I aim to help you reduce stress, find peace & clarity, and remove any roadblocks in the way of you living your best life. “Best,” is subjective, therefore part of our work together may be figuring out what that means for you
Welcome to Gender Wellness of Los Angeles, a practice where I've dedicated 35 years to supporting individuals navigating the complexities of gender and sexual identity. Our world has expanded to include a beautiful spectrum of gender-diverse experiences. I choose to embrace a holistic approach that goes beyond traditional binaries of Male-to-Female (MtF) and Female-to-Male (FtM) transitions. Whether you resonate with terms like trans, non-binary, or use your own identifier, I'm here to walk alongside you. Everyone's path is unique, and self-acceptance is the compass guiding us forward.
Welcome to Gender Wellness of Los Angeles, a practice where I've dedicated 35 years to supporting individuals navigating the complexities of gender and sexual identity. Our world has expanded to include a beautiful spectrum of gender-diverse experiences. I choose to embrace a holistic approach that goes beyond traditional binaries of Male-to-Female (MtF) and Female-to-Male (FtM) transitions. Whether you resonate with terms like trans, non-binary, or use your own identifier, I'm here to walk alongside you. Everyone's path is unique, and self-acceptance is the compass guiding us forward.
Illuminate Child & Adolescent Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT™
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Your child is a source of light. But perhaps you've noticed their light has dimmed recently and you feel concerned. Perhaps your teen is falling behind in school, having difficulty connecting with their friends, or experiencing confusion as they explore their gender identity. Your young child may be having anger outbursts or challenges with their behavior at home. Adjusting to the post-COVID lifestyle might be causing ongoing worries and changes in mood or personality. Or your child might have experienced a major stressor like divorce, a death in the family, or even a traumatic event like a car accident or an act of violence.
Your child is a source of light. But perhaps you've noticed their light has dimmed recently and you feel concerned. Perhaps your teen is falling behind in school, having difficulty connecting with their friends, or experiencing confusion as they explore their gender identity. Your young child may be having anger outbursts or challenges with their behavior at home. Adjusting to the post-COVID lifestyle might be causing ongoing worries and changes in mood or personality. Or your child might have experienced a major stressor like divorce, a death in the family, or even a traumatic event like a car accident or an act of violence.
Do you find yourself overthinking your relationships or feeling emotionally overwhelmed, even when things seem “fine” on the surface? You might replay conversations, second-guess yourself, or feel stuck in patterns you can't quite break.
I help adults with anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma, and sexual identity exploration. Many of my clients are thoughtful and self-aware, but feel caught in cycles of overthinking, emotional intensity, or disconnection from themselves.
Do you find yourself overthinking your relationships or feeling emotionally overwhelmed, even when things seem “fine” on the surface? You might replay conversations, second-guess yourself, or feel stuck in patterns you can't quite break.
I help adults with anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma, and sexual identity exploration. Many of my clients are thoughtful and self-aware, but feel caught in cycles of overthinking, emotional intensity, or disconnection from themselves.
At Counseling Services/LA Peace of Mind.com, we guide people to the light and empower themselves to heal. We help people who seek trust and freedom to be expressive, address life challenges, and barriers that interfere with growth and achieving life's goals.
At Counseling Services/LA Peace of Mind.com, we guide people to the light and empower themselves to heal. We help people who seek trust and freedom to be expressive, address life challenges, and barriers that interfere with growth and achieving life's goals.
See more therapy options for Santa Monica
Nearby Lesbian Therapists Searches for Santa Monica
- Baldwin Hills
- Beverly Hills
- Century City
- Culver City
- El Segundo
- Marina Del Rey
- Pacific Palisades
- Playa Del Rey
- Venice
- West Hollywood
- West Los Angeles
- Westchester
Lesbian Therapists
What is lesbian-affirming therapy?
Lesbian-affirming therapy is a type of mental health support that fully affirms and reflects a client's lesbian identity. It is rooted in acceptance and does not attempt to change or question an individual's sexual orientation. In this type of therapy, clients work with a therapist who understands the unique experiences of lesbian women. This support is especially important, as research shows that lesbian individuals face higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges compared to heterosexual populations. Lesbian-affirming therapy acknowledges that lesbian individuals may encounter specific stressors—such as coming out challenges, family rejection, workplace discrimination, and minority stress—that require specialized understanding and intervention. Lesbian-affirming therapists often work with clients across all age groups, from adolescents navigating their emerging identity to adults and older individuals addressing life transitions and relationship concerns. Many therapists also provide couples therapy for lesbian partners, helping them navigate relationship dynamics, communication challenges, or external stressors that may impact their relationship. It is important to note that therapists provide talk therapy and counseling services but do not prescribe medication—if medication is needed for conditions like depression or anxiety, they will coordinate care with a psychiatrist or primary care physician who can provide psychiatric medication management alongside therapeutic support.
Why should I see a lesbian therapist?
Some clients prefer to work with lesbian therapists who may bring personal lived experience to the therapeutic relationship. Choosing to work with a lesbian therapist can offer a deeper sense of connection, comfort, and shared understanding. A therapist who identifies as lesbian may require clients to give less background explanation—whether it’s about navigating romantic relationships, feeling unseen in certain spaces, or processing the impact of past relationship challenges. However, a non-lesbian therapist with strong training and a sincere commitment to LGBTQ+ affirmation can be equally effective. The most important factor is finding a therapist who respects your identity and fosters trust, safety, and understanding. However, a non-lesbian therapist with strong training and a sincere commitment to LGBTQ+ affirmation can be equally effective. The most important factor is finding a therapist who respects your identity and fosters trust, safety, and understanding. Additionally, many lesbian-affirming therapists can connect clients to other providers or community-based resources—such as bisexual support groups or LGBTQ+ organizations—that offer additional affirming spaces for connection.
How do I find a lesbian therapist?
The Psychology Today online directory is a helpful tool for finding lesbian-affirming therapists. You can use search filters to identify therapists who specialize in LGBTQ+ care and work specifically with bisexual clients. You can also filter by clinical specialties, therapeutic approaches, accepted insurance, session costs, and languages spoken to find the right fit. Look for profiles where therapists explicitly mention working with lesbian clients, or where they describe their approach as identity-affirming, inclusive, or trauma-informed. Many providers will also list their own identities, which may help you find someone with shared lived experience if that is important to you. You can also look for credentials or continuing education in areas such as LGBTQ+ mental health, trauma-informed care, and intersectionality.