Lesbian Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
My aim is to help you live with a feeling of wholeness and sturdiness, even when life is difficult. You need no longer feel tired, never enough, and at the mercy of your own performance. I encourage my clients to dream bravely about the changes they hope to see in their lives. We work to get there by identifying and shifting the patterns keeping them stuck, with the goal of cultivating more meaningful relationships, as well as greater freedom and joy. I am passionate about working with people on relationship issues, whether you are single or in a relationship.
My aim is to help you live with a feeling of wholeness and sturdiness, even when life is difficult. You need no longer feel tired, never enough, and at the mercy of your own performance. I encourage my clients to dream bravely about the changes they hope to see in their lives. We work to get there by identifying and shifting the patterns keeping them stuck, with the goal of cultivating more meaningful relationships, as well as greater freedom and joy. I am passionate about working with people on relationship issues, whether you are single or in a relationship.
The psychotherapy work I offer creates a sacred relationship, built on the deep recognition of our essential humanness. The issues that bring you to therapy will guide our work, and with clarity, compassion, and tools gathered from 30 years in practice, I will become your companion on the healing journey. Each of us has within us the wisdom to resolve our issues. My purpose is to assist you in finding that wisdom, bringing your own loving to any places of pain within you, and in seeing clearly and stepping into your life's opportunities.
The psychotherapy work I offer creates a sacred relationship, built on the deep recognition of our essential humanness. The issues that bring you to therapy will guide our work, and with clarity, compassion, and tools gathered from 30 years in practice, I will become your companion on the healing journey. Each of us has within us the wisdom to resolve our issues. My purpose is to assist you in finding that wisdom, bringing your own loving to any places of pain within you, and in seeing clearly and stepping into your life's opportunities.
I help clients who are navigating the various stages of life that can trigger depression or anxiety - including fertility, postpartum, the empty nest, aging, and challenges specific to the "sandwich generation." I counsel parents facing estrangement issues with their adult children. In addition, I work with young adults to help them reach their potential and overcome emotional conflicts, stresses, and challenges. Finally, with strong experience in hospital and home health care, I am uniquely qualified to support those coping with illness and medical crises as well as grief and loss.
I help clients who are navigating the various stages of life that can trigger depression or anxiety - including fertility, postpartum, the empty nest, aging, and challenges specific to the "sandwich generation." I counsel parents facing estrangement issues with their adult children. In addition, I work with young adults to help them reach their potential and overcome emotional conflicts, stresses, and challenges. Finally, with strong experience in hospital and home health care, I am uniquely qualified to support those coping with illness and medical crises as well as grief and loss.
Change is possible. With over 30 years of experience, I have successfully worked with individuals, adolescents, couples, and families to reduce anxiety, depression, and overall conflict. I have helped bring more joy into people's lives. In just 3-5 sessions, my clients often report feeling more confident, at ease, and comfortable, and experiencing greater happiness across all areas of their lives. High stress can occur during times of change: birth, separation, divorce, or the death of a loved one. I will guide you through these difficult times. Each client's therapy is personalized, collaborative, and strengths-focused.
Change is possible. With over 30 years of experience, I have successfully worked with individuals, adolescents, couples, and families to reduce anxiety, depression, and overall conflict. I have helped bring more joy into people's lives. In just 3-5 sessions, my clients often report feeling more confident, at ease, and comfortable, and experiencing greater happiness across all areas of their lives. High stress can occur during times of change: birth, separation, divorce, or the death of a loved one. I will guide you through these difficult times. Each client's therapy is personalized, collaborative, and strengths-focused.
The process of therapy is one of self exploration and self discovery. Many of my clients seek therapy during life transitions or when experiencing relationship challenges. Some suffer from lack of self confidence, or are plagued by anxiety without an understanding of its cause. Through our work together I help people gain insight and understanding about the problems they’re encountering and become aware of unhelpful patterns they may be repeating. As a result of gaining new perspectives and understanding their emotional landscape on a deeper level, my clients often experience life in a more rich and meaningful way.
The process of therapy is one of self exploration and self discovery. Many of my clients seek therapy during life transitions or when experiencing relationship challenges. Some suffer from lack of self confidence, or are plagued by anxiety without an understanding of its cause. Through our work together I help people gain insight and understanding about the problems they’re encountering and become aware of unhelpful patterns they may be repeating. As a result of gaining new perspectives and understanding their emotional landscape on a deeper level, my clients often experience life in a more rich and meaningful way.
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.
Many of my clients arrive at a crossroads — navigating a major life transition, stepping down from a higher level of care, or feeling stuck despite having done "all the right things." I work with adults facing trauma, mood disorders, and the weight of experiences that are hard to put into words. I also offer Collaborative Therapeutic Assessment — a powerful tool for those just starting therapy or feeling stalled — turning psychological testing into a shared, insight-driven experience rather than just a report.
Many of my clients arrive at a crossroads — navigating a major life transition, stepping down from a higher level of care, or feeling stuck despite having done "all the right things." I work with adults facing trauma, mood disorders, and the weight of experiences that are hard to put into words. I also offer Collaborative Therapeutic Assessment — a powerful tool for those just starting therapy or feeling stalled — turning psychological testing into a shared, insight-driven experience rather than just a report.
I help people who struggle with anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, perfectionism, and the many ways these can show up—like relentless overthinking, disordered eating patterns, mental loops, or behaviors that feel out of control. A history of trauma, tough relationship dynamics, or fear around life transitions may be part of what’s keeping you stuck. You might feel like you’ve lost track of your “why”—your sense of purpose or direction. In therapy, we’ll work together to gently untangle what’s going on, help you reconnect with your values and needs, and build a steadier, more meaningful life that feels like it actually fits you.
I help people who struggle with anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, perfectionism, and the many ways these can show up—like relentless overthinking, disordered eating patterns, mental loops, or behaviors that feel out of control. A history of trauma, tough relationship dynamics, or fear around life transitions may be part of what’s keeping you stuck. You might feel like you’ve lost track of your “why”—your sense of purpose or direction. In therapy, we’ll work together to gently untangle what’s going on, help you reconnect with your values and needs, and build a steadier, more meaningful life that feels like it actually fits you.
In my work with clients, I create a safe and nurturing environment for you to find your way back to a sense of wholeness and fulfillment in life. It's not about fixing what's broken or changing your identity but helping you remember what it's like to feel in balance and connected. I support you in letting go of what's blocking you from finding that core, creative and joyful self within. My specialities for treatment include: couples therapy, addiction, trauma, grief processing, anxiety, stress management and relational challenges.
In my work with clients, I create a safe and nurturing environment for you to find your way back to a sense of wholeness and fulfillment in life. It's not about fixing what's broken or changing your identity but helping you remember what it's like to feel in balance and connected. I support you in letting go of what's blocking you from finding that core, creative and joyful self within. My specialities for treatment include: couples therapy, addiction, trauma, grief processing, anxiety, stress management and relational challenges.
When I begin a session with a new client, I want to present myself as a real person. I want to create a situation where the client feels comfortable being him/herself and communicating whatever is going on. I will observe closely, being as present as possible. I will listen carefully and respond when appropriate. I may ask questions or make interpretations about what we talk about, but most importantly I want the client to feel free to say whatever is on his/her mind. I want to establish a trusting relationship so we can begin to work on this person’s issues.
When I begin a session with a new client, I want to present myself as a real person. I want to create a situation where the client feels comfortable being him/herself and communicating whatever is going on. I will observe closely, being as present as possible. I will listen carefully and respond when appropriate. I may ask questions or make interpretations about what we talk about, but most importantly I want the client to feel free to say whatever is on his/her mind. I want to establish a trusting relationship so we can begin to work on this person’s issues.
The privilege of working with clients is the way each individual strength and barrier is presented in a session. An ideal client is one who is open to the therapeutic process and recognizes the art of healing through time, directed interventions and collaboration. Therapy and the therapist are tools, meant to magnify your process and highlight the route in feeling cared for and attended to with me. I do not require the "perfect" client, I seek the curious wonderment that recognizes the wisdom in their pain but open to the hope in their heart.
The privilege of working with clients is the way each individual strength and barrier is presented in a session. An ideal client is one who is open to the therapeutic process and recognizes the art of healing through time, directed interventions and collaboration. Therapy and the therapist are tools, meant to magnify your process and highlight the route in feeling cared for and attended to with me. I do not require the "perfect" client, I seek the curious wonderment that recognizes the wisdom in their pain but open to the hope in their heart.
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.
Yelena Kashtuyeva has extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use. Her specialties include panic attacks, complex trauma, recurrent relapses, and eating disorders. Yelena integrates attachment-based approaches with other treatments and offers ways to take what's learned in therapy into one's life.
Yelena Kashtuyeva has extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use. Her specialties include panic attacks, complex trauma, recurrent relapses, and eating disorders. Yelena integrates attachment-based approaches with other treatments and offers ways to take what's learned in therapy into one's life.
I work with people from all walks of life. Everyone is unique and so each client has a treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs. People who see me for psychological treatment are often experiencing low mood, anxiety, difficulty relaxing, excessive criticism and low self esteem. Many have experienced a significant loss or a traumatic life event. I will help you to better understand how your present responses (emotional, behavioral, emotional and physical) are influenced by your past experiences. Working collaboratively with you, I will facilitate a safe space for you to reflect, process and grow.
I work with people from all walks of life. Everyone is unique and so each client has a treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs. People who see me for psychological treatment are often experiencing low mood, anxiety, difficulty relaxing, excessive criticism and low self esteem. Many have experienced a significant loss or a traumatic life event. I will help you to better understand how your present responses (emotional, behavioral, emotional and physical) are influenced by your past experiences. Working collaboratively with you, I will facilitate a safe space for you to reflect, process and grow.
Ira Israel, Licensed Counselor and
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LPCC, LMFT
6 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
In-person therapy for individuals and couples in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and Telehealth for people in New York.
I help people who feel anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, lonely, or stuck in difficult relationships. Many of my clients are dealing with trauma, family conflict, codependency, OCD, career distress, burnout, or questions about meaning and purpose.
Some people come to therapy because they want help with dating, intimacy, parenting, addiction, or a painful breakup. Others are looking for support with grief, life transitions, spiritual experiences, or the feeling that their life has become unbalanced.
In-person therapy for individuals and couples in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and Telehealth for people in New York.
I help people who feel anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, lonely, or stuck in difficult relationships. Many of my clients are dealing with trauma, family conflict, codependency, OCD, career distress, burnout, or questions about meaning and purpose.
Some people come to therapy because they want help with dating, intimacy, parenting, addiction, or a painful breakup. Others are looking for support with grief, life transitions, spiritual experiences, or the feeling that their life has become unbalanced.
Are you struggling with DEPRESSION or ANXIETY? Is your RELATIONSHIP stuck in negative patterns?Is SUBSTANCE USE getting in your way, or you're needing extra support in RECOVERY? Are you going through a stressful LIFE TRANSITION? If you answered "yes" to any these questions, or even "maybe", I might be the help you are looking for. I've been told by my clients that I take a more active, direct approach to therapy, and I believe humor is a great healer. It is my 1st job to help you feel accepted, and listened to. I want to help you achieve your therapeutic goals by learning about what motivates you as a unique individual.
Are you struggling with DEPRESSION or ANXIETY? Is your RELATIONSHIP stuck in negative patterns?Is SUBSTANCE USE getting in your way, or you're needing extra support in RECOVERY? Are you going through a stressful LIFE TRANSITION? If you answered "yes" to any these questions, or even "maybe", I might be the help you are looking for. I've been told by my clients that I take a more active, direct approach to therapy, and I believe humor is a great healer. It is my 1st job to help you feel accepted, and listened to. I want to help you achieve your therapeutic goals by learning about what motivates you as a unique individual.
I am a psychologist specializing in personal growth and meeting life challenges head-on in a sensitive and meaningful way. After thirty years, I have learned a lot helping others navigate challenging circumstances. I work in a collaborative manner in order for you to get to a 'better' place and more effectively manage your life.
I have gained experience by helping others navigate challenges related to building families. I work with patients exploring 'good' solutions to this heart-rending process. I see patients confronting personal challenges to live their best lives. Open to a gratis 15-minute pre-consultation session.
I am a psychologist specializing in personal growth and meeting life challenges head-on in a sensitive and meaningful way. After thirty years, I have learned a lot helping others navigate challenging circumstances. I work in a collaborative manner in order for you to get to a 'better' place and more effectively manage your life.
I have gained experience by helping others navigate challenges related to building families. I work with patients exploring 'good' solutions to this heart-rending process. I see patients confronting personal challenges to live their best lives. Open to a gratis 15-minute pre-consultation session.
Feeling stuck in familiar self defeating patterns? I can help uncover unconscious behaviors that keep you anxious and depressed. Through active listening, and interactive exercises my direct approach helps you encounter hidden parts of yourself, enabling you to integrate these into one whole, thriving person with much greater capacity to live and love completely. With an extensive background in Western Psychology and Eastern practices I treat the whole person which leads to deeper awareness, changes in behavior and more satisfying relationships. Nothing changes if you don't take action. The journey begins with you.
Feeling stuck in familiar self defeating patterns? I can help uncover unconscious behaviors that keep you anxious and depressed. Through active listening, and interactive exercises my direct approach helps you encounter hidden parts of yourself, enabling you to integrate these into one whole, thriving person with much greater capacity to live and love completely. With an extensive background in Western Psychology and Eastern practices I treat the whole person which leads to deeper awareness, changes in behavior and more satisfying relationships. Nothing changes if you don't take action. The journey begins with you.
The therapeutic process has the ability to transform. I am living proof of this. At my lowest point, I was anxious, depressed, suicidal, and trapped in addictions. With the help of a skilled therapist, I was able to come out of this darkness - inspiring me to leave the business world in order to help others who are suffering. I believe that everyone deserves a fighting chance to overcome trauma and abuse and live a rich, full, and satisfying life. I believe that we can change and grow at any time in our lives. I believe in the beauty, resiliency, and strength of the human spirit. I believe that we are all worthy and capable of love.
The therapeutic process has the ability to transform. I am living proof of this. At my lowest point, I was anxious, depressed, suicidal, and trapped in addictions. With the help of a skilled therapist, I was able to come out of this darkness - inspiring me to leave the business world in order to help others who are suffering. I believe that everyone deserves a fighting chance to overcome trauma and abuse and live a rich, full, and satisfying life. I believe that we can change and grow at any time in our lives. I believe in the beauty, resiliency, and strength of the human spirit. I believe that we are all worthy and capable of love.
Do you need support finding your life’s purpose? Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you find it difficult to feel pain and face your shadows? While considering the whole person- heart, soul, mind and body, I trust that you enter therapy having the insight you need to navigate your distress. I use the term "depth emergence" to explain my orientation and approach. It stems from depth psychology, which emphasizes gaining access to the unconscious and bringing it into consciousness. While increasing awareness we derive meaning, evolve, and transform.
Do you need support finding your life’s purpose? Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you find it difficult to feel pain and face your shadows? While considering the whole person- heart, soul, mind and body, I trust that you enter therapy having the insight you need to navigate your distress. I use the term "depth emergence" to explain my orientation and approach. It stems from depth psychology, which emphasizes gaining access to the unconscious and bringing it into consciousness. While increasing awareness we derive meaning, evolve, and transform.
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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
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- Westchester