Transgender Therapists in Santa Monica, CA

With a background in the entertainment business, I have always been fascinated with other people and their stories. I see therapy as a creative, collaborative process in which I work closely with individuals, couples and families to find new ways of understanding their unique narrative. I believe I can help clients find acceptance, empowerment and purpose.

Navigating life can be really challenging and my goal is to provide a warm, safe, judgement free, and collaborative environment to assist you navigate these challenges. In my work I recognize the importance of each individual’s intersecting identities such as race, gender identity, gender expression, culture of origin, immigration status, sexual orientation, primary language and disability. It is through the exploration and comprehension of these different parts, as well as live adversities, that we can have a more complete understanding of who we are and why we act the way we do.

I’ve spent most of my 30+ years in private practice working with clients on issues related to gender identity. Until recently, transitioning was strictly thought of in binary terms: Male-to-Female (MtF), Female-to-Male (FtM). Today, thankfully, we have evolved to include gender non-binary models. Maybe, you identify as “trans,” “non-binary,” or some other term denoting gender variance. Or, perhaps, you’re the parent of a child that identifies this way. Putting labels aside, for the moment, the journey can be challenging and self-acceptance is key. We all long to be loved, but the love must come from within, too.

We all struggle at times and our struggles are our own, do not compare what may feel catastrophic to you to what others are dealing with. I have been practicing for 12 years and revolve my practice around person-centered therapy; non-judgment, genuineness & positive regard. I will accept you for who you are and we will start where you are. My goal is to help you reach your goals. I find that humor, compassion, and authenticity allow my clients to feel comfortable and progress at the same time. Since 2010, I have provided intensive therapy at institutional, residential, and outpatient levels of care for adults and adolescents.

The relationship between client and therapist is essential for meaningful work to take place. To honor your process, I will approach our discussions with warmth, empathy, realness, with the intent to challenge you as we create the space to truly face your experience of the world. My therapeutic approach is integrative and relational, and rooted in the idea that our past experiences influence our reflexive responses the world around us as we continue to grow. In our work we will focus on the present and past to discover and adapt what hasn’t historically worked for you, as you navigate relationships, life stressors, and change.

I have over 30 years of experience in working with adults. I am an expert in the treatment of anxiety and depression. If I am not in your insurance network I can still work with you. I will help you to get reimbursement. I have a wide range of knowledge about anxiety, depression, OCD, panic disorder, addictions, fears, relationship issues, PTSD, phobias and family issues. One Specialty: Childhood and Adult Trauma. I believe that the exploration of your life helps us to understand who you are today. 20 years of experience with EMDR. Neurofeedback for anxiety, ADHD, brain fog, TBI, depression, concussion and a range of other issues.

April Mollner is currently accepting new clients in her private practice and tele-therapy. As nationally-recognized anti-bullying advocate and keynote speaker at psychological conferences in the country she specializes in trauma, affirmative therapy, addiction & recovery. April is also known for her work with transgender youth in Hollywood & leading therapy in marginalized populations. Life stories are sometimes saturated in trauma, her hope is to help find positive narratives that assist peoples healing through their resilience. Her dedication to 'lived in experiences' bridges new beginnings through a journey of strengths.

As queer, trans, Asian American, and neurodivergent, my therapeutic stance combines my professional and personal experiences with what I learn from you so we may co-create the best approach. Allow me to walk with you on your path, and I will lend guidance and perspective without ever imposing my will over yours. Let’s work together to find the next steps to whatever you bring, the middle path between the burdens and the joys. This can be more somatic-leaning, philosophically-inclined, skills-based, or any combination thereof.

I provide supportive therapy services to clients struggling with all kinds of issues, and all different levels of functioning. Whether you have several issues you wish to process in just a few sessions with an objective ear, or you have just been released from higher psychiatric levels of care, I have space and availability for you. I am very flexible sometimes seeing clients online or in person, sometimes once per month or once per week. My ideal clients strongly desire to change their lives, explore parts of themselves, or use our time and space to build on the hard work they have already done.

In an often unwelcoming world, it can be challenging for us to live authentically as LGBTQ+ people. Heteronormativity, cisnormativity, and homo/bi/transphobia can impact our sense of self, relationships, and quality of life. As an LGBTQ+ affirmative therapist, I aim to provide compassionate and affirming therapy for people who are seeking support with sexuality issues, gender identity issues, coming out, self-esteem, self-acceptance, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. I mindfully work to create an inviting space that respects, affirms, and values your intersecting identities and lived experiences.

When you have tried everything else. Learn to utilize parts of yourself that you don't know you have to stop doing the same thing over and over; get unstuck, find peace and thrive. Find out how to connect with your genius, your creativity, and your passion. Empower yourself to be who you are, achieve emotional freedom, professional success and build your confidence. Discover and live your truth! Licensed in CA and RI. Psychotherapist and Certified Master Life Coach.

People seek therapy for so many reasons, but mostly we all want to feel loved, safe and understood. We want to feel a sense purpose & feel good enough as we are, and yet so many of us struggle to feel these ways. Sometimes our lives look very different than we imagined & we need help making sense out of things. We might be feeling numb or disconnected, uncertain or alone. We might be questioning the direction we are heading and need to find some hope or clarity. Self compassion & radical self-acceptance are cornerstones of my work. I'd like to explore these concepts with you and help you make meaning of your life and sense of self.

We ALL need compassionate, focused empathy, supportive insight, and unconditional acceptance, whatever your background, occupation, culture, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, relationships, worldview, politics. I am uniquely equipped to help you find and express your best self and create solutions. Change IS possible. First session free. In-person sessions at my office in Beverly Hills, and telehealth throughout California.

We all need to be seen & witnessed. Whatever it is that feels too hard—be it exploring identity, navigating attachment wounds, combating intrusive thoughts, or processing the collective grief in the world—one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself is dedicated time just for you & your needs. I would be honored to walk with you on your path. For me, therapy is relational. The human on the other side of the room (or screen) should feel like precisely that: a human! Together, we will create a container in which you can authentically examine your relationships with others as well as the pivotal relationship to self.

Are you a survivor of trauma? Are you a BIPOC/POC (person of color), LGBTQIA+, immigrant or 1st-generation American in your 20s, 30s, or 40s? Do you feel lost, hopeless, anxious, or isolated, like no one "sees" you for ALL of who you are? Do/did you have narcissistic or borderline parents - and trouble living up to their (or your) perfectionist standards? Do you often feel "not good enough," "bad," ashamed, guilty, or unworthy of love? Do anxiety, depression, chronic, negative thinking, or self-defeating patterns hold you back or prevent you from moving forward and living a life you want /deserve to live?

What brings you here is something important. It could be a problem, pattern, question, or thought; or it could stand for something more difficult to represent with words. Our work may be long or short-term depending on the nature of this dilemma. We might focus on anxiety, depression, trauma, identity, relationships, or something else. Whatever the cause, the techniques I utilize for listening and hearing prompt you to speak on a register that leads to change. Psychotherapy becomes a creative space for opportunity and growth, as well as a time for you to focus and reflect inward, in order to bring forward something new or renewed.

The most important thing in working together is building the foundation of a trusting relationship, where you can feel safe to talk openly. You know your life better than anyone else does. Therefore, we will hold great respect for your self-wisdom. Together with my professional knowledge and experience, we can work to help you discover how to live life in a way that is most fitting for you. NOTE: a professional relationship will not be formed until we both agree to do so, and only during/after an initial meeting. Any prior contact is for informational purposes only.