Therapists in Santa Monica, CA

I consider my style to be a delicate balance of easy-going and down-to-business. One of my goals is to create an atmosphere where you can show up as your authentic self. Only then, will we know what path to take in our therapeutic journey. Once we know what path to explore, we will put in the work! Sessions with me are interactive and collaborative. We will approach our session topics with curiosity and explore what you need from the session. I will use interventions and skills from evidence-based practices like CBT and DBT based on your specific needs. These treatment modalities are proven to work!
I consider my style to be a delicate balance of easy-going and down-to-business. One of my goals is to create an atmosphere where you can show up as your authentic self. Only then, will we know what path to take in our therapeutic journey. Once we know what path to explore, we will put in the work! Sessions with me are interactive and collaborative. We will approach our session topics with curiosity and explore what you need from the session. I will use interventions and skills from evidence-based practices like CBT and DBT based on your specific needs. These treatment modalities are proven to work!

Sometimes, the weight of the past is hard to shake—a sound, image, or song, maybe a person, sends your heart racing. A seemingly pleasant dinner party may change into an overwhelming wave of dread that hits without warning. In close relationships, trust feels uncertain, emotions are unpredictable, and guilt is ever present, full of unease and internal conflict. Overall, missteps trigger self-doubt, frustration, or a sense of deep sensitivity. But life moves forward, yet something inside remains stuck. Healing doesn’t have to feel out of reach. Through therapy, the weight of the past can become manageable and emotions less scary.
Sometimes, the weight of the past is hard to shake—a sound, image, or song, maybe a person, sends your heart racing. A seemingly pleasant dinner party may change into an overwhelming wave of dread that hits without warning. In close relationships, trust feels uncertain, emotions are unpredictable, and guilt is ever present, full of unease and internal conflict. Overall, missteps trigger self-doubt, frustration, or a sense of deep sensitivity. But life moves forward, yet something inside remains stuck. Healing doesn’t have to feel out of reach. Through therapy, the weight of the past can become manageable and emotions less scary.

I believe that we each hold the solutions to our lives and sometimes we just need support as we figure things out. That’s my role! I get the privilege to walk beside you on your life journey and help you find solutions you already have. We get to do this together via a strength-based and solution-oriented approach that reminds you of your capabilities and just how powerful you truly are.
I believe that we each hold the solutions to our lives and sometimes we just need support as we figure things out. That’s my role! I get the privilege to walk beside you on your life journey and help you find solutions you already have. We get to do this together via a strength-based and solution-oriented approach that reminds you of your capabilities and just how powerful you truly are.

I provide cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults, children, and adolescents with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders (social anxiety, phobias, generalized anxiety, and separation anxiety), tic disorders, Tourette Syndrome (TS), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), behavioral difficulties, rage attacks, depressive disorders, and trichotillomania (and other body-focused repetitive behavior disorders). For more information about the treatments of these disorders, please refer to my website: www.drshawnewbank.com
I provide cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults, children, and adolescents with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders (social anxiety, phobias, generalized anxiety, and separation anxiety), tic disorders, Tourette Syndrome (TS), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), behavioral difficulties, rage attacks, depressive disorders, and trichotillomania (and other body-focused repetitive behavior disorders). For more information about the treatments of these disorders, please refer to my website: www.drshawnewbank.com

My work as a marriage and family therapist, clinical art therapist and somatic psychotherapist is integrative, interactive, and holistic. Drawing from over 30 years of experience in private practice, residential and outpatient treatment, I offer pathways to healing and well-being within the context of a safe and supportive environment. In my work with individuals, couples and families, treatment specialties include the healing of communication and relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, family and personal illness, grief and loss.
My work as a marriage and family therapist, clinical art therapist and somatic psychotherapist is integrative, interactive, and holistic. Drawing from over 30 years of experience in private practice, residential and outpatient treatment, I offer pathways to healing and well-being within the context of a safe and supportive environment. In my work with individuals, couples and families, treatment specialties include the healing of communication and relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, family and personal illness, grief and loss.

My approach to therapy is rooted in a belief that change is possible. Whether you are feeling stuck, have feelings of depression or anxiety, or navigating a transition, I believe you have everything you need within you to heal and grow. Through a collaborative, empathetic approach, we will build a supportive, therapeutic relationship that empowers you to meet life’s challenges and live life authentically. By utilizing mindfulness and somatic work to facilitate mind-body connection, I can help you cultivate awareness around patterns that no longer serve you, and empower you to make changes accordingly.
My approach to therapy is rooted in a belief that change is possible. Whether you are feeling stuck, have feelings of depression or anxiety, or navigating a transition, I believe you have everything you need within you to heal and grow. Through a collaborative, empathetic approach, we will build a supportive, therapeutic relationship that empowers you to meet life’s challenges and live life authentically. By utilizing mindfulness and somatic work to facilitate mind-body connection, I can help you cultivate awareness around patterns that no longer serve you, and empower you to make changes accordingly.

I have found that disruptions in our lives carry on in our nervous systems, sometimes arising at inopportune times. Often, it is in these times we seek support; whether dealing with the loss of a loved one, a sudden traumatic event, the onset of anxiety or a reliance on alcohol or medications. I will create an environment that encourages reflection, honesty, and compassion to help you find growth, self-reliance and an eventual return to health. I will work with you to get through the most challenging times with courage and boundless growth.
I have found that disruptions in our lives carry on in our nervous systems, sometimes arising at inopportune times. Often, it is in these times we seek support; whether dealing with the loss of a loved one, a sudden traumatic event, the onset of anxiety or a reliance on alcohol or medications. I will create an environment that encourages reflection, honesty, and compassion to help you find growth, self-reliance and an eventual return to health. I will work with you to get through the most challenging times with courage and boundless growth.

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.

For you GUYS out there, I specialize in those ready to look inside and tackle what’s bothering you. Whether it’s the pressure to provide, frustration with your career or insecure about your relationship…I’ll help you figure it out.
For you GUYS out there, I specialize in those ready to look inside and tackle what’s bothering you. Whether it’s the pressure to provide, frustration with your career or insecure about your relationship…I’ll help you figure it out.

As a psychotherapist, I know that initiating change can be exciting and extremely challenging. I am dedicated to supporting you through the challenges that come along with the excitement of growing and changing. My commitment is to help you understand and accept all aspects of yourself, and to feel more connected to those around you.
As a psychotherapist, I know that initiating change can be exciting and extremely challenging. I am dedicated to supporting you through the challenges that come along with the excitement of growing and changing. My commitment is to help you understand and accept all aspects of yourself, and to feel more connected to those around you.

I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. My practice focuses on trauma, mood disorders, life transitions, addiction & recovery, and relationships. I work with adult women and men. In addition to traditional talk therapy, I practice Attachment Focused EMDR both in person and remotely. I have also been practicing Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) for over 5 years with an emphasis on treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma. I trained as a KAP therapist at the Ketamine Training Center in San Rafael, California. I am trained by MAPS in MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy. I am certified in Psychedelic Therapy by Fluence.
I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. My practice focuses on trauma, mood disorders, life transitions, addiction & recovery, and relationships. I work with adult women and men. In addition to traditional talk therapy, I practice Attachment Focused EMDR both in person and remotely. I have also been practicing Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) for over 5 years with an emphasis on treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma. I trained as a KAP therapist at the Ketamine Training Center in San Rafael, California. I am trained by MAPS in MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy. I am certified in Psychedelic Therapy by Fluence.

Are you looking for a way to connect more deeply with yourself and others, heal wounds, or change patterns? Or to build upon growth work you’ve been doing for some time? Psychotherapy offers a supportive way to explore what has brought you to this time in your life, and provides tools to help you to experience yourself, and life, in new ways. With warmth and a relational approach, I offer individual, couple, family and group psychotherapy, working across development from pre-teens to older adults.
Are you looking for a way to connect more deeply with yourself and others, heal wounds, or change patterns? Or to build upon growth work you’ve been doing for some time? Psychotherapy offers a supportive way to explore what has brought you to this time in your life, and provides tools to help you to experience yourself, and life, in new ways. With warmth and a relational approach, I offer individual, couple, family and group psychotherapy, working across development from pre-teens to older adults.

Using humor, authenticity, and unwavering compassion, I approach healing and recovery from a place of empowered vulnerability. I acknowledge the multitude of complexities that come with the human condition and the various systemic barriers, developmental traumas, and life stressors that can impact an individual and perpetuate suffering. Rooted in advocacy and social justice, I collaborate with clients and creatively explore ways for us to fully embody their strengths and apply them harmoniously to heal emotional wounds that have kept them from fully participating in their lives.
Using humor, authenticity, and unwavering compassion, I approach healing and recovery from a place of empowered vulnerability. I acknowledge the multitude of complexities that come with the human condition and the various systemic barriers, developmental traumas, and life stressors that can impact an individual and perpetuate suffering. Rooted in advocacy and social justice, I collaborate with clients and creatively explore ways for us to fully embody their strengths and apply them harmoniously to heal emotional wounds that have kept them from fully participating in their lives.

Hi, I'm Shab and welcome to my practice, It's a Process Therapy.
I work with women who are coping through depression, anxiety, relational challenges (familial or romantic) and grief. I specialize in working with adult children of immigrants, creatives within the film and television industry, and professionals who want to better understand what comes next.
My collaborative style allows both the client and myself to better understand how the systems and relationships they came from shape who they are today, creating a foundation for meaningful change.
Hi, I'm Shab and welcome to my practice, It's a Process Therapy.
I work with women who are coping through depression, anxiety, relational challenges (familial or romantic) and grief. I specialize in working with adult children of immigrants, creatives within the film and television industry, and professionals who want to better understand what comes next.
My collaborative style allows both the client and myself to better understand how the systems and relationships they came from shape who they are today, creating a foundation for meaningful change.

I help people who struggle with compulsive, emotional, or binge eating or chronic dieting to find peace with their body, weight, food, and themselves. Preoccupation with not feeling "good enough", perfectionism, trauma, and anxiety about life transitions and relationships can often be factors in disordered eating and body image. Getting in touch with your inner wisdom, your body's cues, and your needs are part of the journey to healing on emotional, physical, and spiritual levels.
I also help people who have suffered loss, such as in the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. After such a disaster, it's important to honor your feelings.
I help people who struggle with compulsive, emotional, or binge eating or chronic dieting to find peace with their body, weight, food, and themselves. Preoccupation with not feeling "good enough", perfectionism, trauma, and anxiety about life transitions and relationships can often be factors in disordered eating and body image. Getting in touch with your inner wisdom, your body's cues, and your needs are part of the journey to healing on emotional, physical, and spiritual levels.
I also help people who have suffered loss, such as in the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. After such a disaster, it's important to honor your feelings.

Shirldawn Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
I have experience working with individuals who are dealing with depression and anxiety and those who are lost and navigating different life situations. I've successfully guided people through various life challenges from divorce, coming out, bereavement, etc. and I am here to support you too. Your story and lived experiences matter. I love to blend and honor this while incorporating various therapeutic modalities.
I have experience working with individuals who are dealing with depression and anxiety and those who are lost and navigating different life situations. I've successfully guided people through various life challenges from divorce, coming out, bereavement, etc. and I am here to support you too. Your story and lived experiences matter. I love to blend and honor this while incorporating various therapeutic modalities.

Hello and welcome! If you are considering therapy, I understand the first step to finding the right therapist for you can be overwhelming. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship can be used as an intervention in and of itself. My goal is to meet you where you are at and create a compassionate and secure environment where you feel respected and heard.
Hello and welcome! If you are considering therapy, I understand the first step to finding the right therapist for you can be overwhelming. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship can be used as an intervention in and of itself. My goal is to meet you where you are at and create a compassionate and secure environment where you feel respected and heard.

She specializes in working with individual clients experiencing low self-esteem, family of origin issues, childhood relational trauma, difficulties with assertiveness, and existential concerns. Using an integrative approach tailored to the needs of the individual, she strives to help her clients understand and find practical ways to cope with their challenges. She primarily draws upon person-centered, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and solution focused approaches to therapy. As your therapist, she aims to create a warm, respectful, non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe to share your experiences.
She specializes in working with individual clients experiencing low self-esteem, family of origin issues, childhood relational trauma, difficulties with assertiveness, and existential concerns. Using an integrative approach tailored to the needs of the individual, she strives to help her clients understand and find practical ways to cope with their challenges. She primarily draws upon person-centered, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and solution focused approaches to therapy. As your therapist, she aims to create a warm, respectful, non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe to share your experiences.

We all go through times where we just don’t feel like ourselves, this may show up as anxiety, depression, body sensations or repeating unhealthy patterns. Some people need help untangling relationship dynamics rooted in unprocessed childhood trauma. If you are experiencing grief & loss there is a depth of pain that is difficult for others to understand. My practice is a place where we can work together to help you identify and process what is keeping you from having the kind of life you desire. You’ll learn how to put your thoughts and feelings and sensations into words, regulate your nervous system and re-connect with yourself.
We all go through times where we just don’t feel like ourselves, this may show up as anxiety, depression, body sensations or repeating unhealthy patterns. Some people need help untangling relationship dynamics rooted in unprocessed childhood trauma. If you are experiencing grief & loss there is a depth of pain that is difficult for others to understand. My practice is a place where we can work together to help you identify and process what is keeping you from having the kind of life you desire. You’ll learn how to put your thoughts and feelings and sensations into words, regulate your nervous system and re-connect with yourself.

Looking for emotional relief? Do you feel underlying tensions but you or your partner are conflict avoidant? I have 30 yrs helping Couples change resentment to resiliency. Learn pillars of a secure attachment & ensure a cooperative future together. Resentments are a slow, rusty corrosive to the joy between you. Learn solutions and get emotional relief to long held tensions. My training is in communication, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence & positive relationship skills. My sessions have a safe, optimistic atmosphere. Our sessions will be relaxed, informative & non judgmental.
Looking for emotional relief? Do you feel underlying tensions but you or your partner are conflict avoidant? I have 30 yrs helping Couples change resentment to resiliency. Learn pillars of a secure attachment & ensure a cooperative future together. Resentments are a slow, rusty corrosive to the joy between you. Learn solutions and get emotional relief to long held tensions. My training is in communication, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence & positive relationship skills. My sessions have a safe, optimistic atmosphere. Our sessions will be relaxed, informative & non judgmental.
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How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
2,000+
Average cost per session
$200
Therapists in Santa Monica, CA who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
88% | Depression |
83% | Relationship Issues |
74% | Self Esteem |
69% | Trauma and PTSD |
66% | Stress |
65% | Life Transitions |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
76% | Aetna |
61% | Cigna and Evernorth |
56% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Santa Monica, CA see their clients
57% | In Person and Online | |
43% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
80% | Female | |
19% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |