Multiracial Therapists in Toluca Lake, CA
Prof. Michael Anthony Nalepa
Marriage & Family Therapist, BFA, MA, LMFT, ExecDir, CEO
26 Endorsed
Toluca Lake, CA 91602
High achievers, entrepreneurs and creatives — if you’re feeling stuck, burned out or unfulfilled in your relationships, let’s jump on a call for a consultation. As a former television executive, I understand the stressors and emotional toll of California culture. That firsthand experience fuels my commitment in helping clients & their partners overcome imposter syndrome, creative ruts and major life transitions. Therapy with me is both compassionate and yet challenging — we delve deep, get radically honest and put in the emotional and behavioral "work" that is required to build and maintain a fulfilling, purposeful life.
High achievers, entrepreneurs and creatives — if you’re feeling stuck, burned out or unfulfilled in your relationships, let’s jump on a call for a consultation. As a former television executive, I understand the stressors and emotional toll of California culture. That firsthand experience fuels my commitment in helping clients & their partners overcome imposter syndrome, creative ruts and major life transitions. Therapy with me is both compassionate and yet challenging — we delve deep, get radically honest and put in the emotional and behavioral "work" that is required to build and maintain a fulfilling, purposeful life.
I'm a gay, biracial therapist with 30+ years of experience in the entertainment & corporate worlds before becoming a clinician.
Life can look successful from the outside while feeling very different underneath. I work with gay men, creatives, and professionals navigating anxiety, burnout, relationship struggles, career uncertainty, identity, and major life transitions. Maybe you're questioning what's next, feeling disconnected from yourself or others, or carrying experiences you thought you'd have moved past by now. Therapy is a place to understand the patterns keeping you stuck, rebuild confidence, and create a life that feels more like your own.
I'm a gay, biracial therapist with 30+ years of experience in the entertainment & corporate worlds before becoming a clinician.
Life can look successful from the outside while feeling very different underneath. I work with gay men, creatives, and professionals navigating anxiety, burnout, relationship struggles, career uncertainty, identity, and major life transitions. Maybe you're questioning what's next, feeling disconnected from yourself or others, or carrying experiences you thought you'd have moved past by now. Therapy is a place to understand the patterns keeping you stuck, rebuild confidence, and create a life that feels more like your own.
Ayana Rose PhD. Valley Therapy Centers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, PhD
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Stress and anxiety can stem from perfectionism, imposter syndrome, work life imbalance, and difficulty slowing down. A specialized therapeutic approach integrates EMDR to process past experiences that may contribute to anxiety and depression. Mindfulness to cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce overwhelm, and integrative wellness to address mind-body balance through nutrition, movement, and self-care practices. This holistic approach helps clients build resilience, regulate emotions and develop sustainable strategies for managing life and strengthening well being.
Stress and anxiety can stem from perfectionism, imposter syndrome, work life imbalance, and difficulty slowing down. A specialized therapeutic approach integrates EMDR to process past experiences that may contribute to anxiety and depression. Mindfulness to cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce overwhelm, and integrative wellness to address mind-body balance through nutrition, movement, and self-care practices. This holistic approach helps clients build resilience, regulate emotions and develop sustainable strategies for managing life and strengthening well being.
Leyla Sanford, EMDR certified in Studio City
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, EMDR
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
You feel everything very deeply and wonder if others experience life in a similar way. You are emotionally depleted and give so much to others that there is nothing left for yourself. No one truly sees you. You’re convinced there must be something wrong with you. These feelings have always been there but they have become harder to tolerate and they are affecting your work and relationships. These wounds often trace back to difficult experiences in childhood. The fractures can be subtle and hard to connect. Or they can be from overt physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, or neglect. I can help.
You feel everything very deeply and wonder if others experience life in a similar way. You are emotionally depleted and give so much to others that there is nothing left for yourself. No one truly sees you. You’re convinced there must be something wrong with you. These feelings have always been there but they have become harder to tolerate and they are affecting your work and relationships. These wounds often trace back to difficult experiences in childhood. The fractures can be subtle and hard to connect. Or they can be from overt physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, or neglect. I can help.
At the Rowan Center for Behavioral Medicine, we help people reach their full potential by transforming their healthcare experience. We use evidence-based psychological practices and partner with other health professionals for seamless and integrated care. Our clinical psychologists provide therapy for concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress-management, relationship problems, and phase-of-life issues. In addition, we specialize in health and rehabilitation psychology, providing assistance to patients with medical illnesses and disabilities and sensorimotor psychotherapy, providing trauma-informed, somatic, “body-based” therapy.
At the Rowan Center for Behavioral Medicine, we help people reach their full potential by transforming their healthcare experience. We use evidence-based psychological practices and partner with other health professionals for seamless and integrated care. Our clinical psychologists provide therapy for concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress-management, relationship problems, and phase-of-life issues. In addition, we specialize in health and rehabilitation psychology, providing assistance to patients with medical illnesses and disabilities and sensorimotor psychotherapy, providing trauma-informed, somatic, “body-based” therapy.
Parenting a child with big emotions, impulsivity, or constant power struggles can feel exhausting. As a mom myself, I understand this firsthand. (My colleagues and friends know me as Carrie, feel free to use either!) You may find yourself walking on eggshells, questioning your parenting, or feeling stuck in patterns that aren't working. Many of the moms I work with are thoughtful and deeply committed to their children, but feel overwhelmed by behavior challenges, anxiety, or possible ADHD. They want practical support, a deeper understanding of their child, and a way to bring more calm and connection back into their family.
Parenting a child with big emotions, impulsivity, or constant power struggles can feel exhausting. As a mom myself, I understand this firsthand. (My colleagues and friends know me as Carrie, feel free to use either!) You may find yourself walking on eggshells, questioning your parenting, or feeling stuck in patterns that aren't working. Many of the moms I work with are thoughtful and deeply committed to their children, but feel overwhelmed by behavior challenges, anxiety, or possible ADHD. They want practical support, a deeper understanding of their child, and a way to bring more calm and connection back into their family.
I am a licensed therapist, I work with teens and adults, I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma. I am trained in trauma interventions including EMDR and the Flash technique. I will help you learn now to cope (using mindfulness and relaxation exercises), then we work at increasing your self-esteem and managing the day to day problems you face. I will assist you in making changes to your life, developing healthy relationships and increasing relaxation or healthy coping techniques.
Please note that I do not provide couples counseling, nor do I complete leave of absence paperwork.
I am a licensed therapist, I work with teens and adults, I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma. I am trained in trauma interventions including EMDR and the Flash technique. I will help you learn now to cope (using mindfulness and relaxation exercises), then we work at increasing your self-esteem and managing the day to day problems you face. I will assist you in making changes to your life, developing healthy relationships and increasing relaxation or healthy coping techniques.
Please note that I do not provide couples counseling, nor do I complete leave of absence paperwork.
More Therapists Nearby
I identify as a biracial womxn who embraces my own multipotentiality.
"The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do." -Kobe Bryant. Have there been times when you find yourself returning to cycles of burnout, performance avoidance or notice that you begin to fear making mistakes especially in moments that matter most? I’m here to help you recreate healthy patterns and to help you reconnect to a “flow” state on the sports pitch, in the classroom, home, office, creative set, on stage (wherever your passion is) & to help you reach your potential that feels most true to you.
I identify as a biracial womxn who embraces my own multipotentiality.
"The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do." -Kobe Bryant. Have there been times when you find yourself returning to cycles of burnout, performance avoidance or notice that you begin to fear making mistakes especially in moments that matter most? I’m here to help you recreate healthy patterns and to help you reconnect to a “flow” state on the sports pitch, in the classroom, home, office, creative set, on stage (wherever your passion is) & to help you reach your potential that feels most true to you.
Do you look like you “have it all together” but still feel anxious, restless, or stuck inside? Maybe your mind won’t slow down, sleep is hard to come by, or you keep falling into the same relationship patterns that leave you drained. You may feel like you’re constantly people-pleasing or holding back your true voice. Therapy can help you break free from these cycles, quiet racing thoughts, and learn how to set healthy boundaries. Together, we’ll create space for you to feel calmer, more confident, and more at ease in your own skin.
Do you look like you “have it all together” but still feel anxious, restless, or stuck inside? Maybe your mind won’t slow down, sleep is hard to come by, or you keep falling into the same relationship patterns that leave you drained. You may feel like you’re constantly people-pleasing or holding back your true voice. Therapy can help you break free from these cycles, quiet racing thoughts, and learn how to set healthy boundaries. Together, we’ll create space for you to feel calmer, more confident, and more at ease in your own skin.
I work with adults who often appear to have it all together but feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or exhausted beneath the surface. Many of my clients are working professionals, high achievers, and first-generation individuals navigating anxiety, burnout, life transitions, identity, relationship challenges, or the lasting impact of trauma. Together, we create a space where you can slow down, reconnect with yourself, and move through life's challenges with greater clarity, self-compassion, and confidence.
I work with adults who often appear to have it all together but feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or exhausted beneath the surface. Many of my clients are working professionals, high achievers, and first-generation individuals navigating anxiety, burnout, life transitions, identity, relationship challenges, or the lasting impact of trauma. Together, we create a space where you can slow down, reconnect with yourself, and move through life's challenges with greater clarity, self-compassion, and confidence.
RCC serves adults and couples navigating trauma, neurodivergence, relationship complexity, and identity exploration. Many of the clients that come to see us are thoughtful and self-aware, but feel stuck in patterns that insight alone hasn’t shifted. Our work is depth-oriented, highly individualized, and grounded in real attunement—offering the kind of care people often look for in more curated, high-end settings, without the excess or performative feel. This space is for those ready for meaningful, lasting change.
RCC serves adults and couples navigating trauma, neurodivergence, relationship complexity, and identity exploration. Many of the clients that come to see us are thoughtful and self-aware, but feel stuck in patterns that insight alone hasn’t shifted. Our work is depth-oriented, highly individualized, and grounded in real attunement—offering the kind of care people often look for in more curated, high-end settings, without the excess or performative feel. This space is for those ready for meaningful, lasting change.
Whether you're wrestling with anxiety or depression, or navigating something about sex and intimacy that feels hard to bring up anywhere else, you've found a space where none of it is off-limits and nothing gets judged. I work one-on-one with adults who are ready to feel more like themselves again. Many are carrying anxiety that won't quiet down, a low mood that drains the color out of things, stress, a life transition, or that heavy sense of not being who they thought they'd be by now. Any of us can land there. None of us has to stay there alone.
Whether you're wrestling with anxiety or depression, or navigating something about sex and intimacy that feels hard to bring up anywhere else, you've found a space where none of it is off-limits and nothing gets judged. I work one-on-one with adults who are ready to feel more like themselves again. Many are carrying anxiety that won't quiet down, a low mood that drains the color out of things, stress, a life transition, or that heavy sense of not being who they thought they'd be by now. Any of us can land there. None of us has to stay there alone.
Choosing the right therapist is hard. After you’ve looked at more than a handful of profiles, we all start to blur together. A headshot and a few hundred words can only tell you so much about whether someone is the right therapist for you. I think the best way to figure that out is to have a conversation, so I offer a free consultation where we can explore whether therapy is the best next step and, if so, whether I’m the right person to help. And if we don't think it’s a good fit, I'll do my best to point you toward someone who is.
Choosing the right therapist is hard. After you’ve looked at more than a handful of profiles, we all start to blur together. A headshot and a few hundred words can only tell you so much about whether someone is the right therapist for you. I think the best way to figure that out is to have a conversation, so I offer a free consultation where we can explore whether therapy is the best next step and, if so, whether I’m the right person to help. And if we don't think it’s a good fit, I'll do my best to point you toward someone who is.
I believe that we heal and grow in relationships when we feel a sense of belonging, connection, & presence without judgment. The purpose of therapy is not to fix you—when we allow the unfolding of emotional experiences, it can lead us to the emergence of a deeper understanding of yourself, self-acceptance, authenticity, & connecting to the power and participation you have in relationships. I'm honored to support clients longing for a deeper embodied presence, authentic curiosity, & compassionate understanding of themselves. I strive to co-create an attuned, safe, collaborative space by acknowledging you as the expert in your life.
I believe that we heal and grow in relationships when we feel a sense of belonging, connection, & presence without judgment. The purpose of therapy is not to fix you—when we allow the unfolding of emotional experiences, it can lead us to the emergence of a deeper understanding of yourself, self-acceptance, authenticity, & connecting to the power and participation you have in relationships. I'm honored to support clients longing for a deeper embodied presence, authentic curiosity, & compassionate understanding of themselves. I strive to co-create an attuned, safe, collaborative space by acknowledging you as the expert in your life.
“Is it safe?” That is the essential, unconscious question embedded in the interwoven fabric of all relationships. The desire to know how safe it is to be their authentic self, to share their wildest dreams, deepest fears, or maybe even discover something new together. Similarly, as an individual, you may ask the same about your identity. What is your story? Are there problem stories impacting your relationships? As your therapist, I provide a warm, inviting, safe environment where we can explore areas of concern and dig into the topics in need of care and attention.
“Is it safe?” That is the essential, unconscious question embedded in the interwoven fabric of all relationships. The desire to know how safe it is to be their authentic self, to share their wildest dreams, deepest fears, or maybe even discover something new together. Similarly, as an individual, you may ask the same about your identity. What is your story? Are there problem stories impacting your relationships? As your therapist, I provide a warm, inviting, safe environment where we can explore areas of concern and dig into the topics in need of care and attention.
Hi, I'm Samantha- a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) I work with teens, young adults, and adults who are ready to better understand themselves even if they're not sure where to start. You might be navigating anxiety, depression, grief, a major life change, relationship struggles, or just a persistent feeling that something needs to shift. You don't need to have it all figured out, just a willingness to show up. Together, we'll untangle what's getting in the way, build practical coping skills, and move toward a life that feels more like yours.
Hi, I'm Samantha- a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) I work with teens, young adults, and adults who are ready to better understand themselves even if they're not sure where to start. You might be navigating anxiety, depression, grief, a major life change, relationship struggles, or just a persistent feeling that something needs to shift. You don't need to have it all figured out, just a willingness to show up. Together, we'll untangle what's getting in the way, build practical coping skills, and move toward a life that feels more like yours.
My approach to therapy is person-centered, collaborative, and nontraditional, with a heavy dose of warmth and humor. My practice is shaped less by theory and more by who you are and what works best for you. I tend to understand life’s challenges through a postmodern perspective, paying close attention to the systems and institutions that shape our lives in visible and invisible ways.
I work from a trauma-informed lens, with particular care for experiences related to oppression, marginalization, and transgenerational or familial struggles. Play, connection, curiosity and levity are the cornerstones of my practice.
My approach to therapy is person-centered, collaborative, and nontraditional, with a heavy dose of warmth and humor. My practice is shaped less by theory and more by who you are and what works best for you. I tend to understand life’s challenges through a postmodern perspective, paying close attention to the systems and institutions that shape our lives in visible and invisible ways.
I work from a trauma-informed lens, with particular care for experiences related to oppression, marginalization, and transgenerational or familial struggles. Play, connection, curiosity and levity are the cornerstones of my practice.
I work with adults facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, and questions of identity or purpose. My approach combines evidence-based therapy with biblical truth to help clients find healing, renew their minds, and move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.
I work with adults facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, and questions of identity or purpose. My approach combines evidence-based therapy with biblical truth to help clients find healing, renew their minds, and move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Hey and congratulations on taking the first step in your healing journey. Together, we can create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can process life’s experiences without feeling like you have to carry everything alone. Life can be overwhelming, and therapy offers an opportunity to better understand yourself, navigate challenges, and create meaningful change.
My goal is to help you improve your quality of life, reconnect with your authentic self, and strengthen your emotional regulation skills. Growth and change can feel uncomfortable, but learning to move through discomfort is often where healing begins.
Hey and congratulations on taking the first step in your healing journey. Together, we can create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can process life’s experiences without feeling like you have to carry everything alone. Life can be overwhelming, and therapy offers an opportunity to better understand yourself, navigate challenges, and create meaningful change.
My goal is to help you improve your quality of life, reconnect with your authentic self, and strengthen your emotional regulation skills. Growth and change can feel uncomfortable, but learning to move through discomfort is often where healing begins.
I specialize in working with neurodivergent adults (18-65) who struggle with executive functioning, shame, overwhelm, emotional regulation, and relationship problems. I help by exploring the connections between your early experiences, family dynamics, and social systems at large. I also have experience working with PTSD, CPTSD, and attachment trauma.
I specialize in working with neurodivergent adults (18-65) who struggle with executive functioning, shame, overwhelm, emotional regulation, and relationship problems. I help by exploring the connections between your early experiences, family dynamics, and social systems at large. I also have experience working with PTSD, CPTSD, and attachment trauma.
See more therapy options for Toluca Lake
Nearby Multiracial Therapists Searches for Toluca Lake
- Beverly Hills
- Burbank
- Century City
- Glendale
- Hollywood
- North Hills
- North Hollywood
- Sherman Oaks
- Studio City
- Valley Village
- Van Nuys
- West Hollywood
FAQ - About Multiracial Counseling
Why might mixed race or multiracial identity be important to address in therapy?
Mixed race or multiracial identity can shape how you understand yourself and relate to others around you, so it is natural that this identity may be important to speak about in therapy. If you identify as mixed race, you may find it helpful to speak with a therapist about identity, belonging, racism, cultural disconnection, or feeling pressure to “choose” one part of your background over another. A therapist who understands or shares your mixed race identity may be better able to support conversations about your experiences. A shared background may also strengthen the therapeutic alliance, which refers to the working relationship between you and your therapist and is tied to positive therapy outcomes.
How can a mixed race therapist support couples counseling or family therapy?
Like other therapists, mixed race therapists can support couples and families with a broad range of concerns, including communication challenges, conflict, parenting, life transitions, and relationship stress. However, therapists who personally identify as mixed race may be especially helpful when race, culture, or ethnicity are part of the concerns being discussed, such as when partners come from different cultural backgrounds and are navigating differing personal or community expectations. A mixed race therapist may also help couples and families explore how identity shapes each person’s experience in the relationship. Family members, for instance, may not experience race or culture in the same way, even within the same household. Therapy can offer a space to talk through these differences.
How might I inquire about a therapist's experience working with mixed race or multiracial clients?
The initial consultation, which is typically a brief phone or video call, can be a good time to ask about a therapist’s experience working with multiracial clients. You can ask specific questions, such as “Do you have experience working with multiracial clients?” or broader questions, such as “How do you approach cultural identity in your practice?” As sessions begin, it can be helpful to notice how the therapist responds to your concerns. A good therapist should respond with respect, curiosity, and cultural humility. If you feel dismissed or misunderstood, or if you find yourself having to explain your beliefs or cultural context constantly, it may be worth considering another therapist.
Who is included in Psychology Today's directory of mixed race therapists?
The directory of mixed race therapists includes therapists who have shared their mixed race or multiracial identity in their profiles, as well as therapists who indicate that they have extensive experience working with mixed race clients, regardless of their own background. Not all therapists choose to disclose this information on their profile, and these individuals may not appear in search results for this reason.