Therapists in Sawtelle, Los Angeles, CA

Dr. Wendy M. O'Connor is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as well as holds a Doctorate in Marriage & Family Therapy and is in private practice in Los Angeles California. She has worked in various settings with over seventeen years of experience in the community. Dr. Wendy O'Connor & Associates specializes in single adults, couples & teens. I am thoughtful and caring. I have over a decade of experience as a marriage and family therapist. I specialize in couples and individuals, working with people who are single, dating, engaged, married, separated, or post-divorce and dealing with trauma/crisis, infidelity, grief and loss

Hi there, I'm Anne. Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the changes life can bring? Do you struggle with complicated feelings such as sadness, anger, fear, worry, anxiety, jealousy, and guilt? Is it challenging to be kind to yourself? Would you like to feel less stressed and find a sense of well-being? I offer a compassionate approach, and together we can identify what's not working and develop skills to cultivate personal growth and resilience. I use a client-centered approach to address the needs of your mind, body, and spirit.

We understand how frustrating it is to search for the right therapist who matches the criteria you’re looking for. We understand that you may have called and emailed so many therapists hoping to find one who accepts your insurance, is skilled and experienced, and has immediate openings. We are a team of humanistic, skilled psychologists, MFTs, social workers and hypnotherapy practitioners who are dedicated to help you connect with the right therapist. We accept most insurances, advocate for all our clients to get reimbursements from their insurance and offer sliding scale to make sure finances are not an obstacle for you to receive the help you need and deserve. Our mission is to provide genuine, authentic care to all our clients. We believe everyone has the capacity to heal from trauma and meet their potential in life. We value your commitment to show up in therapy and collaborate with you actively to get you one step closer to your goals and potential in life in every session. We are passionate about our work and don’t consider it a job or a career. For us, helping you to reach your goals and find the clarity, peace, or happiness you’re looking for is our mission and calling.

I understand that therapy demands your time, money, and energy and I genuinely value your investment. I believe in maximizing your time in therapy and collaborate with you in clarifying and establishing your goals from the beginning in order to utilize every session to get you one step closer to where you want to be in your life. I consider myself an interactive therapist. I engage with my clients by coaching them to align their thoughts, feelings, and actions in order to understand themselves better and move forward to enjoy the changes they wish to see in their lives.

Life can get complicated and there is no handbook on how to handle things like depression, anxiety, addiction and relationship problems. It is important to know two things: 1. you are not alone, 2. challenges are always opportunities to grow and change your life. You are probably here because it's time to "do something different." Let us help guide you through this journey!

Psychotherapy and counseling help people gain fresh insights into themselves, cultivate fulfilling relationships, authentically express themselves, and lead happier, more fulfilling lives. Some are looking for help in navigating depression, anxiety, life changes, relationship difficulties, or improving emotional regulation.

I have a passion for helping individuals, couples, and families navigate the complexities of life. I understand that sometimes it can feel like our experiences are sorted into the ones we like and the ones we don't and that we approach our own lives as if they are problems to be solved.

We all deserve a safe, compassionate space to process and explore, whether we are healing from difficult life events or simply taking a pause to reflect on our life. I deeply believe in holistic care, where the biological, psychological, cultural, sexual, and spiritual aspects of a person are given equal consideration and attention. I see my role as an active collaborator and supporter of the client’s goals. I work to build a nonjudgmental relationship where clients can add skills to their toolbox, introspect freely, and gain personal and community empowerment.

Often, we seek therapy when we feel overwhelmed—by anxiety, depression, a life transition or a difficult relationship. Having studied and treated maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, I work to create a confidential space where you can regain your balance, gain insight, and ultimately become more confident and secure. I utilize a thoughtful mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, solution-focused techniques, and EMDR Therapy (specialized trauma therapy) to pave way for your healing.

Are you tired of fighting with your partner and being misunderstood? Do you feel like you are trying your best but nothing seems to work? Do you miss the person you first fell in love with? These are all signs that you could benefit from couple’s therapy. I specialize in helping couples “speak the same language” so that they can better understand each other’s needs and grow closer together. I am also certified in pre-marital counseling and love to help couples go into marriage with the best chance of success.

Are you frequently worrying about things you can’t control? Do you tend to talk negatively to yourself or feel like you aren’t enough? Are you concerned about relationship issues? Being a human today is hard and people come to therapy for many different reasons. It can be challenging to manage all the aspects of personal, professional, and family life, leaving self-care and wellness on the back burner. I am committed to helping women and couples improve communication, feel better, and live well. I value the importance of building a trusting and collaborative relationship and know that finding the right therapist can be hard.

Living in survival mode can be a constant struggle. Considering whether to begin or continue your therapy journey is a step in which you should feel proud. As an associate psychotherapist, I serve individuals, couples, and families. My clients may be enduring the effects of long-term and short-term traumas, depressive and anxiety-related disorders, grief and loss, living with stress, chronic pain, childhood abuse (neglect, physical, sexual, emotional, smothering), personality disorders, relational problems, low self-worth, coping issues, codependency, abusive relationships, sexually related concerns, and general avoidance.

Sessions are 100% virtual, anywhere in California. There are points in our life when we can feel burnt out, lost, stuck and could use an objective person to help us through these tough times. Whether you're facing the chaos of adulthood, seeking clarity, or simply craving a supportive space; you don't have to do it alone. I help others navigate challenges related to anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, relationship issues, self-esteem/exploration, and life transitions. I am dedicated to tailoring my approach to meet the specific needs of each client, recognizing the importance of individualized care in promoting lasting change.

Embrace life. Laugh again. Restore joy. Often we struggle in silence believing change is not possible. Those around you tell to get over it, move on or even stop talking about it. However, talking to the right person can be transformational. Through therapy, you will be able to regain those parts of your self that have been lost or neglected, creating change that will make a difference in your life.

My approach is first to provide a safe space for you to discuss what brings you here. From there we can tailor an approach that's best for you and your goals. I use approaches related to CBT, Positive Psychology, Mindfulness, Coaching and EMDR. These can help you process what is contributing to any symptoms related to anxiety, stress, relationship issues, depression and beyond. I am here to assist you to find the solutions and access your innate ability to heal and work through issues. The point of therapy is to become more resilient to life, more authentic and freer to live in a way that is more fulfilling for you.

HOW I WORK: During the first consultation, I learn about my client's primary concerns. If he or she wants to learn practical tools to cope better, I use cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, such as relaxation and assertiveness training. If the client wants to work more deeply on issues that interfere with living a happier, more fulfilling life, I use psychodynamic psychotherapy. STRENGTHS AND INTERESTS: I often work with people who have health problems because anxiety and depression cause or exacerbate many physical disabilities. Relaxation techniques and hypnosis can help minimize pain and anxiety.

I believe successful therapy needs to begin with a trusting, compatible relationship between you and me. If we can establish this foundation for treatment then we can move forward to identify your strengths as a unique individual, and work to uncover and resolve the elements in your life that are preventing personal growth and a gratifying lifestyle. I provide an initial free phone consultation, and offer phone sessions. I work on a sliding scale, and am a provider for Medicare, Blue Shield, Magellan, and Humana. I am NOT a provider for Medi-Cal. I can also bill your insurance company excluding your co-pay.

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse.

Are you feeling emotionally stuck? Struggling with personal growth? Eager to learn new coping skills? Ready to get to work on you? Let me assist you on your personal journey. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years’ experience. I have an immense passion for helping others achieve self-actualization. I will meet you where you are, and together, we will navigate through the various life challenges you are experiencing. I also am available to conduct Emotional Support Animal/Psychiatric Service Dog evaluations.