Photo of Ayat Madi, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 91335, CA
Ayat Madi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 91335
Ayat Madi, LCSW Seeking mental health services is the first step towards a healthy lifestyle. Whether you're struggling to feel understood, trying to cope with everyday stressors, working on personal relationships or simply need a weekly check-in, I am here to provide you with guidance and support. I work with all clients that feel ready to make changes and focus on particular goals. I provide the upmost respect and unbiased environment to ensure a safe space for my clients.
Ayat Madi, LCSW Seeking mental health services is the first step towards a healthy lifestyle. Whether you're struggling to feel understood, trying to cope with everyday stressors, working on personal relationships or simply need a weekly check-in, I am here to provide you with guidance and support. I work with all clients that feel ready to make changes and focus on particular goals. I provide the upmost respect and unbiased environment to ensure a safe space for my clients.
(747) 252-5347 View (747) 252-5347
Photo of Leslie Hoyt, Psychologist in 91335, CA
Leslie Hoyt
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 91335
Hi, I'm Leslie, a Licensed Psychologist with over 20 years of experience. I help people struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, coping skills, anger management, and more. I employ techniques such as Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Client Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dialectical (DBT), and Grief Therapy modalities. Therapy should be a positive experience that helps you resolve a current issue and develop skills you can use throughout your life. I'm here to listen in order to understand you and your unique situation, with the goal of working with you to journey through the difficulties you are having.
Hi, I'm Leslie, a Licensed Psychologist with over 20 years of experience. I help people struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, coping skills, anger management, and more. I employ techniques such as Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Client Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dialectical (DBT), and Grief Therapy modalities. Therapy should be a positive experience that helps you resolve a current issue and develop skills you can use throughout your life. I'm here to listen in order to understand you and your unique situation, with the goal of working with you to journey through the difficulties you are having.
(747) 298-6027 View (747) 298-6027
Female Therapists

Does it matter what gender my therapist is?

In general, this is not an important factor, as there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or ingrained beliefs about how people of different genders think and behave. Exploring the roots of such preferences and considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender truly matters to them.

Should I see a female therapist?

Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist, either because they believe that a woman will be able to relate to their specific challenges (for example, sexism in the workplace) or because they imagine feeling more comfortable disclosing sensitive information to a woman. Such beliefs may not turn out to be accurate, however, and adhering too rigidly to a gender preference can at times hinder a client from finding the best therapeutic match.

Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?

Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists—both men and women—may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.

How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?

It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.