Open Relationships Non-Monogamy Therapists in Playa Vista, CA
Melissa W. Cooper
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094 (Online Only)
Often times life can be difficult, creating coping patterns that work for a while but slowly take away from our wellness. Asking for help can be hard when you feel hopeless to do anything to change. Whether it is feelings of anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, substance use, distorted body image, eating related struggles, life transitions, low self-esteem, ageing related issues or symptoms related to complex trauma, therapy can help gain insight into the experience of being human, identify what isn’t working for you and develop the skills to resolve current life challenges. You don’t have to do it alone.
Often times life can be difficult, creating coping patterns that work for a while but slowly take away from our wellness. Asking for help can be hard when you feel hopeless to do anything to change. Whether it is feelings of anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, substance use, distorted body image, eating related struggles, life transitions, low self-esteem, ageing related issues or symptoms related to complex trauma, therapy can help gain insight into the experience of being human, identify what isn’t working for you and develop the skills to resolve current life challenges. You don’t have to do it alone.
Suzan Howe - Expansive Therapy
Pre-Licensed Professional, ACSW
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
I believe in the inherent wisdom of the body and incorporate emotional and somatic awareness into my holistic practice. By listening to the body, we can navigate past traumas and painful experiences together. Additionally, I explore issues within the broader context of an individual's life, showing curiosity about diversity factors such as gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, class, ability, religion, spirituality, and community.
I believe in the inherent wisdom of the body and incorporate emotional and somatic awareness into my holistic practice. By listening to the body, we can navigate past traumas and painful experiences together. Additionally, I explore issues within the broader context of an individual's life, showing curiosity about diversity factors such as gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, class, ability, religion, spirituality, and community.
Rachel Thomasian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
You're ready to start your journey to a better you. Whether you wish for less anxiety, more joy, relationship satisfaction or finding inner peace, I'm here to work towards it with you. You want something different, and you deserve to give yourself the gift of living a more fulfilling life.
You're ready to start your journey to a better you. Whether you wish for less anxiety, more joy, relationship satisfaction or finding inner peace, I'm here to work towards it with you. You want something different, and you deserve to give yourself the gift of living a more fulfilling life.
Laura Markgraf
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Congratulations on deciding to seek support. What a great step toward meeting your health and relationship goals! Psychotherapy can help you feel more calm, joyful and connected to others, while gaining greater understanding of your inner self and healing psychic wounds. You deserve to be heard, encouraged to express yourself, connect, grow and self actualize. Therapy can be difficult work; however, you will quickly see that relief and clarity are within your reach. With my guidance, you will make your own discoveries and decisions and maintain control over your process, keeping it exciting, safe and appropriate for you.
Congratulations on deciding to seek support. What a great step toward meeting your health and relationship goals! Psychotherapy can help you feel more calm, joyful and connected to others, while gaining greater understanding of your inner self and healing psychic wounds. You deserve to be heard, encouraged to express yourself, connect, grow and self actualize. Therapy can be difficult work; however, you will quickly see that relief and clarity are within your reach. With my guidance, you will make your own discoveries and decisions and maintain control over your process, keeping it exciting, safe and appropriate for you.
Leigh Hall
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094 (Online Only)
Anxiety, sadness, and stress can be immobilizing, and current world events seem overwhelming for many of us, leading to feelings of helplessness and despair. These emotions are normal reactions to abnormal times, but just knowing that isn't always enough. Most of us could use some extra support right now. Whether you need a nonjudgmental listener who can help you make sense of your feelings; someone to assist you in adding to your repertoire of effective coping mechanisms; or a coach who can illuminate, and gently push you to change thought and behavior patterns that may be contributing to keeping you "stuck," therapy can help.
Anxiety, sadness, and stress can be immobilizing, and current world events seem overwhelming for many of us, leading to feelings of helplessness and despair. These emotions are normal reactions to abnormal times, but just knowing that isn't always enough. Most of us could use some extra support right now. Whether you need a nonjudgmental listener who can help you make sense of your feelings; someone to assist you in adding to your repertoire of effective coping mechanisms; or a coach who can illuminate, and gently push you to change thought and behavior patterns that may be contributing to keeping you "stuck," therapy can help.
Nami Nocifera, Individual & Group Therapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Afraid that you've lost your old self and are becoming a person that you do not want to be? Wondering, "Why can't I just be happy?" Don't give up! It is tough navigating all the self-critical thoughts that show up when we are trying to do our best. Although we are not taught to show kindness to ourselves-- mindful self-compassion counteracts the barrage of judgment that we inflict inwardly. Self-compassion is crucial our overall well-being. Come let us help you find your ability to fully experience a full, rich and life.
Afraid that you've lost your old self and are becoming a person that you do not want to be? Wondering, "Why can't I just be happy?" Don't give up! It is tough navigating all the self-critical thoughts that show up when we are trying to do our best. Although we are not taught to show kindness to ourselves-- mindful self-compassion counteracts the barrage of judgment that we inflict inwardly. Self-compassion is crucial our overall well-being. Come let us help you find your ability to fully experience a full, rich and life.
Playa Vista Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Looking to create a more satisfying relationship with yourself, your partner or your family? We can help! Our team of therapists will help you identify your concerns and work together to create a path towards your goal. We work with clients who are experiencing problems concerning anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationships and trauma. Our therapists are trained in working with individuals as well as couples, using evidence based treatments such as CBT for effective therapy.
Looking to create a more satisfying relationship with yourself, your partner or your family? We can help! Our team of therapists will help you identify your concerns and work together to create a path towards your goal. We work with clients who are experiencing problems concerning anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationships and trauma. Our therapists are trained in working with individuals as well as couples, using evidence based treatments such as CBT for effective therapy.
Mary Donaldson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Accepting new clients - teens, romantic partnerships, adults, and families. It can feel really good to finally get help, and yet, it can still be hard to accept that you deserve it. Wherever you are in this process, I’ll meet you there. I encourage you to come as you are - bring your anxiety, dark humor, skepticism, anger, hopelessness, and questions; we'll take a closer look together. With a collaborative and authentic approach, I'll both challenge you and honor your pace. I’m not a fixer, but I draw from evidence-based and trauma-informed care to help you help yourself.
Accepting new clients - teens, romantic partnerships, adults, and families. It can feel really good to finally get help, and yet, it can still be hard to accept that you deserve it. Wherever you are in this process, I’ll meet you there. I encourage you to come as you are - bring your anxiety, dark humor, skepticism, anger, hopelessness, and questions; we'll take a closer look together. With a collaborative and authentic approach, I'll both challenge you and honor your pace. I’m not a fixer, but I draw from evidence-based and trauma-informed care to help you help yourself.
Sarah Alkayali
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Accepting New Clients! I am a bilingual therapist with a passion for helping individuals and families thrive, my journey informs my approach. I was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq, and moved to the States at the age of 17. This unique perspective allows me to bring empathy and understanding to my work as I understand the ebbs and flows of life's transitions; I've been there, I understand! I know that each person's story is different, and I’m here to listen to yours and help you find your way forward. Together, we'll embark on a voyage of self-discovery and transformation—a journey fueled by courage, curiosity, and compassion.
Accepting New Clients! I am a bilingual therapist with a passion for helping individuals and families thrive, my journey informs my approach. I was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq, and moved to the States at the age of 17. This unique perspective allows me to bring empathy and understanding to my work as I understand the ebbs and flows of life's transitions; I've been there, I understand! I know that each person's story is different, and I’m here to listen to yours and help you find your way forward. Together, we'll embark on a voyage of self-discovery and transformation—a journey fueled by courage, curiosity, and compassion.
Dr. Ashley Bradley
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
My approach to therapy encompasses warmth, humor, empathy and effective strategies to help you work through barriers that cause you to feel stuck, unfulfilled and disconnected. Our work together will help you generate more insight into your thoughts, feelings and behaviors in order to understand and work through the unconscious processes that are getting in your way. Cultivating a healthy relationship with yourself is the most rewarding investment you can make and I am committed to creating an environment where you feel inspired to make meaningful change.
My approach to therapy encompasses warmth, humor, empathy and effective strategies to help you work through barriers that cause you to feel stuck, unfulfilled and disconnected. Our work together will help you generate more insight into your thoughts, feelings and behaviors in order to understand and work through the unconscious processes that are getting in your way. Cultivating a healthy relationship with yourself is the most rewarding investment you can make and I am committed to creating an environment where you feel inspired to make meaningful change.
Yael Sherne
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Are you feeling anxious or depressed as a result of infertility or pregnancy loss? Is your confidence or relationship suffering due to the stressors of new parenthood? If you are struggling during your transition into parenthood, connecting with a perinatal therapist can help. I can help you improve how you handle stress and setbacks, develop your confidence and skills, and become a more connected partner and parent.
Are you feeling anxious or depressed as a result of infertility or pregnancy loss? Is your confidence or relationship suffering due to the stressors of new parenthood? If you are struggling during your transition into parenthood, connecting with a perinatal therapist can help. I can help you improve how you handle stress and setbacks, develop your confidence and skills, and become a more connected partner and parent.
15 Second Videos
Melissa W. Cooper
Mary Donaldson
Erik Anderson
Ramy Danon, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094 (Online Only)
Have your once-loved activities lost their zest? Do you feel trapped in a cycle of overthinking, repeating unproductive patterns in relationships, or stuck in self-defeating habits? Maybe you're grappling with ADHD symptoms like distraction and procrastination, or past traumas that dim your mood, self-view, and strain your relationships. If you answered 'Yes' to any question above, then I am the therapist for you! I bring 18+ years of experience to the table, armed with a top-tier education from the University of Southern California (USC), where I attended on a teaching scholarship and received high honors.
Have your once-loved activities lost their zest? Do you feel trapped in a cycle of overthinking, repeating unproductive patterns in relationships, or stuck in self-defeating habits? Maybe you're grappling with ADHD symptoms like distraction and procrastination, or past traumas that dim your mood, self-view, and strain your relationships. If you answered 'Yes' to any question above, then I am the therapist for you! I bring 18+ years of experience to the table, armed with a top-tier education from the University of Southern California (USC), where I attended on a teaching scholarship and received high honors.
Jessica Mariglio | Certified Emdr Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Feeling like you’re tied up in knots? You might need to go beyond talk therapy to find freedom. In a world that often tells us who to be, it can be tempting to mold ourselves into who we think we should be rather than embracing who we truly are. The relentless self doubts- that we are not good enough, that we are too much, or that we don’t matter at all- can make us feel trapped, creating a barrier between our true selves and the life we want to live. By focusing on the connection between the mind and body, I offer a integrative path to unraveling stuckness, mending old wounds and restoring your sense of aliveness and wellbeing.
Feeling like you’re tied up in knots? You might need to go beyond talk therapy to find freedom. In a world that often tells us who to be, it can be tempting to mold ourselves into who we think we should be rather than embracing who we truly are. The relentless self doubts- that we are not good enough, that we are too much, or that we don’t matter at all- can make us feel trapped, creating a barrier between our true selves and the life we want to live. By focusing on the connection between the mind and body, I offer a integrative path to unraveling stuckness, mending old wounds and restoring your sense of aliveness and wellbeing.
Erik Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Reaching out to a therapist isn’t easy. It can be especially difficult for those who have tried therapy and been disappointed. Perhaps the therapy process felt too passive, and you felt unsupported. Or maybe you didn’t “click” with your therapist, and you left feeling misunderstood. Trying again after an unfulfilling experience takes tremendous courage. If any of this resonates with you, I’d love to help. Together, we can reflect on what has worked and not worked for you, and collaborate to make our work together helpful.
Reaching out to a therapist isn’t easy. It can be especially difficult for those who have tried therapy and been disappointed. Perhaps the therapy process felt too passive, and you felt unsupported. Or maybe you didn’t “click” with your therapist, and you left feeling misunderstood. Trying again after an unfulfilling experience takes tremendous courage. If any of this resonates with you, I’d love to help. Together, we can reflect on what has worked and not worked for you, and collaborate to make our work together helpful.
Karen Ma
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
I work with clients who seek to develop a richer understanding of their lives and explore their preferred ways of being, evolving, and flourishing. My therapeutic approach is grounded in the belief that getting curious about the taken-for-granted and embracing complexity can open up the imaginative possibilities of people’s lives.
I work with clients who seek to develop a richer understanding of their lives and explore their preferred ways of being, evolving, and flourishing. My therapeutic approach is grounded in the belief that getting curious about the taken-for-granted and embracing complexity can open up the imaginative possibilities of people’s lives.
More Therapists Nearby
Sandy Peace
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90071
If you are ready for change in your life therapy is a great catalyst! I am an integrative therapist utilizing a variety of modalities tailored to individuals', partners', and groups' needs: mindfulness, somatic, CBT, DBT, EMDR, brief psychodynamic, existential, humanistic, and relational. I work with a wide range of presenting concerns such as: identity development, life transitions, relationship enhancement, empowered communication, family issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar, personality disorders, addiction, sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity, polyamory/open relationships.
If you are ready for change in your life therapy is a great catalyst! I am an integrative therapist utilizing a variety of modalities tailored to individuals', partners', and groups' needs: mindfulness, somatic, CBT, DBT, EMDR, brief psychodynamic, existential, humanistic, and relational. I work with a wide range of presenting concerns such as: identity development, life transitions, relationship enhancement, empowered communication, family issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar, personality disorders, addiction, sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity, polyamory/open relationships.
Kimberly Resnick Anderson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, AASECT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90013
I've also treated thousands of individuals with varied sexual lifestyles including LGBT, Polyamory and BDSM clients.
Everyone has a 'sexual story.' Our culture has a love-hate relationship with sex and sends many mixed messages. I help people explore the legacy of their sexual story and identify the biological, social and psychological barriers to sexual health and satisfaction. I am an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA School of Medicine with 30 years of clinical and teaching experience. I developed my own model of talking to clients about sex ("Comfort-Inducing Sexuality Dialogue") that is both comforting and profoundly liberating.
I've also treated thousands of individuals with varied sexual lifestyles including LGBT, Polyamory and BDSM clients.
Everyone has a 'sexual story.' Our culture has a love-hate relationship with sex and sends many mixed messages. I help people explore the legacy of their sexual story and identify the biological, social and psychological barriers to sexual health and satisfaction. I am an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA School of Medicine with 30 years of clinical and teaching experience. I developed my own model of talking to clients about sex ("Comfort-Inducing Sexuality Dialogue") that is both comforting and profoundly liberating.
Heather Buchheim
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90042
How you feel towards yourself can profoundly impact your relationships, work, school, and more. And a lot can make it hard to feel your best. You might be: Exhausted by a relentless self-critical voice...Considering your next steps to feel authentically aligned with your gender and sexuality...Struggling with boundaries and people-pleasing... Stressed and stuck in your closest relationships...Curious about non-monogamy but unsure where to start...Looking for nonjudgmental guidance navigating dynamics within polyamory and kink — not to mention managing all of this under capitalism. No wonder you'd like support!
How you feel towards yourself can profoundly impact your relationships, work, school, and more. And a lot can make it hard to feel your best. You might be: Exhausted by a relentless self-critical voice...Considering your next steps to feel authentically aligned with your gender and sexuality...Struggling with boundaries and people-pleasing... Stressed and stuck in your closest relationships...Curious about non-monogamy but unsure where to start...Looking for nonjudgmental guidance navigating dynamics within polyamory and kink — not to mention managing all of this under capitalism. No wonder you'd like support!
Erica Mia Hoitsma
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Highland Park, CA 90042 (Online Only)
I have expertise in working with survivors of trauma, narcissistic abuse, codependency and alternate lifestyles (ENM / Polyamory / Kink).
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been working in the field for over 15 years. I have helped many people who have experienced multiple traumas heal and move forward into happy lives. My mission is to provide high-quality, compassionate care to individuals experiencing a myriad of struggles. I believe that therapy is a place where a person can express themselves fully and explore their inner parts. I seek to build a relationship with my clients where together we can explore any barriers to happiness you might be experiencing and overcome those barriers.
I have expertise in working with survivors of trauma, narcissistic abuse, codependency and alternate lifestyles (ENM / Polyamory / Kink).
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been working in the field for over 15 years. I have helped many people who have experienced multiple traumas heal and move forward into happy lives. My mission is to provide high-quality, compassionate care to individuals experiencing a myriad of struggles. I believe that therapy is a place where a person can express themselves fully and explore their inner parts. I seek to build a relationship with my clients where together we can explore any barriers to happiness you might be experiencing and overcome those barriers.
Sarah E. Phillips
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Online Only)
My style is active, empowering, solution-focused, down-to-earth, non-judgmental, and humorous. My approach is collaborative — we'll work together to help identify and reach your goals. I welcome an open dialogue to create the best therapy for you as an individual. I see the immense strength, value, and potential for self-growth in each of my clients.
My style is active, empowering, solution-focused, down-to-earth, non-judgmental, and humorous. My approach is collaborative — we'll work together to help identify and reach your goals. I welcome an open dialogue to create the best therapy for you as an individual. I see the immense strength, value, and potential for self-growth in each of my clients.
See more therapy options for Playa Vista
Open Relationships Non-Monogamy Therapists
Why might an individual want to see a therapist specializing in open relationships and consensual non-monogamy?
A client seeking help with an open or consensually non-monogamous relationship will prefer to talk with a professional whom they can count on to be nonjudgmental. Talking with a supportive therapist may on its own help relieve some of the stigma and challenges partners face. That said, the most important factor in the success of any type of therapy is the ability of the client and practitioner to form a strong, trusting bond. For this reason, an individual or couple could find success with a therapist who does not specialize in non-monogamous relationships but with whom they can build trust.
When should open or consensually non-monogamous partners seek counseling?
Like other couples, polyamorous partners typically seek counseling when they face relationship challenges they can’t solve themselves. In non-monogamous relationships, this could include breaches of trust, including infidelity; unclear rules or violations of boundaries; jealousy of outside partners; the stress of juggling the needs of multiple partners; or the effect of high partner turnover on children. Like those of other couples, polyamorous bonds can be threatened by increasingly frequent arguments, poor or dysfunctional communication, diminished emotional or physical intimacy, or the feeling that something is wrong, even if they don’t know what it is.
Do therapists have special training to gain expertise in open relationships and consensual non-monogamy?
No, but individuals seeking help with non-monogamous relationships would most likely consult a licensed professional with specific training in couples counseling or couples therapy. Couples counseling and couples therapy both involve teaching concrete strategies to navigate conflict in relationships. A good therapist can engage both partners as they explain these approaches but can also work with a single partner.
How long does therapy for consensually non-monogamous couples typically last?
Couples therapy for any type of couple, tends to be relatively time-limited, lasting around 12 weeks on average. A good therapist will tailor sessions to the individual partners’ emotions and sometimes their past, along with patterns found to be repeating in the relationship. In many cases, clients should expect their therapist to assign “homework” between weekly sessions.