Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
Natalie Badawy
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MA, APCC, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I'm sex-positive and supportive of all lifestyle and relationship paths inclusive of monogamy, ethical non-monogamy, LGBTQIA, and kink.
Many of us carry our emotional wounds in our bodies and only when we create a connection between the mind and the body can we feel whole again. I utilize a blend of therapeutic techniques that include shadow work, inner child healing, internal family systems (IFS), somatic therapy, and reparenting in order to create a safe connection within the body and mind. When you are in connection with your whole self you are then equipped to heal your relationship with others and the planet. I help clients struggling with sexual trauma, grief, codependency, depression, and relationship challenges.
I'm sex-positive and supportive of all lifestyle and relationship paths inclusive of monogamy, ethical non-monogamy, LGBTQIA, and kink.
Many of us carry our emotional wounds in our bodies and only when we create a connection between the mind and the body can we feel whole again. I utilize a blend of therapeutic techniques that include shadow work, inner child healing, internal family systems (IFS), somatic therapy, and reparenting in order to create a safe connection within the body and mind. When you are in connection with your whole self you are then equipped to heal your relationship with others and the planet. I help clients struggling with sexual trauma, grief, codependency, depression, and relationship challenges.
Best Self Psych
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90402 (Online Only)
Best Self Psych is a group of ENM, kink, and LGBTQ+ affirmative licensed and associate therapists in Los Angeles and we help people who are experiencing difficulty in their relationships and professional lives. Our practice specializes in specialities include helping people who are struggling with the effects of depression, anxiety, C-PTSD and ADHD.
Best Self Psych is a group of ENM, kink, and LGBTQ+ affirmative licensed and associate therapists in Los Angeles and we help people who are experiencing difficulty in their relationships and professional lives. Our practice specializes in specialities include helping people who are struggling with the effects of depression, anxiety, C-PTSD and ADHD.
The Integrated Clinic
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
The Integrated Clinic provides client-centered, collaborative, coordinated care to clients, leveraging the latest advances in neuroscience and technology in order to foster health, wellness, and performance. Together, we work synergistically to offer scientifically-informed and seamless care that promotes patient outcomes. Our Clinic team provides interdisciplinary services to foster health/wellness, education, and performance.
The Integrated Clinic provides client-centered, collaborative, coordinated care to clients, leveraging the latest advances in neuroscience and technology in order to foster health, wellness, and performance. Together, we work synergistically to offer scientifically-informed and seamless care that promotes patient outcomes. Our Clinic team provides interdisciplinary services to foster health/wellness, education, and performance.
Denise Maratos
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD, EdM
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Do you need support finding your life’s purpose? Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you find it difficult to feel pain and face your shadows? While considering the whole person- heart, soul, mind and body, I trust that you enter therapy having the insight you need to navigate your distress. I use the term "depth emergence" to explain my orientation and approach. It stems from depth psychology, which emphasizes gaining access to the unconscious and bringing it into consciousness. While increasing awareness we derive meaning, evolve, and transform.
Do you need support finding your life’s purpose? Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you find it difficult to feel pain and face your shadows? While considering the whole person- heart, soul, mind and body, I trust that you enter therapy having the insight you need to navigate your distress. I use the term "depth emergence" to explain my orientation and approach. It stems from depth psychology, which emphasizes gaining access to the unconscious and bringing it into consciousness. While increasing awareness we derive meaning, evolve, and transform.
Matthew Druyen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Ultimately, you are here to ask a question: Do I have the courage to acknowledge who I want to become and live my life without limitations? I specialize in helping individuals to experience an authentic sense of self that they have been missing throughout their lives. True self-awareness can expand one’s ability to knock down the barriers that prevent us from becoming who we’re meant to be. Get more curious, step into fear with grace, identify and change the things that are not working, and adopt new behaviors that make life more fulfilling!
Ultimately, you are here to ask a question: Do I have the courage to acknowledge who I want to become and live my life without limitations? I specialize in helping individuals to experience an authentic sense of self that they have been missing throughout their lives. True self-awareness can expand one’s ability to knock down the barriers that prevent us from becoming who we’re meant to be. Get more curious, step into fear with grace, identify and change the things that are not working, and adopt new behaviors that make life more fulfilling!
Valerie Yarema
Pre-Licensed Professional, ACSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
I believe growth happens best in the context of supportive relationships. Consequently, my style is dedicated to fostering trust and rapport between us, establishing a therapeutic space where you can cultivate self-acceptance and self-compassion. My approach to therapy is nurturing, warm, and open, and my aim is to guide you towards discovering more moments of joy, hope, and peace in your everyday life. In our collaborative journey, we will reflect together, explore patterns, and unearth core beliefs. I use a strengths-based approach, building upon the strengths you already possess.
I believe growth happens best in the context of supportive relationships. Consequently, my style is dedicated to fostering trust and rapport between us, establishing a therapeutic space where you can cultivate self-acceptance and self-compassion. My approach to therapy is nurturing, warm, and open, and my aim is to guide you towards discovering more moments of joy, hope, and peace in your everyday life. In our collaborative journey, we will reflect together, explore patterns, and unearth core beliefs. I use a strengths-based approach, building upon the strengths you already possess.
Adriana Garcia
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Change is possible and I believe therapy is a place where you can explore the challenges and achievements that make our lives feel more fulfilled. My approach to therapy is one of empathy, collaboration and practicality. I like to make therapy fun, engaging, and a safe place for you to comfortably explore your emotions and learn new healthy coping skills to support your growth. I have a passion for helping others achieve more fulfillment and balance in their lives. My goal is to provide a safe space to explore feelings that may contribute to ongoing difficulties, re-process experiences, and ultimately co-create your next chapter.
Change is possible and I believe therapy is a place where you can explore the challenges and achievements that make our lives feel more fulfilled. My approach to therapy is one of empathy, collaboration and practicality. I like to make therapy fun, engaging, and a safe place for you to comfortably explore your emotions and learn new healthy coping skills to support your growth. I have a passion for helping others achieve more fulfillment and balance in their lives. My goal is to provide a safe space to explore feelings that may contribute to ongoing difficulties, re-process experiences, and ultimately co-create your next chapter.
Janeen Locker
Psychologist, PhD, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice with over 28 years of education and experience. I provide an opportunity to make changes in your life even if you have tried therapy before. My training has been in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, clinical hypnosis and EMDR (Level 1 and 2 EMDRIA certified practitioner). I have completed both APA approved predoctoral and postdoctoral interships through Yale University. Please call to arrange an appointment if you are interested in working through patterns, gaining new tools and making changes.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice with over 28 years of education and experience. I provide an opportunity to make changes in your life even if you have tried therapy before. My training has been in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, clinical hypnosis and EMDR (Level 1 and 2 EMDRIA certified practitioner). I have completed both APA approved predoctoral and postdoctoral interships through Yale University. Please call to arrange an appointment if you are interested in working through patterns, gaining new tools and making changes.
Ava Rose
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I offer individual, couple, family and group psychotherapy for adults, children and teens who would like to cope more effectively with their emotions and life stresses, heal from difficult or traumatic experiences, improve their relationships, and achieve more success and fulfillment in their lives. By creating a safe, collaborative space to explore your concerns and challenges, I offer reparative experiences for individuals who have felt overwhelmed, hurt or unsupported by others; and I help individuals, couples & families to strengthen their connections, improve communication, and develop more secure and fulfilling relationships.
I offer individual, couple, family and group psychotherapy for adults, children and teens who would like to cope more effectively with their emotions and life stresses, heal from difficult or traumatic experiences, improve their relationships, and achieve more success and fulfillment in their lives. By creating a safe, collaborative space to explore your concerns and challenges, I offer reparative experiences for individuals who have felt overwhelmed, hurt or unsupported by others; and I help individuals, couples & families to strengthen their connections, improve communication, and develop more secure and fulfilling relationships.
Westside Therapy Collective
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
If you are looking for long-term change and a team of highly effective therapists, look no further. We believe that therapy begins with finding the right fit with the perfect therapist who takes a collaborative and holistic approach. Our team incorporates techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and motivational therapy. Please contact Shannon Kalberg, LMFT to book a free 20-minute phone consultation.
If you are looking for long-term change and a team of highly effective therapists, look no further. We believe that therapy begins with finding the right fit with the perfect therapist who takes a collaborative and holistic approach. Our team incorporates techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and motivational therapy. Please contact Shannon Kalberg, LMFT to book a free 20-minute phone consultation.
Dhanya Murali
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, APCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405 (Online Only)
Life can be tricky, but also a beautiful journey of learning, growing, and experiencing change. You may wish to cope with conflict better, have a hard time resisting temptation, or frequently feel overwhelmed. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where you can be your true self. Through learning and practicing the art of self-compassion, we will work together to help navigate the challenges you're facing. As your emotional tour guide, I can bring awareness to perspectives you may be missing and provide tools that will be forever useful. Clients say that I make sessions fun without sacrificing the hard work that can change your life.
Life can be tricky, but also a beautiful journey of learning, growing, and experiencing change. You may wish to cope with conflict better, have a hard time resisting temptation, or frequently feel overwhelmed. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where you can be your true self. Through learning and practicing the art of self-compassion, we will work together to help navigate the challenges you're facing. As your emotional tour guide, I can bring awareness to perspectives you may be missing and provide tools that will be forever useful. Clients say that I make sessions fun without sacrificing the hard work that can change your life.
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Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90402 (Online Only)
I hold my master’s degree in clinical psychology and am finishing my doctoral degree. Throughout my experiences, I have worked with individuals, families, and kids in some of the most challenging situations to overcome some of the most challenging times in their lives. As a strengths-based coach, I focus on helping you understand the patterns in your life, and we focus on building your resiliency skills for breaking unhelpful habits and replacing them with helpful lifestyle changes. My superpower is finding potential in the hidden and overlooked places when you can't see it in yourself and then empowering you to take control.
I hold my master’s degree in clinical psychology and am finishing my doctoral degree. Throughout my experiences, I have worked with individuals, families, and kids in some of the most challenging situations to overcome some of the most challenging times in their lives. As a strengths-based coach, I focus on helping you understand the patterns in your life, and we focus on building your resiliency skills for breaking unhelpful habits and replacing them with helpful lifestyle changes. My superpower is finding potential in the hidden and overlooked places when you can't see it in yourself and then empowering you to take control.
Ryan Scott Brewer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
My clients are generally very smart and motivated people that are tired of being held back by their anxiety, depression, and past trauma. They are looking for immediate tools that can help them feel more empowered today, while also ready to do the work of healing these issues for good!
My clients are generally very smart and motivated people that are tired of being held back by their anxiety, depression, and past trauma. They are looking for immediate tools that can help them feel more empowered today, while also ready to do the work of healing these issues for good!
Jannell Greene Banchik
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Being human is exciting and beautiful... and challenging! My work is grounded in respect and empathy for how individuals, couples, and families pave a path in life. Together we make change possible by bringing your unique, personal knowledge and experience into awareness, and then moving through the stuckness of painful trauma, unkind thoughts, or feelings of powerlessness before problems. Together we will work to reconnect you to the whole experience of being human: feeling emotions, attuning to thoughts and beliefs, creating healthy relationships, and recognizing your whole life story in its complexity of joy, sorrow, and growth.
Being human is exciting and beautiful... and challenging! My work is grounded in respect and empathy for how individuals, couples, and families pave a path in life. Together we make change possible by bringing your unique, personal knowledge and experience into awareness, and then moving through the stuckness of painful trauma, unkind thoughts, or feelings of powerlessness before problems. Together we will work to reconnect you to the whole experience of being human: feeling emotions, attuning to thoughts and beliefs, creating healthy relationships, and recognizing your whole life story in its complexity of joy, sorrow, and growth.
EMDR Trauma Therapy
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405 (Online Only)
Greetings, we are delighted that you've embarked on this journey of self-discovery, growth, & healing. We are a group practice based out of California led by Founder/Director, Patricia Alvarado. Collectively, we have over a decade of experience in the helping profession, assisting children, teens, and adults. Our approach involves viewing situations through a multicultural lens, enabling us to comprehend your unique needs through active listening, empathy, and a non-judgmental perspective. We specialize in EMDR, CBT, Solution-Focused Treatment, & Mindfulness.
Greetings, we are delighted that you've embarked on this journey of self-discovery, growth, & healing. We are a group practice based out of California led by Founder/Director, Patricia Alvarado. Collectively, we have over a decade of experience in the helping profession, assisting children, teens, and adults. Our approach involves viewing situations through a multicultural lens, enabling us to comprehend your unique needs through active listening, empathy, and a non-judgmental perspective. We specialize in EMDR, CBT, Solution-Focused Treatment, & Mindfulness.
Gwen Lotery
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, CST, AASECT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Change is possible. With over 25+ years of experience, I have successfully worked with individuals, adolescents, couples, and families to reduce anxiety, depression, and overall conflict, whether it be at home or work. As little as 3-5 sessions, my clients have reported that they have higher self-esteem and greater confidence in all areas of their lives. High stress can hit you during times of change: birth, separation, divorce, or death of a loved one. I will help guide you through this difficult time. Each client's therapy is individualized, collaborative, and strength-based. I offer a 2-hour deep intensive couples therapy.
Change is possible. With over 25+ years of experience, I have successfully worked with individuals, adolescents, couples, and families to reduce anxiety, depression, and overall conflict, whether it be at home or work. As little as 3-5 sessions, my clients have reported that they have higher self-esteem and greater confidence in all areas of their lives. High stress can hit you during times of change: birth, separation, divorce, or death of a loved one. I will help guide you through this difficult time. Each client's therapy is individualized, collaborative, and strength-based. I offer a 2-hour deep intensive couples therapy.
Karen Clay Beck
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405 (Online Only)
My dedication to my clients comes from a well deep with purpose. I enjoy working with clients in the age range of 30-55 who are experiencing burnout and may feel emotionally and physically exhausted due to prolonged stress, demanding responsibilities, or dissatisfaction in various aspects of their lives. Going through a midlife crisis due to life transitions such as divorce, grief and loss or trauma, you might be questioning life choices, and seeking meaning or change in your personal or professional spheres. These situations can benefit from self-reflection, professional support and guidance.
My dedication to my clients comes from a well deep with purpose. I enjoy working with clients in the age range of 30-55 who are experiencing burnout and may feel emotionally and physically exhausted due to prolonged stress, demanding responsibilities, or dissatisfaction in various aspects of their lives. Going through a midlife crisis due to life transitions such as divorce, grief and loss or trauma, you might be questioning life choices, and seeking meaning or change in your personal or professional spheres. These situations can benefit from self-reflection, professional support and guidance.
Katie Merrill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Are you feeling overwhelmed by obsessive, unwanted thoughts and anxiety? Maybe you're experiencing concerns about harm, a past event, contamination, or being with the wrong partner. Do you feel trapped in a cycle of repetitive mental rehearsing, checking, cleaning, reassurance-seeking, or avoidance behaviors in an attempt to get relief? OCD is a frequently misunderstood disorder that can present itself with a myriad of themes, leaving the sufferer feeling trapped and hopeless. Luckily, effective treatment is available. I offer a safe, supportive space for clients to learn the tools to break free from the exhaustive grip of OCD.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by obsessive, unwanted thoughts and anxiety? Maybe you're experiencing concerns about harm, a past event, contamination, or being with the wrong partner. Do you feel trapped in a cycle of repetitive mental rehearsing, checking, cleaning, reassurance-seeking, or avoidance behaviors in an attempt to get relief? OCD is a frequently misunderstood disorder that can present itself with a myriad of themes, leaving the sufferer feeling trapped and hopeless. Luckily, effective treatment is available. I offer a safe, supportive space for clients to learn the tools to break free from the exhaustive grip of OCD.
Dr. Stephanie Adams Svendez
Psychologist, PhD, NCSP, NRCHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401 (Online Only)
Through telehealth-, home-, and school-based services, I meet my clients where they are. Usually families come to me because they feel stuck. Their child has difficult emotions, acts out, and cannot seem to listen. Teachers and parents struggle to feel effective and worry about the child’s future. Everything feels complicated and out of control.
Through telehealth-, home-, and school-based services, I meet my clients where they are. Usually families come to me because they feel stuck. Their child has difficult emotions, acts out, and cannot seem to listen. Teachers and parents struggle to feel effective and worry about the child’s future. Everything feels complicated and out of control.
Hannah Campbell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
I'm glad you're here: you have taken a courageous and healing step by seeking support. I provide an integrative, resiliency-focused approach to therapy, pulling from your strengths and values to guide our work and help you regain a sense of mastery, meaning, and connection in your life. My perspective is that we are built to survive and often develop ways of relating which once helped us get by, but may no longer be helpful to a current situation. My goal is to form a safe connection to explore these factors that may contribute to ongoing difficulties, re-process experiences, and ultimately co-create your next chapter.
I'm glad you're here: you have taken a courageous and healing step by seeking support. I provide an integrative, resiliency-focused approach to therapy, pulling from your strengths and values to guide our work and help you regain a sense of mastery, meaning, and connection in your life. My perspective is that we are built to survive and often develop ways of relating which once helped us get by, but may no longer be helpful to a current situation. My goal is to form a safe connection to explore these factors that may contribute to ongoing difficulties, re-process experiences, and ultimately co-create your next chapter.
See more therapy options for Santa Monica
Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists
Why might an individual want to see a sex-positive, kink-allied therapist?
A sex-positive or kinky individual may want to see a sex-positive, kink-allied therapist because the client may feel safer and more supported discussing their experiences and challenges. A therapist who identifies as kink-friendly will have experience with clients having diverse sexual preferences and will likely be nonjudgmental and supportive about issues brought to the table. It is important to note that sex-positive, kink-allied individuals may find equal success with therapists who do not have such specialized knowledge and background. The most important factor in the success of therapy is for the client and practitioner to form a strong, trusting bond.
Do therapists have special training to gain expertise in sex-positive, kink-allied treatment?
Generally, no. There are limited training programs and unofficial accreditations that therapists can pursue, but a therapist’s expertise will ultimately come from their previous experience with similar clients, their engagement with organizations that promote sex positivity or kink-allied lifestyles, and the importance they place on safety and cultural sensitivity.
How can individuals recognize a good sex-positive, kink-allied therapist?
An experienced therapist is able to help clients explore their sexual identity and expression and relieve any discomfort or stigma attached to discussing such matters and the client’s overall challenges. A therapist who is sex-positive and kink-allied is able to create an environment that honors a client’s experience and sexual preferences. To recognize a good therapist, clients can simply ask directly about topics and issues important to them and gauge their comfort level and connection with a clinician based on the responses.
Can clients benefit from having a therapist with a focus on sex positivity and alternative sexual lifestyles?
Some individuals may feel most comfortable knowing that the clinician they’re working with has a commitment to creating an atmosphere of sex positivity and has experience with relationship diversity and alternative relationship structures. Working with a sex-positive, kink-allied therapist may help clients respect their own challenges and improve identity-affirming treatment.