Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
Dr. Jennifer Kashani
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404
You want a balanced life; fulfilling career, romantic relationship, genuine friendships, family bonds, health, and fun. Maybe some areas of your life feel full, yet there is still something missing, thus creating this imbalance. This does not happen in a vacuum; it happens in relationship with oneself and others. Healing also happens in relationships, which starts with me and you. I am an expert in healthy relationships and career; helping to create space for more in your life without feeling overwhelmed. I will help you improve your life and find the relief you need in a world that can sometimes feel unrelenting.
You want a balanced life; fulfilling career, romantic relationship, genuine friendships, family bonds, health, and fun. Maybe some areas of your life feel full, yet there is still something missing, thus creating this imbalance. This does not happen in a vacuum; it happens in relationship with oneself and others. Healing also happens in relationships, which starts with me and you. I am an expert in healthy relationships and career; helping to create space for more in your life without feeling overwhelmed. I will help you improve your life and find the relief you need in a world that can sometimes feel unrelenting.
Keren Givol
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404
My diverse training at Downtown Women's Center, The Maple Counseling Center, and Community West Treatment provides me with the opportunity to pull from various treatment approaches such as CBT, Psychodynamic, and ERP.
I’m so happy you’re on this site and thinking about therapy. There are many factors to consider when picking a therapist and, most importantly, you want it to be the right fit for you. The relationship between a therapist and client is the strongest indicator for success in treatment, and my ultimate goal is to create a safe and secure environment. My professional and personal mindset is to be a lifelong learner. I’m always learning from clients, as there is no single approach to therapy. I believe in meeting you where you are, working side-by-side to achieve your goals, and together finding the best path to help you heal and grow.
My diverse training at Downtown Women's Center, The Maple Counseling Center, and Community West Treatment provides me with the opportunity to pull from various treatment approaches such as CBT, Psychodynamic, and ERP.
I’m so happy you’re on this site and thinking about therapy. There are many factors to consider when picking a therapist and, most importantly, you want it to be the right fit for you. The relationship between a therapist and client is the strongest indicator for success in treatment, and my ultimate goal is to create a safe and secure environment. My professional and personal mindset is to be a lifelong learner. I’m always learning from clients, as there is no single approach to therapy. I believe in meeting you where you are, working side-by-side to achieve your goals, and together finding the best path to help you heal and grow.
Dr. Sara C
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, MSW, BSBA, ExecDir
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
I'M NOT good enough, I'M NOT lovable, & I'M not WORTHY! Sound familiar? Does it look "PERFECT" on the outside but you struggle internally? Does something feel off even though it seems life is all together? We live in a fast-paced world. The expectation is for us to have everything together: the perfect relationship, job, home, friends, body, high self-esteem, and social media life. - - - - - - - - - - - - The reality is, we have real emotions, feelings, and life challenges. Even the strongest of us need some support in forcing our inner self-sabtoging critic to sashay away. Together, let's create the life you've always wanted.
I'M NOT good enough, I'M NOT lovable, & I'M not WORTHY! Sound familiar? Does it look "PERFECT" on the outside but you struggle internally? Does something feel off even though it seems life is all together? We live in a fast-paced world. The expectation is for us to have everything together: the perfect relationship, job, home, friends, body, high self-esteem, and social media life. - - - - - - - - - - - - The reality is, we have real emotions, feelings, and life challenges. Even the strongest of us need some support in forcing our inner self-sabtoging critic to sashay away. Together, let's create the life you've always wanted.
Anahita Gheytanchi
Psychologist, MS, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Psychotherapy is an opportunity to experience an awareness of yourself and the obstacles that hinder your emotional growth and connection to others. In this courageous journey, the match between you and your therapist is essential. I view our work as an important collaborative journey and welcome all of your experiences. We will work together to identify your goals as well engage in a meaningful way in your life. My role is to provide a genuine and safe environment to make life-affirming changes.
Psychotherapy is an opportunity to experience an awareness of yourself and the obstacles that hinder your emotional growth and connection to others. In this courageous journey, the match between you and your therapist is essential. I view our work as an important collaborative journey and welcome all of your experiences. We will work together to identify your goals as well engage in a meaningful way in your life. My role is to provide a genuine and safe environment to make life-affirming changes.
Ali (Alexandria) Wolfe-Grady
Marriage & Family Therapist, MACP, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (Online Only)
The therapeutic modalities I offer include a combination of cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, interpersonal, strength based, humanistic, and family systems.
I find the best way for me to help people reach their goals is to work collaboratively and to build a therapeutic relationship based on trust, honesty, and openness. An individualized therapeutic approach is imperative for helping explore my clients’ unique life experiences. We work together utilizing an eclectic interactive approach that encourages feedback and collaboration to shape treatment to meet a client's individual needs. Together we formulate a plan to address achieving specific short-term goals aimed at improving daily life in addition to long term growth focusing on personal development.
The therapeutic modalities I offer include a combination of cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, interpersonal, strength based, humanistic, and family systems.
I find the best way for me to help people reach their goals is to work collaboratively and to build a therapeutic relationship based on trust, honesty, and openness. An individualized therapeutic approach is imperative for helping explore my clients’ unique life experiences. We work together utilizing an eclectic interactive approach that encourages feedback and collaboration to shape treatment to meet a client's individual needs. Together we formulate a plan to address achieving specific short-term goals aimed at improving daily life in addition to long term growth focusing on personal development.
Angela M. Aiello
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I am a trauma/addiction and Couples psychotherapist with an MFT license and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. I have an engaging, active, personable style immediately putting clients at ease for a strong therapeutic bond necessary for deeper insights and behavioral change. I am trained in psychodynamic, attachment, and somatic modalities. I am a LEVEL II trained PACT (psychobiological approach to couples therapy) couple therapist as well as a facilitator for mindfulness and various relapse prevention models .
I am a trauma/addiction and Couples psychotherapist with an MFT license and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. I have an engaging, active, personable style immediately putting clients at ease for a strong therapeutic bond necessary for deeper insights and behavioral change. I am trained in psychodynamic, attachment, and somatic modalities. I am a LEVEL II trained PACT (psychobiological approach to couples therapy) couple therapist as well as a facilitator for mindfulness and various relapse prevention models .
Tracy R Zemansky
Psychologist, PhD, CSAT-S, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Sex Addiction Therapist - Supervisor, and licensed MFT with a private practice in Santa Monica, California since 1994. I offer interpersonal psychotherapy with individuals, families, and groups as well as psychological testing and assessment. My areas of expertise include: substance and process addictions, trauma/abuse, positive psychology, impaired professionals and first-responders, as well as grief/loss, disfigurement, and cross-cultural issues. I provide traditional, forensic, and pre-employment psychological assessment as well as Collaborative/Therapeutic evaluations.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Sex Addiction Therapist - Supervisor, and licensed MFT with a private practice in Santa Monica, California since 1994. I offer interpersonal psychotherapy with individuals, families, and groups as well as psychological testing and assessment. My areas of expertise include: substance and process addictions, trauma/abuse, positive psychology, impaired professionals and first-responders, as well as grief/loss, disfigurement, and cross-cultural issues. I provide traditional, forensic, and pre-employment psychological assessment as well as Collaborative/Therapeutic evaluations.
Todd Adamson, PsyD, ABPP
Psychologist, PsyD, ABPP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Choosing the right therapist is an important process and can impact your therapy experience immensely. I aim to be straightforward and practical, while providing a relaxed and natural flow. My approach is collaborative and integrates Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness to provide relief from anxiety, depression, and trauma. I help people with life transitions, relationships, work stressors and family life. I am also a sport and performance psychologist and mental performance coach. I have worked with individuals and teams for over 15 years to fine-tune their ability to thrive and succeed at the highest level.
Choosing the right therapist is an important process and can impact your therapy experience immensely. I aim to be straightforward and practical, while providing a relaxed and natural flow. My approach is collaborative and integrates Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness to provide relief from anxiety, depression, and trauma. I help people with life transitions, relationships, work stressors and family life. I am also a sport and performance psychologist and mental performance coach. I have worked with individuals and teams for over 15 years to fine-tune their ability to thrive and succeed at the highest level.
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.
Laudan Kermani Gish
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401 (Online Only)
After nearly a decade in the entertainment industry, Laudan left her post in the publicity department at a major movie studio to pursue her passion of becoming a psychotherapist and coach. Laudan meets clients virtually where she provides high-quality therapy and coaching services in English and Farsi. Laudan utilizes a holistic therapeutic approach, integrating a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities to enhance the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of those with whom she works.
After nearly a decade in the entertainment industry, Laudan left her post in the publicity department at a major movie studio to pursue her passion of becoming a psychotherapist and coach. Laudan meets clients virtually where she provides high-quality therapy and coaching services in English and Farsi. Laudan utilizes a holistic therapeutic approach, integrating a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities to enhance the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of those with whom she works.
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William G Valdivia
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90404
I meet every day with people who are overcoming worry, depression, dissatisfaction and conflict to find greater joy, and fulfillment in their life. My specialties include working with depression/anxiety, OCD/ADD, personality disorders, and addiction. I also have expertise in working with the LGBTQQI community. My approach to psychotherapy is practical and interactive, providing the support and insight to help you resolve current issues and historical patterns. Through empathy and direct communication, I assist you in finding the solutions to life's adversities, challenges, and mental health.
I meet every day with people who are overcoming worry, depression, dissatisfaction and conflict to find greater joy, and fulfillment in their life. My specialties include working with depression/anxiety, OCD/ADD, personality disorders, and addiction. I also have expertise in working with the LGBTQQI community. My approach to psychotherapy is practical and interactive, providing the support and insight to help you resolve current issues and historical patterns. Through empathy and direct communication, I assist you in finding the solutions to life's adversities, challenges, and mental health.
Aaron Uchikura
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90402
I trust the healing and growth potential of the therapeutic process and therapist-client relationship. My approach to counseling is relationship-focused, client-centered, and holistic. I am skilled at listening, asking effective questions, and inviting clients to examine their presenting concerns or struggles in a safe and supportive way. I specialize in relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting, the psyche of current and former athletes as well as themes of race and cultural identity.
I trust the healing and growth potential of the therapeutic process and therapist-client relationship. My approach to counseling is relationship-focused, client-centered, and holistic. I am skilled at listening, asking effective questions, and inviting clients to examine their presenting concerns or struggles in a safe and supportive way. I specialize in relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting, the psyche of current and former athletes as well as themes of race and cultural identity.
Derek Hurschman: Performance And Sport Psychotherapist
Psychological Associate, MS
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401 (Online Only)
My ideal client strives for - or stands at - the threshold of greatness. An athlete hunting for peak performance, a business executive eyeing boardroom leadership, or an actor preparing for a new role: they encounter hurdles. These can manifest as performance anxiety, loss of motivation, or self-doubt, magnified in high-pressure environments. Are you trying to unleash your true potential? I can provide a teammate with diverse experiences, using my background in collegiate & professional sport to academia, as someone to help walk the intricacies of your battles & is equipped to guide you towards maximizing your true capabilities.
My ideal client strives for - or stands at - the threshold of greatness. An athlete hunting for peak performance, a business executive eyeing boardroom leadership, or an actor preparing for a new role: they encounter hurdles. These can manifest as performance anxiety, loss of motivation, or self-doubt, magnified in high-pressure environments. Are you trying to unleash your true potential? I can provide a teammate with diverse experiences, using my background in collegiate & professional sport to academia, as someone to help walk the intricacies of your battles & is equipped to guide you towards maximizing your true capabilities.
Kenneth M. Sabel
Psychologist, PsyD , SEP
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
I understand the importance of needing to feel understood and seen. When therapy is successful, we often will experience a greater sense of spaciousness inside ourselves, freedom from our own judgments, and are reminded that confronting our pain won’t destroy us. The goal is not a short-term fix but instead a long-term shift that brings forth feelings of empowerment, resiliency, and a confidence that our brains and our lives can change. As a consequence of shifting our relationship to ourselves and to our pain, the uncomfortable symptoms often associated with anxiety, trauma, and depression begin to dissolve and loosen their grip.
I understand the importance of needing to feel understood and seen. When therapy is successful, we often will experience a greater sense of spaciousness inside ourselves, freedom from our own judgments, and are reminded that confronting our pain won’t destroy us. The goal is not a short-term fix but instead a long-term shift that brings forth feelings of empowerment, resiliency, and a confidence that our brains and our lives can change. As a consequence of shifting our relationship to ourselves and to our pain, the uncomfortable symptoms often associated with anxiety, trauma, and depression begin to dissolve and loosen their grip.
Therapy + EMDR for Positive Change
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Would you like to experience a positive change in your life and in your relationships? I offer tools which will assist in the process of positive change. I am committed to helping you find greater wellness, clarity and joy. Whether you are looking for relief from suffering of symptoms of depression and anxiety, an enhanced relationship with yourself and others, greater self-awareness, the cultivation of your own voice and authentic self, or you want to move more fully in the direction of your vocational, athletic, or artistic dreams, therapy is a life-changing gift to give yourself.
Would you like to experience a positive change in your life and in your relationships? I offer tools which will assist in the process of positive change. I am committed to helping you find greater wellness, clarity and joy. Whether you are looking for relief from suffering of symptoms of depression and anxiety, an enhanced relationship with yourself and others, greater self-awareness, the cultivation of your own voice and authentic self, or you want to move more fully in the direction of your vocational, athletic, or artistic dreams, therapy is a life-changing gift to give yourself.
EMDR Collective, Founder Dawn Delgado, CEDS, EMDR
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CEDS-S, EMDR
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401 (Online Only)
I believe in your ability to create a fabulous, adventurous, and fulfilling life. If fear, anxiety, depression, past traumas or blocks are in the way, we can help. My name is Dawn Delgado and I founded EMDR Collective after 20+ years of developing treatment centers, teaching, training, presenting, and advocating for optimal mental health. I am a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and an EMDR Certified Trauma Specialist who is well equipped to manage high profile cases. I have hand picked the EMDR Collective therapists and a dietary consultant to provide compassionate, effective wellness services to you and your loved ones.
I believe in your ability to create a fabulous, adventurous, and fulfilling life. If fear, anxiety, depression, past traumas or blocks are in the way, we can help. My name is Dawn Delgado and I founded EMDR Collective after 20+ years of developing treatment centers, teaching, training, presenting, and advocating for optimal mental health. I am a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and an EMDR Certified Trauma Specialist who is well equipped to manage high profile cases. I have hand picked the EMDR Collective therapists and a dietary consultant to provide compassionate, effective wellness services to you and your loved ones.
Hyim J Ross
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Struggling with emotion disregulation? Anxious or depressed? Self medicating? You will have to create new patterns of behavior and thought to deal with the old destructive behaviors and thoughts. Self-compassion through self awareness. I can help you thrive and cultivate emotional sobriety. I work with adults and adolescents who struggle with emotional disregulation and/or dealing with addiction-be that drugs, alcohol, sex, gaming, smart phones, intensity, pills, marijuana, etc. With over a decade of experience in helping people, you will learn skills to deal with your challenges as well as address the roots of your suffering.
Struggling with emotion disregulation? Anxious or depressed? Self medicating? You will have to create new patterns of behavior and thought to deal with the old destructive behaviors and thoughts. Self-compassion through self awareness. I can help you thrive and cultivate emotional sobriety. I work with adults and adolescents who struggle with emotional disregulation and/or dealing with addiction-be that drugs, alcohol, sex, gaming, smart phones, intensity, pills, marijuana, etc. With over a decade of experience in helping people, you will learn skills to deal with your challenges as well as address the roots of your suffering.
Ellen Basian Phd
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90402 (Online Only)
While I draw from a variety of psychodynamic principles and cognitive-behavioral practices to deeply appreciate your efforts within the context of your past experience, I focus on the Here-and-Now of your present goals and broaden your tools, techniques, and vision for your greater future fulfillment of them.
Welcome! I help people who are motivated to better their lives by improving their capacity to deal with challenges, stressors, and symptoms in order to move in the direction of their dreams and aspirations. In addition to addressing general clinical out-patient issues related to Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions, Relationships, Self-Esteem, and Dual Diagnosis, I have a specialty practice in Health Psychology. I use an integrated treatment approach to facilitate mental and physical health in my work with individuals, couples, families, and groups. We venture forth by cultivating compassion, incorporating creativity, stimulating curiosity, and crafting courage.
While I draw from a variety of psychodynamic principles and cognitive-behavioral practices to deeply appreciate your efforts within the context of your past experience, I focus on the Here-and-Now of your present goals and broaden your tools, techniques, and vision for your greater future fulfillment of them.
Welcome! I help people who are motivated to better their lives by improving their capacity to deal with challenges, stressors, and symptoms in order to move in the direction of their dreams and aspirations. In addition to addressing general clinical out-patient issues related to Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions, Relationships, Self-Esteem, and Dual Diagnosis, I have a specialty practice in Health Psychology. I use an integrated treatment approach to facilitate mental and physical health in my work with individuals, couples, families, and groups. We venture forth by cultivating compassion, incorporating creativity, stimulating curiosity, and crafting courage.
Ryan Beatty
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
This is about you, your life, your relationships, and what is important to you. We can enhance your life, and I am honored to partake in that process. We all are bound by certain factors out of our control, our genes, our parents, upbringing etc. However, amid that construct, we can choose to be who we want to, and I can help with that endeavor. I love therapy, and I love being a therapist. I'm inspired by anyone who wants to change some aspect of themselves or their life.
This is about you, your life, your relationships, and what is important to you. We can enhance your life, and I am honored to partake in that process. We all are bound by certain factors out of our control, our genes, our parents, upbringing etc. However, amid that construct, we can choose to be who we want to, and I can help with that endeavor. I love therapy, and I love being a therapist. I'm inspired by anyone who wants to change some aspect of themselves or their life.
See more therapy options for Santa Monica
Nearby Psychodynamic Therapists Searches for Santa Monica
- Baldwin Hills
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- El Segundo
- Marina Del Rey
- Pacific Palisades
- Playa Del Rey
- Rancho Park
- Venice
- West Los Angeles
- Westchester
Psychodynamic Therapists
Is psychodynamic therapy evidence-based?
Studies have found psychodynamic therapy to be effective in treating conditions like social anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, some personality disorders, and depression; indeed, some studies have found it to be just as effective as CBT or medication. What’s more, several studies have found that the benefits of psychodynamic therapy tend to endure—even grow—long after treatment has ended.
How long does psychodynamic therapy last?
Unlike CBT and other more structured forms of therapy, psychodynamic therapy tends to be open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a year or longer and to see their therapist one to three times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a client’s challenges and progress. However, brief psychodynamic therapy is available, which tends to be more goal-oriented and typically unfolds over 16 to 30 sessions.
Does psychodynamic therapy work?
Research finds that psychodynamic therapy can help someone manage or reduce symptoms of diagnosable mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. The modality may also offer a range of benefits that are harder to measure but just as valuable—such as increased self-worth or healthier relationships. While no therapy type will work for everyone, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that psychodynamic therapy can be highly effective.
What are the limitations of psychodynamic therapy?
Some meta-analyses have concluded that there is little evidence to suggest that psychodynamic therapy can effectively treat certain mental health conditions such as PTSD, OCD, or psychosis, though it is sometimes used to do so. More broadly, the open-ended, free-association structure of psychodynamic therapy may be frustrating for clients who prefer a more structured, time-limited, or goal-oriented approach.