Couples Counseling Therapists in Los Angeles, CA

For over 25 years, I have eased the suffering of those facing anxiety, depression, trauma, couple, family, work & social relational conflict, impulse control, addictions, spiritual searches, grief & loss, life transitions & career change. I work with individuals, couples & families in West Los Angeles & New York City. I am licensed in CA & NY & Certified in EMDR-II, BrainSpotting-Phase 4 , Trauma Resiliency Training Level 2 and Neuro-Affective Touch. I offer & premarital counseling & wedding services, with a specialty in 12-Step Weddings.. I do not take insurance.

I work with individuals, couples, and families struggling with addiction and unhealthy coping mechanisms, sexual and relationship issues, sexuality and internalized shame, codependency and individuation, anxiety and burnout. My focus is to help clients discover and live in alignment with their values. I have experience in and strongly encourage 12 Step programs for additional support when applicable. I also specialize in providing guidance and integration for psychedelic assisted psychotherapy.

I believe everyone is capable of living their fullest, most vibrant life and it is my passion to help them achieve it. I help clients foster insight by processing their past experiences and gently uncovering the ways their pasts connect with their current struggles. I teach clients to discover the patterns and rules that keep them stuck and then support them in cultivating a life that brings them joy and fulfillment. I invite my clients on a journey of self-compassion and teach them how to prioritize gentleness and self-care. I believe therapy can be silly and even fun while still being impactful and effective.

There's no instruction manual for life. Relationship problems, career questions and mental health issues can make us feel confused about our own identity, where we fit in and how to move forward. I specialize in helping adults and couples navigate difficult feelings, identify and change unhelpful thoughts and patterns, and become "un-stuck" in order to enjoy a more peaceful mind and a happier life. My approach is open, casual, and collaborative, and I strive to maintain a space that is judgment-free, and where clients feel fully accepted, truly seen and supported. I'm LGBTQIA+-friendly, sex/kink-positive and culturally-sensitive.

Are you tired of living each day on an emotional roller coaster, not knowing how you'll feel from one moment to the next? Do you wonder if you’re living your best Christian and/or spiritual life. Has life become so stressful that you wonder how you'll make it to the next day? Do you feel sad, tired, and anxious often? Are you giving yourself grace and embracing your spiritual beliefs to live your best life. Just know that you are not alone. Healing mentally, emotionally, and spiritually is the first step. Living and healing from the inside out is a journey of healing from old wounds. It’s a choice and takes practice.

Do you feel so overwhelmed by your emotions that you no longer can tell if you control them or if they control you? Or do you feel unhappy, lonely or tired of getting into arguments with your spouse. Are you feeling frustrated when you aren’t feeling like yourself- worried, sad, or unmotivated? Depression, stress, and anxiety can affect everything from work to relationships, not meeting goals, or even trouble completing daily tasks. Sometimes it can be challenging to understand ‘why’ or what is causing the anxious feelings. Other times our relationship takes a toll and it can be challenging to communicate with our partner.

Most people I work with want similar things: to acquire insight into their lives, to identify the barriers that are holding them back and to develop the ability for change. My experience and training is in insight-oriented, relational psychotherapy and executive/career coaching. Whether you are grappling with anxiety, depression, past traumas, relationship problems, life transitions or finding a place in a culture that is not welcoming to you, I create a safe, confidential environment to explore the issues you are struggling with.

What's holding you back from starting your journey towards a brighter, more fulfilling life? I'm all about embracing authenticity and diving into your experiences and future aspirations. My approach is sincere and down-to-earth, bringing warmth, genuineness, and inclusivity into our therapy sessions together. I believe that therapy is a team effort where your needs and goals are what matter most. Clients like you can feel comfortable knowing I'm here to help you with compassion, creating a space where you can truly be yourself. I work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families. ¡Hablo español!

Relationships are either the most fulfilling or the most challenging part of our lives (or both!) - whether with our partner, kids, friends, or family. I'm certain you value your relationships, but maybe you're struggling to feel connected, appreciated, or to stay calm when conflict arises. I promise there’s a reason you’re feeling the way you do, and the reason is more understandable than you think. When we’re at odds with a person we love, it's easy to get stuck in "me vs. them" thinking instead of tackling issues like a team. These last few years have been hard on everyone - if you're struggling right now, you're not alone.

I am a LMFT and Somatic Experiencing practitioner with over 20 years experience working with adults, families, and adolescents. Using a combination of Somatic Experiencing, Psychodynamic and Relational Therapy, I focus on helping you to become more self-aware in both mind and body, in order to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms you might be feeling. We will address areas you may be feeling stuck, discover underlying causes, and learn ways to relieve these symptoms from the body and better manage the thoughts in our mind. Clients have told me, "You've taught me a more patient way of thinking."

Hello and welcome! I look forward to meeting you and helping you gain insight into unhealthy relationship patterns, negative self talk and how that effects your mood and behavior, and tolerance for all of life's challenges. I have experience working with clients who are having difficulties with interpersonal relationships, families dealing with unhealthy boundaries, and individuals and couples seeking to deepen their relationships and strengthen communication skills. By no means is this an all inclusive list, so please do contact me so we can discuss what your needs are and how I can help.

The therapy room is a haven for overwhelming feelings, traumas and confusion- a space for gentle exploration, where I walk alongside you as you uncover patterns and dynamics that keep you from feeling whole.

Since 2004 I have been in private practice providing supportive counseling and life coaching for individuals. couples and families. A graduate of Antioch University with a Master of Arts in Psychology, I work with people who are experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem issues, existential anxiety, or other life stressors, as well as a focus in maternal mental health including postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. My therapeutic approach involves understanding, compassion, exploration and insight. I am psychodynamic and existential in my approach, and welcome clients from a variety of backgrounds, spiritual traditions, and sexual orientations.

Change and growth are possible. Whether you are feeling stuck in a tiny dusty corner or lost in an enormous ocean, I'll meet you right where you are and help get you where you want to be. Taking the first step can be difficult, but will be rewarding as, together, the work that we begin now will expand your relationship to yourself and the world around you.

Let's face it. Men HATE talking about their feelings. Really hate it. They would rather have a root canal. Women spend their whole lives sharing their thoughts and feelings, but that is not true for men. Just the opposite. I understand what a challenge it is for your husband or boyfriend to open up and express their feelings. I help guys like me talk about their feelings to increase emotional intimacy, decrease conflict and improve their relationships with their girlfriends or wives. My mission is to HELP COUPLES HEAL.

Is your relationship feeling hopeless, or stuck in conflict? You might find yourselves trapped in repeating patterns. You know communication should be improved somehow. Maybe you don’t spend enough time together. You could be avoiding each other because of past hurts you'd rather not bring up, or personal differences you've been struggling to address. You're likely not feeling as supported you could be. If any of this resonates with you, I'm here to help.

If relationship patterns, attachment/childhood wounds, anxiety, or OCD are keeping you feeling stuck, frustrated, or hopeless and you know you need something to change but don’t know what steps to take to feel better, I can help. You don’t have to figure out how to fix this on your own. If you are curious about the treatments I offer or are wondering if we might be a good fit, you can make an appointment for a free, 20-minute call using this link: www.alishakingsley.com/schedule/

You’ve been told a lot about who you should be, how your life should look, or whom you should date or love. You feel like you can’t hear your own desires over the noise of other people's opinions or suggestions. You can’t find that inner sense that guides you past the anxiety that is constantly weighing you down. You can see the relationship, job, or sense of confidence in your mind, but feel lost and overwhelmed. You dream of feeling empowered and confident, knowing what you want and how to get it. You have a brilliant light–let’s help you shine!

Life is not without its challenges, including the challenge of finding a therapist who works best for you. I bring my authentic self into the room so you may get more in touch with yours. Utilizing empathy, humor, and compassion, I hope to foster a supportive environment in which you and I can develop a trusting, non-judgmental relationship. By doing so, we can work together to face issues such as: depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, and life’s many other stressors. I look forward to both of us getting to know you, and working collaboratively to confront whatever challenges bring you to therapy.