Existential Therapists in Los Angeles, CA
Adrienne Tien
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
I am guided by a wealth of life experience, the value of unconditional positive regard, existential philosophy, some Cognitive Behavioral Techniques, and respect for Gestalt and Jungian ideas.
I work with individuals and couples, exploring the present and past to gain the greater awareness that I believe leads to more potential for choice and desired change. My strength lies in empathy, connection, and acceptance. Using relational therapy, we will honor your unique self, social circumstances, perspectives and goals. I use collaborative conversation, relational listening, and mindfulness to elevate awareness and build behavioral confidence. I prioritize creating a safe space where all you think, feel, and dream can be explored...the deep dark, high light, and the plentiful mundane that compose every life.
I am guided by a wealth of life experience, the value of unconditional positive regard, existential philosophy, some Cognitive Behavioral Techniques, and respect for Gestalt and Jungian ideas.
I work with individuals and couples, exploring the present and past to gain the greater awareness that I believe leads to more potential for choice and desired change. My strength lies in empathy, connection, and acceptance. Using relational therapy, we will honor your unique self, social circumstances, perspectives and goals. I use collaborative conversation, relational listening, and mindfulness to elevate awareness and build behavioral confidence. I prioritize creating a safe space where all you think, feel, and dream can be explored...the deep dark, high light, and the plentiful mundane that compose every life.
Nick King
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW, ASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90046
If at this moment you find yourself seeking guidance but are unsure of where to turn, first know that these are perfectly natural uncertainties to have around finding the help you seek. In fact, these questions demonstrate your resilience and awareness - you've still got your wits about you! My therapeutic practice is dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, and families grappling with an array of challenges including depression, isolation, anxiety, trauma, relational conflicts, and existential unease.
If at this moment you find yourself seeking guidance but are unsure of where to turn, first know that these are perfectly natural uncertainties to have around finding the help you seek. In fact, these questions demonstrate your resilience and awareness - you've still got your wits about you! My therapeutic practice is dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, and families grappling with an array of challenges including depression, isolation, anxiety, trauma, relational conflicts, and existential unease.
Michael J. Comlish
Psychologist, PhD, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Online Only)
I am psychoanalytically informed, and my imaginal existential approach is grounded in understanding the perils and pleasures of being human in a world that can be confusing and overwhelming.
Whether you are entering a new life stage, starting, ending or maintaining relationships, or just feeling stuck in old patterns, our sessions provide a highly confidential space to work on trust and transformation. Artists and entertainment professionals are very well suited towards this in-depth approach centered in an existential and Buddhist-informed perspective. I work especially well with the gifted and talented.Together we can explore past and present obstacles that can lead towards moving beyond procrastination and insecurities about your abilities, developing a stronger sense of identity and reaching your full potential.
I am psychoanalytically informed, and my imaginal existential approach is grounded in understanding the perils and pleasures of being human in a world that can be confusing and overwhelming.
Whether you are entering a new life stage, starting, ending or maintaining relationships, or just feeling stuck in old patterns, our sessions provide a highly confidential space to work on trust and transformation. Artists and entertainment professionals are very well suited towards this in-depth approach centered in an existential and Buddhist-informed perspective. I work especially well with the gifted and talented.Together we can explore past and present obstacles that can lead towards moving beyond procrastination and insecurities about your abilities, developing a stronger sense of identity and reaching your full potential.
Jason Lerner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90042 (Online Only)
My approach to therapy is eclectic, utilizing concepts from the following treatment modalities: Narrative, Solution-Focused, Existential Psychology and Family Systems as well as drawing ideas from Interpersonal Neurobiology.
I believe in working collaboratively with clients and building a therapeutic relationship based on trust, honesty, and openness. I see my role as a curious, caring human being first and a clinician second. I encourage feedback and work diligently to tailor treatment to meet a client's needs, ranging from achieving short term specific goals, symptom reduction, and crisis management to long term growth work focusing on personal development, relationship patterns, and wellness maintenance.
My approach to therapy is eclectic, utilizing concepts from the following treatment modalities: Narrative, Solution-Focused, Existential Psychology and Family Systems as well as drawing ideas from Interpersonal Neurobiology.
I believe in working collaboratively with clients and building a therapeutic relationship based on trust, honesty, and openness. I see my role as a curious, caring human being first and a clinician second. I encourage feedback and work diligently to tailor treatment to meet a client's needs, ranging from achieving short term specific goals, symptom reduction, and crisis management to long term growth work focusing on personal development, relationship patterns, and wellness maintenance.
I use an existential lens to help conceptualize the goals for therapy and work with my client to tailor an individual approach to reach those goals.
My name is Dr. Jamie Mishler and I'm a licensed clinical psychologist with over 10 years' experience in the mental health field. I'm passionate about supporting my clients as they grow through life's changes and transitions. I work with adults over the age of 18. I specialize in helping my clients through life transitions, depression, anxiety, and grief. I focus on my clients' unique strengths as they learn to navigate and grow during periods of challenge.
I use an existential lens to help conceptualize the goals for therapy and work with my client to tailor an individual approach to reach those goals.
My name is Dr. Jamie Mishler and I'm a licensed clinical psychologist with over 10 years' experience in the mental health field. I'm passionate about supporting my clients as they grow through life's changes and transitions. I work with adults over the age of 18. I specialize in helping my clients through life transitions, depression, anxiety, and grief. I focus on my clients' unique strengths as they learn to navigate and grow during periods of challenge.
Bri Spencer
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Online Only)
My specialties include anxiety, perfectionism, substance use, spiritual and religious trauma, and creative industry issues. I'm a psychodynamic, existential, and trauma-aware therapist, trained in EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy. I also do work with IFS (Internal family systems) and dreams.
My specialties include anxiety, perfectionism, substance use, spiritual and religious trauma, and creative industry issues. I'm a psychodynamic, existential, and trauma-aware therapist, trained in EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy. I also do work with IFS (Internal family systems) and dreams.
Kathie Ahn
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90027 (Online Only)
My style consists of: Psychodynamic, mindfulness, body awareness, cognitive-behavioral, existential, feminist, and narrative therapy approaches to achieve self-compassion and understanding of one's well being.
We all go through challenges. Stress, trauma, oppressive narratives, and social conditioning from our upbringing affect our emotions, moods, nervous systems, and sense of self. These experiences can show up as: identity/sexuality issues, depression, anxiety, low self-value, difficulty staying present, and problems with our interpersonal and romantic relationships. You want change but how and where do you start? Unfortunately, life or care-givers don't always teach us these skills. By working together, we can safely work towards finding the authentic, whole person that already resides in you.
My style consists of: Psychodynamic, mindfulness, body awareness, cognitive-behavioral, existential, feminist, and narrative therapy approaches to achieve self-compassion and understanding of one's well being.
We all go through challenges. Stress, trauma, oppressive narratives, and social conditioning from our upbringing affect our emotions, moods, nervous systems, and sense of self. These experiences can show up as: identity/sexuality issues, depression, anxiety, low self-value, difficulty staying present, and problems with our interpersonal and romantic relationships. You want change but how and where do you start? Unfortunately, life or care-givers don't always teach us these skills. By working together, we can safely work towards finding the authentic, whole person that already resides in you.
My approach is heart-centered, nature-inspired, humanistic, holistic, experiential, and existential through the social justice lens of an Asian queer femme weaving between Eastern philosophies of mindfulness and contemporary therapeutic practices.
Being human is hard. Sometimes, it can feel like we’re running in circles or sleepwalking through life on auto-pilot with racing thoughts that clutter the mind and paralyze the spirit. Overwhelmed by the weight of emptiness in the heart, but maybe already skipping or spiraling ahead to the next step to carry on with the performance of this existence because “everything is fine.” The show must go on, right? There may be limitations, even detrimental consequences to filling the void with excessive distractions. How did too much become never enough?
My approach is heart-centered, nature-inspired, humanistic, holistic, experiential, and existential through the social justice lens of an Asian queer femme weaving between Eastern philosophies of mindfulness and contemporary therapeutic practices.
Being human is hard. Sometimes, it can feel like we’re running in circles or sleepwalking through life on auto-pilot with racing thoughts that clutter the mind and paralyze the spirit. Overwhelmed by the weight of emptiness in the heart, but maybe already skipping or spiraling ahead to the next step to carry on with the performance of this existence because “everything is fine.” The show must go on, right? There may be limitations, even detrimental consequences to filling the void with excessive distractions. How did too much become never enough?
Alisha Borges - Expansive Therapy
Counselor, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90004
My approach to therapy is rooted in the power of healing-in-relationship and the engagement of our whole selves in that process. For those interested, my background as a Registered Dance/Movement Therapist allows for utilizing the body, art, and play as a few of the key instruments in the healing journey, alongside traditional talk therapy practices. My theoretical orientation is also integrative of psychodynamic theories, existential theory, mindfulness, interpersonal neurobiology, attachment theory, and internal family systems.
My approach to therapy is rooted in the power of healing-in-relationship and the engagement of our whole selves in that process. For those interested, my background as a Registered Dance/Movement Therapist allows for utilizing the body, art, and play as a few of the key instruments in the healing journey, alongside traditional talk therapy practices. My theoretical orientation is also integrative of psychodynamic theories, existential theory, mindfulness, interpersonal neurobiology, attachment theory, and internal family systems.
Joseph Anthony Occhipinti
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90042 (Online Only)
I incorporate mindfulness techniques like journaling, am trained in Trauma-Focused CBT, and use Jungian and Existential approaches to create meaningful change.
You’re unsure of who you are, what your purpose is, or how to navigate life’s many transitions with confidence. You’re feeling stuck and facing challenges in relationships, societal pressures, or the dating world. I empathize strongly with those in their teens, 20s, 30s, or those feeling directionless, and the need for support in building self-awareness and resilience. Together, we can create personalized strategies to overcome these hurdles, build psychological resilience, and set meaningful goals, opening the door to a life that feels authentically yours.
I incorporate mindfulness techniques like journaling, am trained in Trauma-Focused CBT, and use Jungian and Existential approaches to create meaningful change.
You’re unsure of who you are, what your purpose is, or how to navigate life’s many transitions with confidence. You’re feeling stuck and facing challenges in relationships, societal pressures, or the dating world. I empathize strongly with those in their teens, 20s, 30s, or those feeling directionless, and the need for support in building self-awareness and resilience. Together, we can create personalized strategies to overcome these hurdles, build psychological resilience, and set meaningful goals, opening the door to a life that feels authentically yours.
Danielle Nadège Sheridan
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90029
I am warm yet direct in my approach and bring a spirit of existential curiosity to my sessions.
Do you feel a gnawing sense of disconnection from yourself, your partner, or from nature? Do you feel broken down, burned out, or trapped in a cycle of self-sabotage? Perhaps you yearn for greater purpose and meaning in your life, yet struggle to find it. I am a depth-oriented and psychodynamic therapist dedicated to helping my clients grow, heal from trauma, and reclaim their innate sense of vitality, creativity, and imagination.
I am warm yet direct in my approach and bring a spirit of existential curiosity to my sessions.
Do you feel a gnawing sense of disconnection from yourself, your partner, or from nature? Do you feel broken down, burned out, or trapped in a cycle of self-sabotage? Perhaps you yearn for greater purpose and meaning in your life, yet struggle to find it. I am a depth-oriented and psychodynamic therapist dedicated to helping my clients grow, heal from trauma, and reclaim their innate sense of vitality, creativity, and imagination.
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I have over 20 years’ experience in evidence-based practices and patient focused existential traditions.
As the global pandemic has shown us, sometimes life becomes overwhelming and uncontrollable. During these times it may be best to talk with someone outside of your community of family, friends or co-workers. A warm hearted professional to lend a moment of support and guidance. I share with clients in deciding how best to approach the issues, with the intent of addressing both the current distressing symptoms and long-standing patterns of behavior that are getting in the way of a thriving life. My practice is telehealth-based, and I accept direct pay (some prefer for privacy) as well as most PPO plans as an Out of Network provider.
I have over 20 years’ experience in evidence-based practices and patient focused existential traditions.
As the global pandemic has shown us, sometimes life becomes overwhelming and uncontrollable. During these times it may be best to talk with someone outside of your community of family, friends or co-workers. A warm hearted professional to lend a moment of support and guidance. I share with clients in deciding how best to approach the issues, with the intent of addressing both the current distressing symptoms and long-standing patterns of behavior that are getting in the way of a thriving life. My practice is telehealth-based, and I accept direct pay (some prefer for privacy) as well as most PPO plans as an Out of Network provider.
I specialize in Psychodynamic and Attachment Theory, but I also incorporate aspects of Humanistic, Family Systems, Existential and Solution-Focused therapies in my work.
Therapy can be about working to resolve ongoing pain, or it can simply be about self-exploration and growth. No matter what brings you to therapy, it is my belief that a trusting relationship between client and therapist is the starting point for progress and is essential to achieving long-lasting change. In addition to working to achieve progress on individual therapeutic goals, we will work to help you find inner peace, make healthy and adaptive changes and function better in your relationships with others.
I specialize in Psychodynamic and Attachment Theory, but I also incorporate aspects of Humanistic, Family Systems, Existential and Solution-Focused therapies in my work.
Therapy can be about working to resolve ongoing pain, or it can simply be about self-exploration and growth. No matter what brings you to therapy, it is my belief that a trusting relationship between client and therapist is the starting point for progress and is essential to achieving long-lasting change. In addition to working to achieve progress on individual therapeutic goals, we will work to help you find inner peace, make healthy and adaptive changes and function better in your relationships with others.
Cynthia Cerrato
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90032
I have extensive experience in psychodynamic therapy, trauma informed care, gestalt therapy, mindfulness based therapy, and existential therapy.
As a Woman of Color, I'm very passionate and dedicated towards promoting wellness, healing and recovery. Living in our fast paced world, we often find ourselves feeling empty, depleted, irritable and disconnected. We begin to question life, our existence, and our purpose. My approach is holistic and mindfulness based. I have extensive experience working with diverse communities of color. This has allowed me to understand the mind body connection and how our environments contribute to our dysfunction. I am a bilingual, bi-cultural licensed therapist and graduated from Mt. St. Mary's University.
I have extensive experience in psychodynamic therapy, trauma informed care, gestalt therapy, mindfulness based therapy, and existential therapy.
As a Woman of Color, I'm very passionate and dedicated towards promoting wellness, healing and recovery. Living in our fast paced world, we often find ourselves feeling empty, depleted, irritable and disconnected. We begin to question life, our existence, and our purpose. My approach is holistic and mindfulness based. I have extensive experience working with diverse communities of color. This has allowed me to understand the mind body connection and how our environments contribute to our dysfunction. I am a bilingual, bi-cultural licensed therapist and graduated from Mt. St. Mary's University.
Catherine Meyers
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90057
I employ an integrated approach to therapy, drawing on a variety of techniques to help my clients achieve the goals we set in session: narrative, IFS, CBT and existential to name a few.
Do you feel like you are at a crossroads and wondering "where do I go from here?" It can be daunting to explore the places that scare you but deciding to do so is often the road to liberation. I work with individuals and couples who are stuck and looking for a way forward. Relationships, both with ourselves and with others, can be complex and we often become complacent and used to "the way things are." If you are here, you probably have a sense that something needs to change. I encourage you to trust yourself and give me call. I offer a free phone consultation.
I employ an integrated approach to therapy, drawing on a variety of techniques to help my clients achieve the goals we set in session: narrative, IFS, CBT and existential to name a few.
Do you feel like you are at a crossroads and wondering "where do I go from here?" It can be daunting to explore the places that scare you but deciding to do so is often the road to liberation. I work with individuals and couples who are stuck and looking for a way forward. Relationships, both with ourselves and with others, can be complex and we often become complacent and used to "the way things are." If you are here, you probably have a sense that something needs to change. I encourage you to trust yourself and give me call. I offer a free phone consultation.
Greetings! My name is Penelope Sargent and I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I regularly work with individual clients on identifying and exploring issues that keep them from moving forward in their lives. My approach is collaborative and client-centered. I come from an Existential/ Humanistic background. I'm here to be supportive when needed and gently challenging when you require motivation. I believe in encouraging clients to work at finding meaning in their lives.
Greetings! My name is Penelope Sargent and I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I regularly work with individual clients on identifying and exploring issues that keep them from moving forward in their lives. My approach is collaborative and client-centered. I come from an Existential/ Humanistic background. I'm here to be supportive when needed and gently challenging when you require motivation. I believe in encouraging clients to work at finding meaning in their lives.
Alexandra Afanasyeva
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90066
I am a supportive, compassionate and empathetic therapist with years of experience working with a diverse population of individuals largely specializing in developmental trauma, PTSD, many other traumas, anxiety and depression. My approach is eclectic; mostly influenced by Gestalt psychology, Pesso Boyden System Psychomotor (PBSP) therapy with their shared roots in existential phenomenology, person-centered attitude, and body -mind awareness.
I am a supportive, compassionate and empathetic therapist with years of experience working with a diverse population of individuals largely specializing in developmental trauma, PTSD, many other traumas, anxiety and depression. My approach is eclectic; mostly influenced by Gestalt psychology, Pesso Boyden System Psychomotor (PBSP) therapy with their shared roots in existential phenomenology, person-centered attitude, and body -mind awareness.
I also have training in tobacco cessation, substance abuse, anger management, existential therapy, and integrative behavioral couples therapy.
I am accepting new clients via private pay. My background is neuropsychology and health psychology, therefore, I specialize with understanding the complexity of interactions between neurological illnesses and psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, etc. I have worked with several illnesses such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, TBI & adjustment to these medical conditions. Additionally, I believe in mindfulness meditation. You can access my "21 day Positive Mindfulness Meditation Challenge" on Spotify, Apple podcast, as well as Google podcasts.
I also have training in tobacco cessation, substance abuse, anger management, existential therapy, and integrative behavioral couples therapy.
I am accepting new clients via private pay. My background is neuropsychology and health psychology, therefore, I specialize with understanding the complexity of interactions between neurological illnesses and psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, etc. I have worked with several illnesses such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, TBI & adjustment to these medical conditions. Additionally, I believe in mindfulness meditation. You can access my "21 day Positive Mindfulness Meditation Challenge" on Spotify, Apple podcast, as well as Google podcasts.
Perla Vilhjalmsdottir
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CEDS-S
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90026
My approach is gentle but direct and I place importance on honesty and accountability. My work is focused on addressing current thoughts and behaviors through underlying issues as well as exploring how past experiences affect you and your current relationships.
During our session, I work from a psychodynamic perspective while including Existential interventions, Cognitive Behavioral Theory, and Family Systems concepts. My goal is to provide a safe space that facilitates change and growth, and a place that encourages healing. My hope is to leave you with skills that will better serve you in dealing with current life events and relationships.
My approach is gentle but direct and I place importance on honesty and accountability. My work is focused on addressing current thoughts and behaviors through underlying issues as well as exploring how past experiences affect you and your current relationships.
During our session, I work from a psychodynamic perspective while including Existential interventions, Cognitive Behavioral Theory, and Family Systems concepts. My goal is to provide a safe space that facilitates change and growth, and a place that encourages healing. My hope is to leave you with skills that will better serve you in dealing with current life events and relationships.
Cymbeline Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90039
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) who values the individuality of each patient and their needs within the context of universal human fears, existential and terrestrial. In other words, if you're tired of the old tapes in your head, we will be able to address this in session. I specialize in addressing anxiety, depression, eating disorders & relationship challenges in individual & couples therapy. I use EMDR as a modality for trauma work combined with humanistic existential psychology, DBT and mindfulness . I trust in the therapeutic process and I'm passionate about facilitating change with my clients.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) who values the individuality of each patient and their needs within the context of universal human fears, existential and terrestrial. In other words, if you're tired of the old tapes in your head, we will be able to address this in session. I specialize in addressing anxiety, depression, eating disorders & relationship challenges in individual & couples therapy. I use EMDR as a modality for trauma work combined with humanistic existential psychology, DBT and mindfulness . I trust in the therapeutic process and I'm passionate about facilitating change with my clients.
See more therapy options for Los Angeles
Nearby Existential Therapists Searches for Los Angeles
- Beverly Hills
- Century City
- Culver City
- Eagle Rock
- East Los Angeles
- Highland Park
- Hollywood
- Huntington Park
- Inglewood
- Playa Vista
- Silver Lake
- West Hollywood
Existential Therapists
How does existential therapy work?
Existential therapy focuses on a patient’s inner experiences. The therapist tries to help the individual comprehend and alleviate symptoms by exploring their interior life. By confronting negative disquiet and emotions, the individual will hopefully become more open to finding meaning and purpose. This therapy can be administered to individuals or groups.
Is existential therapy evidence-based?
Existential therapy is an evidence-based practice. Research has determined that existential therapy can lead to significant improvement in the mental health of patients, and for some people it can be just as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy. The benefits of existential therapy are enduring, even long after treatment has ended.
How long does existential therapy last?
The goal of existential therapy is to understand a person’s internal experiences, which may sound like a lengthy process, but it does not have to be so in-depth. However, sessions are not short-term, and therapy can continue for months or up to a year. And because patients learn the theory behind existential therapy during treatment, they can also practice its tenets throughout life after therapy sessions have been completed.
Is existential therapy effective?
According to research, many patients find success with existential therapy. Researchers note that the therapy is particularly useful in improving feelings of isolation, feelings of purposelessness, as well as conditions such as anxiety and depression. Improvements in problem areas can persist even after the end of existential therapy, as individuals can continue working on themselves by using the tools they’ve developed during treatment.