Find a Therapist in Playa Del Rey, CA

I believe that our earliest experiences lay the foundation for our sense of ourselves in relation to others. In my specialty of working with new mothers and their infants, I address the impact of a mother's own attachment experiences on her ideas about herself and motherhood. Dyadic work with mother and infant is valuable especially as I work with mothers with postpartum mood illnesses to enhance attachment security.

Do you ever feel like you’re doing everything you can just to hold it together—yet still feel anxious, stuck, or alone? You may be struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues, and wondering if you can truly trust anyone—even yourself. It’s exhausting to question your worth while trying so hard to stay hopeful. Maybe you’ve tried to find control wherever you can, but the same patterns keep pulling you back. You’re ready for something different. You want to feel calm, confident, and grounded—to trust yourself again and build the kind of life and relationships that actually feel good. I want to help you get there. I specialize in working with adults and couples navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My clients describe me as compassionate, direct, and genuinely invested in their growth. Together, we’ll get clear on what’s keeping you stuck and learn to communicate your needs in ways that create real change. I’ll meet you where you are—with empathy, honesty, and practical tools to help you heal and connect more deeply. It’s easy to blame yourself when you’ve been told you’re the “common theme,” but you’re not broken—you’re human. A calmer, more confident, and connected life is possible. Let’s figure this out together. Call for a free 15-minute consultation—I’d love to hear from you.

I value the uniqueness of each individual client and provide support and compassion to encourage clients to feel safe in expressing their current thoughts and feelings. I listen empathetically, affirming each client’s sense of worth and value, and at the same time, I gently encourage them to expand their comfort zone by asking questions and empowering them to take small steps towards their realized goals. A big of part of my work revolves around acknowledging my client’s vulnerable emotions. I will help you to develop a vocabulary to describe some of these emotions, including any anxieties, worries, and fears. Many of these feelings and thought patterns may stem from childhood. I use a psychodynamic and attachment-based approach to therapy which means I believe that our behaviors, feelings, relationships, and emotions are related to our early experiences. I also incorporate other evidence-based practices and modalities such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and problem solving therapy to address some of the current issues affecting each client. ‍ From our work together, you can expect to develop a greater understanding of yourself in relationships with others, including family, friends, romantic partners, and coworkers. This will in turn develop into the ability to advocate for yourself in personal relationships and acquire tools for building connections with healthy boundaries. I am excited to be part of your journey of self-exploration and personal growth, and can’t wait to work with you on your life goals and aspirations!

Can you dream of a life no longer affected by your past? One in which you're truly authentic and present? Relational psychoanalysis may be the right fit for you: it's an intensive, collaborative therapy that helps you make sense of your story, shift long-standing unconscious dynamics, and create more space in your psychic world to live fully and freely. If you're looking to do the deep therapeutic work and to invest in lasting change for your health, I welcome you to reach out for a free consultation. Let us help you thrive. Psychoanalysis no longer entails lying on a stuffy old couch; it's a deep, curious exploration of your inner world. We'll talk about anything that comes up: feelings, memories, and even dreams. One of my specialties includes contemporary dream analysis. Together we'll unravel patterns that no longer suit you and expand your relational freedom. I absolutely love what I do. I learn from my patients every single day. I practice in-person in Encino and in Beverly Hills. I also see patients virtually in CA, NJ, and NY.

When life gives you lemons ... what do you do? Whether you believe we choose our own circumstances, that there is a master plan, or that sometimes stuff happens, you still have reactions, feelings, and decisions to make about "what next?" I trust and respect your ability to make good choices and decisions, when you are able to pay attention to your inner voice, your sense of who you are at the core. I will help you discover, re-discover, or create your true self, so that problems in your life become opportunities for growth. I sometimes conduct sessions that are not framed by the clock, working with individuals or couples until a natural stopping point. This flexible scheduling allows for resolution and re-direction in a more time-friendly manner. I help couples learn to value and appreciate the differences that have been driving them apart, and to regain the loving feelings that brought them together. I help those with a medical condition deal with the anger, depression, frustration, and other feelings that are associated with illness, and I also provide a safe place for their family members or significant others to deal with their own feelings and concerns. My therapy dog, Archie, is a hypoallergenic sweet little guy who loves to be in sessions. I am no longer on any insurance panels. If you wish, I provide statements for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement of a percentage of fees.

I want to help you understand, heal, move on, take back your power and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While the past can not be changed, you do have control over your choices now. I don't believe in telling you what to do; I help you think through and evaluate what is best for you. Let's work together to better understand behavior patterns or perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more peaceful, fulfilling and meaningful life. If you're looking for support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.

Maybe, you’ve struggled to shape your identity. You’ve challenged societal expectations, rejected toxic dynamics, and forged a path that truly reflects who you are. But despite your progress, there’s still a sense of incompleteness. There’s a feeling that maybe people don’t understand you, and there’s a continuous journey of self-discovery and education, which can be exhausting. Sometimes, it feels like you’re just going through the motions, struggling to maintain hope in the face of life’s unpredictability. It might be time to consider having a mental health partner by your side, someone to navigate these challenges with you. Together, we can establish goals and strategies tailored to your authentic journey. I’m Margot, and I’m eager to step into that role. Let’s collaborate to envision your ideal life and then take meaningful steps toward it. ?‍♀️

I'm a therapist that meets you where you are to foster a collaborative space for growth and deeper self-understanding. My approach combines gentle guidance with direct honesty, prioritizing accountability and self-discovery. As a Certified Eating Specialist Consultant (CEDSC), I specialize in disordered eating as well as anxiety and depression, and I'm passionate about supporting individuals navigating life transitions. For trauma recovery, I integrate EMDR with person-centered therapy, mindfulness, and distress tolerance skills, empowering you to heal and move forward. I'm an LMFT and have been working in the field of eating disorders since 2001. With 20+ years of experience, I have directed treatment at all levels of care and serve as a Clinical Supervisor for a mental health organization with a nationwide presence.

Our objective is to help you heal and find long-term happiness. In our sessions together you will discover how to reduce stress and anxiety, make positive changes, and regain control of your life. We offer a secure, judgment-free environment where you can harness your inner strengths and learn healthy coping skills. For more information on treatment modalities and practice policies please call 310-999-4996. We specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, Psychoanalysis, Crisis Intervention therapy, Gestalt therapy, Family Systems Interventions and Interpersonal therapy with a focus on Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, Eating Disorders, Codependency, Addiction, Traumas, Substance Abuse, Anger Management, Relationship issues, PreMarital Counseling, Marital Counseling, Loss, Grief, Divorce, variety of Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders and relationship issues. Our professional experience includes conducting psychological assessments, psychological testing, and implementing clinical programs. I have provided mental health services to children, teenagers, adults, and families in private practice, residential center, and psychiatric hospital settings. Please visit our website at www.blairwellnnessgroup.com for more information on our clinical focus, professional services, fees, locations, clinical background, therapies, treatments, and clinical philosophies.

IF YOU WANT THINGS TO BE DIFFERENT, YOU HAVE TO DO THEM DIFFERENTLY! Life has a flow. When the flow is blocked, we suffer. Suffering takes form in many ways and affects every aspect of our lives. Trauma, adverse life events and sudden tragic circumstances all contribute to suffering. The manifestations appear as drug and alcohol dependence, depression, and anxiety. The consequences can be physical in nature, such as chronic pain and stress, mental in nature, such as isolation and fear, and spiritual in nature, when all hope seems lost. My approach is to help you unblock the natural flow of your life. Regain balance and empowerment in the areas of romance, finance, sex and spirituality. Combining EMDR and Mindfulness therapies, I can help you find your FLOW: Fulfillment, Liberation, Ownership and Well-Being. You can choose a better way to live. You can live the life you choose. Now is as good a time as any!

I specialize in unpacking and healing from trauma, specifically supporting individuals who have experienced sexual abuse. That may include issues of experiencing low self-esteem, guilt, shame, difficulty setting boundaries, expressing emotions, and much more. My goal is to help and empower you to uproot any unconscious (or conscious) unhealthy patterns of behaviors and thoughts and to discover and experience what it means to be hopeful again and become a healthier, true self. So I utilize various therapeutic approaches, including strength-based, trauma-focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and other modalities. We can collaborate and see what works best for you together.

Plot twist: that voice in your head saying you're 'not doing enough' isn't motivation- it's trauma dressed up as productivity culture. What would change if you could feel worthy without the performance? I'm deeply passionate about this work because I've been there. As a survivor and queer woman, I know firsthand what it's like to confront anxiety, navigate trauma's aftermath, and discover your authentic identity. I understand the courage it takes to move from victim to survivor and the profound growth that occurs when we face our pain with compassion. Difficult experiences are incredibly human, yet we're rarely given the support and tools we need to heal. That's where I come in. My journey began as a Crisis Interventionist at a rape crisis center in DTLA, inspiring me to pursue my master's and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology. During my clinical training, I gained experience providing therapy at a shelter for BIPOC domestic violence survivors, at the world-renowned LA LGBT Center, and in a private practice focused on the neuroscience of trauma. Now an IFS-Certified Clinical Psychologist with over a decade of clinical experience, I specialize in healing trauma and anxiety, women's empowerment, and LGBTQIA+ struggles. I view therapy as a sacred, collaborative process honoring the mind, body, and spirit. I firmly believe effective therapy does more than alleviate symptoms; it transforms wounds into sources of strength. With a strong background in neuroscience, I go beyond traditional talk therapy to work directly with your nervous system where trauma and anxiety are stored. I believe you deserve the support it takes to achieve a life full of joy as your best self, and I'm here to offer it. When I'm not in session, you'll find me exploring the outdoors with my dog, brunching with my friends, or engaging with my feminist and LGBTQIA+ communities through activism. I'm energized by powerful and inspiring women, seeing my plants grow, music, and the simple joys of life.