What It’s Like to Be a Therapist in Los Angeles: 10 Reflections from My Practice
Being a therapist in Los Angeles means working in a landscape that is as multifaceted as the people who live here—sun-soaked and fast-paced, wellness-oriented yet often overstimulated. I work with adults and couples navigating career shifts, relationship challenges, creative blocks, anxiety, grief, and transitions. But before I step into the therapy room (or Zoom), I begin my day with intention. Here’s a glimpse into my life as a therapist in Calabasas—ten truths that shape my personal and professional life.
1. Mornings in The Valley Are Sacred
Before I engage with any technology, I start my mornings with my oat milk latte on the balcony, a walk with my dog, movement (either yoga or a workout), and a meditation practice. Living in The Valley in LA allows me to embrace the quiet, nature-filled mornings that center me before I serve others. Practicing what I preach—tending to my own well-being—is non-negotiable. My morning rituals are what keep me grounded and capable of holding space for others.
2. My Office in Calabasas: Evenings, Weekends & Flexibility
I work Tuesday through Saturday at my Calabasas office, including evenings on Tuesdays through Thursdays. No, evening aren’t my favorite hours, but I deeply value being accessible to clients who still work traditional 9-to-5 jobs—a group that surprisingly still exists in parts of Los Angeles. I pause mid-day for a nourishing lunch (think veggie protein and greens), a matcha, and a short meditation to reset. Working Saturdays is a breeze for me—I live a pretty mellow lifestyle and love being able to support clients when they’re most available.
3. Therapy in Los Angeles Is for Everyone
Being a therapist in Los Angeles has shown me just how diverse this city really is. My clients come from varying socioeconomic statuses (SES), and I honor that by offering sliding scale slots—over a quarter of my caseload. Therapy should be accessible, and I strive to support people facing barriers—whether they’re single parents, navigating a disability, or in a financial rough patch. Equity matters to me in this work.
4. Working With Couples Across LA
Though my license reads “Marriage and Family Therapist,” about 60% of my work is with individuals. That said, I love working with couples, especially those in Los Angeles who are coming in proactively—engaged, committed, and wanting to grow together. Not all couples wait until a breaking point. Many are curious, communicative, and working hard to deepen their connection. It’s refreshing to see how the stigma around couple therapy is fading here. Therapy is no longer a last resort—it’s a foundation.
5. It’s All About the Relationship
Each client in my California practice gets their own tailored approach. My work is person-centered and integrated—never a one-size-fits-all model. Some sessions are deep and reflective; others include laughter and moments of lightness. That balance—the full spectrum of human emotion—is a vital part of the healing process. I see each client for who they are, not just the challenges they’re navigating.
6. Spiritual Psychology Meets Clinical Therapy
With an M.A. in Spiritual Psychology, I blend holistic tools into my sessions when it feels aligned and welcome. Being a therapist in Calabasas, near wellness hubs like Topanga and Malibu, some clients are open to meditation, somatic work, or spiritual reflection. Others prefer a more traditional therapeutic path—and I honor that, too. Therapy with me is collaborative, client-led, and attuned to what feels most supportive to each person’s journey.
7. Creatives, Entrepreneurs, and Everyone In Between
Being a therapist in Los Angeles means sitting with actors, artists, personal trainers, screenwriters, wellness entrepreneurs, and techpreneurs. I also see doctors, lawyers, teachers, and people in family-run businesses. LA is eclectic. The only consistent thread? Everyone needs a safe, confidential space to be themselves. I don’t often work with folks in fields like manufacturing or construction, and I recognize that more traditional ideas of masculinity (including as a woman) in some industries can create a barrier to accessing therapy. That’s something I hope continues to shift.
8. You’re Not Broken—You’re Human
Many of my California clients are doing their best. They’re not in crisis. They just want support, clarity, or a different way of being. Maybe life looks good on the outside, but inside they’re anxious, lonely, or burned out. Maybe they’re fresh out of a breakup, grieving an identity shift, or stuck in perfectionism. Maybe they’re ready to find their voice again in love, in family, or at work. Therapy is for people like you who are ready to feel a little more free.
9. It’s Not Draining—It’s a Privilege
When people ask, “Isn’t it depressing to listen to people’s problems all day?” I smile. Because honestly—it’s not. It’s an honor. Of course, I hear heavy things, and yes, I feel deeply with my clients. But I also see real growth, resilience, and transformation. Watching someone come back to themselves, step into their voice, or finally feel less alone—that energizes me. My daily self-care and boundaries are what make this sustainable and deeply fulfilling.
10. Sundays Are Sacred (And Coffee Dates Look Different Now)
After spending most of my week sitting with others in deep conversation, I crave movement and levity on Sundays. I no longer seek out long coffee dates or dinners—I’d rather hike with a friend, stroll on the beach, or hang with their kids. Sunday is a no-work zone. I don’t check email. I don’t prepare for clients. I need that time to refuel so I can give fully to my practice the rest of the week. That’s part of what being a grounded therapist means to me—living the balance I guide others toward.
Being a therapist in LA is both a calling and a lifestyle. It means showing up in integrity, staying grounded in self-care, and holding space for the beautifully complex lives of others. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
If this resonates with you and you’re looking for a therapist in California, I’d love to connect.