Therapists for college students near UCLA

Michele Ellis is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a strong commitment to helping individuals improve their mental health and overall well-being. With over 10 years of experience in the field, Michele has developed exceptional therapeutic skills and a deep understanding of the social, emotional, and psychological issues that clients face. Her commitment to providing individualized care allows her to meet you where you are in your journey and empower you to make positive changes in your life. Each client has a unique story, and she works collaboratively with you to identify and achieve your therapeutic goals. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, general life transitions, grief and loss, end of life or any other psychological concern, she will guide you through the process of healing and self-discovery. Remember, you are not alone. Michele is here to walk alongside you and support you every step of the way. Together, you can create a life filled with meaning, purpose, and emotional resilience

Each person comes to therapy for unique and personal reasons. You may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or undervalued in your relationships or career choices. You might be very good at taking care of others, but don’t pay as much attention to yourself. You may not fit into conventional categories with how you identify, or how others relate to you. I am a licensed clinical psychologist who empowers folks like you to connect to their authentic selves and make meaningful changes in their life. I frequently work with graduate students, and specialize in working with underrepresented communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+ clients, creative thinkers, artists and activists. I welcome clients of all backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, races, faiths, and abilities.

If you have ever said, "I did everything right, how could this have happened?" I'm here for you. I help high achieving, successful people navigate the shock and struggle of major life transitions to regain joy, peace, insight and understanding. With you guiding, we work together to better relationships, improve communication, and heal traumas. Central to my work is for us to have "goodness of fit"; so you feel safe and manifest your best potential. I treat: high stress, loss, grief, transitioning to new situations, and trauma. I'm your GPS system to improved wellness.

I am part of a group practice that's primary focus is on supporting client's that are struggling with eating disorders, body image concerns, disordered eating patterns, as well as individuals that are struggling with navigating a world filled with diet culture and weight biased messaging. The relationships people have with food and their bodies are an integral component of living a well-rounded and full life, as these relationships allow us to connect intentionally with ourselves and with others. My goal for clients is to help them heal their relationships with food and their bodies, increase self-esteem, and live more presently.

I am passionate about helping individuals, teens, and families work through challenging parts of life. I have specialties working with the LGBTQ+ population and young adults working through difficult experiences and life transitions. I additionally use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) in my practice to assist in trauma processing. I believe strongly in finding a good "fit" in a therapist that best suites the individuals needs to have the best outcomes possible. If you choose to come to therapy, I can help explore and process your feelings openly in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. Although it may be difficult to do, I strongly believe that openly talking about positive and negative life experiences is the key to positive growth and change. In doing so, you will gain greater awareness and understanding about yourself. I have helped many people understand how their repetitive patterns and routines can make them feel stagnant. Which as a result, keeps them from moving forward in life. I will give you the skills and tools to utilize to successfully managing potential issues that may arise in the future. I look forward to speaking with you and beginning the road to positive growth and change.

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I am a passionate and caring therapist who uses a lens of self-compassion to help you address and resolve issues or challenges that are negatively impacting quality of life. By changing the negative inner voice to a kinder, more compassionate voice we'll work together toward a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in life.

I enjoy working with client's of all ages. I work hard to get to know each of my clients and then create interventions and goals that fit them individually. I believe that you are the author of your own story, and I am just there to help you re-write chapters and create new ones. I enjoy working with young people who want more for their lives but aren't sure how to get there. I am passionate about decreasing stigma around therapy, changing people’s experience of of therapy, or maybe what they believe therapy is like. The name of my practice, Rebel Well, represents peoples need to be a little rebellious at times, challenge the norms, challenge the voices in their heads that keep them from thriving. A little rebellion can be a good thing. My biggest belief in this work is you are not the problem, the problem is the problem. I want to support each person holistically, and that can mean different things to different people. I practice from a client centered approach meaning that I use each client’s individual presentation to create a plan, interventions, and goals.

I'm a trauma specialist with a focus on neurodiversity, particularly autism, ADHD, and highly sensitive people. As a neurodivergent therapist myself, I'm familiar with the challenges that come with being different. Many people, including well-intentioned therapists, don't fully grasp the intricacies of neurodivergent experiences, leaving us feeling misunderstood and unsupported. That's why I provide therapy that's tailored to you. I believe in incorporating your values, preferences, and special interests into our sessions. By doing so, we can address your specific goals and challenges in a way that aligns with your inherent strengths and learning style. Whether you want to work through your past, discover your true self, or find new tools to more effectively manage your daily life, I'm here to support you. Let's work towards creating a more meaningful and fulfilling life, one step at a time. I can’t wait to meet you.

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People-pleaser, perfectionist, anxious, passive. If any of the above phrases or words describe you, guess what? You're reading the right profile. If you're ready to break-out of unhelpful patterns; if you're motivated to start using your voice; even if you're ready to start therapy to see where it takes you - I can be the therapist to help move you in a different direction. If you're looking for someone who is very structured, that's not me. I offer no-frills sessions and am not afraid to (gently, mind you) challenge or question you. I operate collaboratively and conversationally. Anxiety, people-pleasing, all those things I named above are my specialties. If you're a first timer to therapy - I can also help with that! Look, I get it - it's hard to pick someone whom to tell your innermost thoughts. I understand the feeling of uncertainty and the frustration of finding the "right" therapist. If you're willing to reach out to see if we're a good fit, let's talk!

I am a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist who focuses on real ways to change the ways you feel about yourself and your life. Together you will learn tools to use to change your thoughts, tools that you can take with you and use for the rest of your life. I practice with you in session, and provide homework for you to do outside of our sessions for additional reinforcement. In addition to helping people struggling with depression or bipolar disorder, I also focus on supporting families who have a loved one with a mental health issue. This might mean helping them connect to treatment, or focus on the ways that their own interactions contribute to the problem. I help people decrease codependency, and focus on their own lives and wellness. I also specialize in helping families who are experiencing infertility. I meet individually or with couples who are experiencing this problem, and help them navigate treatment as well as the multitude of emotions that come from struggling to create a family. As someone who experienced this problem myself, I speak the language and know the grief that comes with this unexpected and difficult challenge.

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If you were looking for a sign to try therapy, consider this that sign. Life feels hard, and everyone and everything feels overwhelming. You just want to feel better but don't even know where to begin. You don't have to figure it all out on your own. So let's talk. Even better, let's collaborate. I have a relaxed style based on science but led by empathy and humor. I commonly help clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and life transitions, or even just a case of the "blahs." Our work together will be as unique as you are to pinpoint and address your personal goals. I commonly I pull from evidence-based treatments including cognitive and psychodynamic therapies geared to target unhelpful thoughts, build up your coping skills or work through past and current patterns. During our sessions, you can expect to feel safe, seen, and fully embraced- just as you are. I look forward to connecting with you to learn how we can enhance your well-being, alleviate the stress and pain you may be experiencing and find your joy again.

I believe therapy is a creative endeavor. Having a space to speak freely and be heard with care and attention can provide a person with more internal space for lived experience, emotion, thought and desire. In psychotherapy, you can express your thoughts and feelings and gain insight into some of the unconscious sources of your conflicts. I will provide an attentive ear and a thoughtful mind. Together we can create a collaborative space wherein you can bring your self more fully. My goal is to create a supportive and safe space for clients to talk openly and feel understood. I also believe it is important to help clients connect issues and learn to have compassion for themselves. Along with increasing self-awareness and symptom relief, one of the most important gifts that therapy offers is the hope and possibility for real growth and change.

Feeling stressed, worried, or overwhelmed by daily emotions? Looking for support to navigate life’s challenges and create a more fulfilling, joyful life? Welcome to Ever After. Here, we offer a safe, compassionate space where you can freely explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment. Life’s hurdles can leave us feeling stuck or uncertain, but we firmly believe in your inner strength and ability to overcome obstacles and embrace personal growth. Let’s work together toward the life you deserve. Our clinicians are experts in evidence-based treatments and innovative techniques to help you feel better and understand yourself. We offer a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Trauma Focused and Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness-based methods, and more. We understand that life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, and it’s not always easy to navigate them alone. Our clinical team meets you where you are on your journey, working collaboratively to ease interpersonal struggles and pain. Together, we’ll help you find balance, healing, and harmony in your life. Let us support you in creating a brighter future.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to support people in a wide range of settings, including inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, residential programs, and homeless shelters. These experiences have allowed me to work closely with individuals facing many different challenges and life circumstances. Working across these environments has helped me develop a flexible, compassionate approach to care. I’ve learned how to meet people where they are—whether they’re in crisis, navigating major life transitions, or working toward long-term healing and stability. My background has shaped my ability to provide thoughtful, personalized support that is grounded in real-world experience and a deep understanding of the complexities people face. I specialize in general mental health, anxiety/depression, substance abuse, and Christian centered psychotherapy. Therapy is a space for growth through trust, curiosity, and reflection. I use humor, metaphor, and insight to guide exploration with compassion, seeing vulnerability not as weakness but as fertile ground for healing, self-awareness, and resilience. Together, we'll explore root causes and develop a practical plan for change. Many notice symptom relief within weeks and continue to make steady progress, gaining a stronger sense of control and connection in their lives. Together, we'll explore your unique path toward well-being.

Welcome to my Psychotherapy Practice. Currently, I am only seeing clients via video conferencing. Primarily, I work with people suffering from anxiety, addictive behaviors and couples in distress. When people seek counseling, they may report anxiety, depression and insecurity. One consistent theme is how often people make decisions that run counter to their desires and well being. Therapy can help us separate from, or gain perspective about, outdated attitudes and behaviors. One profound outcome is that we learn to accept our humanness. For many this has been inconceivable. Acceptance frees up energy to pursue interests. But self-acceptance has little to do with approval by others. Through these conversations, people often discover how current and past relationships influence mood, self-esteem and motivation. Psychotherapy helps us to recognize and detach from emotional reactions that interfere with growth. Psychotherapy, regardless of emphasis, includes an educational element. We learn to self-reflect (gain insight) in the presence of another person. Most of us need help in discovering why we do what we do. Self-reflection gives us a glimpse into our fears and desires. My style of work is active and exploratory. I tend to shy away from being directive though may suggest a focus during the session. I often employ humor or may share personal experience to bring home a point.

We all experience different struggles at one time or another throughout our life. The transition into or out of college is often filled with a lot of uncertainty and stress. This can be with coursework, friendships, roommates, exploring sexuality and independence. Therapy is a way to assist you in embracing your current situation and moving through, rather than getting stuck or spiraling backward. Life can be complex and challenging, it can require extra support to help move through the struggles we may be experiencing. In our first few sessions I will learn more about your current situation and discuss treatment options I feel you may benefit form and what has worked for you in the past. We will work together from there to develop a plan that you are comfortable with and work together to reach your goals. Taking the first step to reach out and ask for help is often the biggest hurdle. Feel free to reach out for a free 15 minute consultation to see if therapy with me is right for you!

With parents from two different continents and a childhood in a third, I am a product of globalization. I am incredibly curious about how we exist and make choices in this increasingly complex world of enmeshed culture and fractured identities. Knowing I wanted to approach therapy in a unique manner, I studied Drama Therapy. With that knowledge base, and previous experience in improvisational theater and fine art, my approach veers toward the embodied, the sensory, and the creative. I work mostly conversationally, but enjoy tangents into creative expression to bypass well-worn defensive structures of the overly-relied-on brain.