sky over West Los Angeles

How I Work

Individual Adults

I help clients move past the challenges that keep them stuck through a balance of consistent support and gently challenging them towards their full potential. 

  • Anxiety and stress management

    Self-esteem and insecurity

    Relationship issues and family challenges

    Grief, loss and breakups

    Effects of trauma

    Anger management, aggression and emotion regulation

    Career stress and life transitions

    Disordered eating and body image issues

Couples

I support couples at all stages of relationship (pre-marital, married, separating) to more effectively and compassionately communicate and meet one another's needs. My practice is affirming of all genders, sexual orientations and relationship structures.

  • Effective communication skills

    Rebuilding trust after betrayal

    Overcoming disconnection

    Managing conflict

    Sexual challenges and misalignments

Parenting

I firmly believe there is no “right way” to parent, but there is a the right way that is best for your family and child(ren). Through my work as a therapist, and role as mother and former child care specialist, I have become well versed in current child development and parenting philosophies that allow me to help families find the framework that works for them. My practice is affirming of all family structures. 

  • Parenting differences

    Coparenting

    Early parenting and postpartum motherhood

    Managing behavioral challenges and “tantrums”

    Staying calm in the face of big emotions

Anxiety

My most extensive experience is working with individuals struggling with anxiety. Whether you are struggling with social interactions, panic attacks or being able to leave the house, I am able to meet you at your level and take steps towards your goals. 

  • Social Anxiety

    Intrusive thoughts

    Agoraphobia and panic attacks

    High stress and stress management

Teens

Adolescent years can be the most transformative, but the most difficult years of development. I pride myself in my ability to connect with teens and become an ally in their path of self discovery. I work on supporting teens to manage big emotions, make safer choices, and set a foundation to bridge into independence and adulthood. 

testimonials

  • "Stella's blend of compassion, knowledge, astute observational skills and emotional intelligence, as well as her approach to therapy, benefitted me immensely. I reached out initially to work through family issues, and those were largely resolved, but I also got so much more out of our time working together. I learned to observe myself more closely, to identify patterns I was playing out, to question my harmful beliefs about myself, to develop a framework for self-soothing, and to actually do the work to move through traumatic past experiences- all things that had eluded me before. With her support, my life looks completely different (and better!) than it did when I started working with her."

    As seen on Google

  • “Stella is the best. She's pragmatic, thoughtful, patient, nonjudgmental, and I feel like she can always see ten steps ahead. I'm really grateful for her guidance and support across many different types of challenges, and sometimes I feel like she knows me better than I know myself.”

    As seen on Google

  • "Stella is a wonderful therapist. The work we've done together over the past year has made a huge impact on my behavior and how I experience life in general. I spent far too long trying to outrun and out-tough some pretty significant trauma. Stella has helped me to develop a self-compassion I never imagined possible. Throughout this process, I've found my newfound ability to be more patient, loving and accepting of myself to translate to my ability to be patient, loving and accepting toward others."

    As seen on Yelp

  • “I met Stella back in 2015, and since then i’ve been stuck to her like glue. Anywhere she goes I follow. The amount of comfort and support she has given me has made a huge impact on my life. The safe space she has provided as my therapist has given me the opportunity to work on my personal trauma with depersonalization/derealization. My panic disorders and finding ways to ground myself… Stella always looks for what works best for you in your journey. I utilize these coping mechanisms we’ve created when I’m having a rough patch. I’m now capable of tuning in with myself and putting situations into perspective, and it’s been a game changer for me. I was at rock bottom when I found her, and now i’m extremely happy with the progress we’ve made.”

    As seen on Google

Practice Policies

Billing

  • I am an out-of-network provider who does not bill directly through insurance.

  • I am happy to provide a superbill when appropriate that may be used to get reimbursement from your insurance carrier. Please call your health insurance provider and ask what your out of network coverage is for therapy if you are interested in further details. 

  • Fee per session will be provided during your initial consultation call.

Cancellations + Rescheduling

  • Changes to appointments must be made at least 24 hours in advance or will be subject to be charged at full session fee.