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Hello, I am Marina, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles, CA. I specialize in working with adults dealing with depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, and grief. My preferred modalities are psychodynamic psychotherapy and existential psychotherapy.
My approach
My approach to therapy varies based on the personality of each client I work with. We are all different, and what works for one person might not be useful for another. Together with my client, we build a path to approaching the goals identified at the beginning of the therapeutic relationship.
My focus
I have a lot of experience working with older adults who may be dealing with life transitions, grief, depression, and relationship problems. Among my clients were Holocaust survivors and their adult children. I also worked with immigrants dealing with adjustment challenges to new life and losses related to their pre-immigration status.
My communication style
My communication style is calm, friendly, supportive, and at times confrontational when appropriate. My clients find it easy to open up to me because I listen without judgment and with sincere interest.
My journey to mental healthcare
I became interested in the human psyche during high school and decided to follow that interest to become a school psychologist in my native Tallinn, Estonia, helping children overcome learning difficulties, emotional struggles, and family issues. After immigrating to the U.S., I attained an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy and focused my practice on older adults, working with both individuals and families. Helping my clients improve their emotional lives, resolve long-standing struggles with deep-seated trauma, and overcome depression is the most rewarding thing for me.
My goals for you
The goals are set based on the client’s presenting issue and always are defined together. I encourage the clients to formulate their own goals.
My first session with you
Most of the time in the first session is usually spent listening to the client. I ask questions to learn why the person is seeking therapy now, the person’s background, and the history of the presenting issue. The first session is about building an initial connection and learning the client’s communication style.
