In bustling Los Angeles, where life’s relentless pace and modern pressures can overwhelm even the strongest spirits, Playa Vista Counseling emerges as a sanctuary of healing and renewal. Built upon the fundamental belief that quality mental health support should be accessible to all, this practice has evolved into an essential resource for psychological wellness in the community.
A Foundation of Hope
Playa Vista Counseling began with a profound yet straightforward mission: to establish a haven where individuals, couples, and families could break free from restrictive patterns and discover paths toward joy, inner peace, and healing. This vision has flourished into a vibrant practice serving diverse needs throughout Los Angeles and virtually across California.
Their welcoming philosophy states, “You’ve decided to break out of the patterns in your life that are not fulfilling you. Whether that looks like stress, burnout, depression, anxiety or relationship issues, you’re ready for positive change. Our professional and compassionate therapists are ready to guide your transformation.” This core belief—that meaningful change is attainable with proper support—infuses every aspect of their practice.
Compassionate Professionals at Your Service
The backbone of Playa Vista Counseling is its team of licensed therapists and associates who combine professional expertise with genuine compassion. Led by Rachel Thomasian, LMFT, the team includes talented professionals like Ranjita Rao, LMFT, Emma Eskildsen, LMFT, Mandi Raspudic, LPCC, alongside several associate therapists and clinical social workers.
Each team member contributes their unique background and specialization, ensuring clients find their ideal therapeutic match. What bonds this diverse group is their shared commitment to “compassionate care”—an approach acknowledging the bravery required to seek help while honoring each client’s unique journey.
Tailored Services for Every Need
Recognizing the multifaceted nature of mental health challenges, Playa Vista Counseling offers diverse services designed to address various aspects of psychological wellbeing:
- Personalized individual therapy for adults targeting specific obstacles to fulfillment
- Couples and marriage counseling in los angeles, focused on communication, conflict resolution, and connection
- Specialized therapy supporting adolescents through emotional turbulence
- Play therapy helping younger clients process emotions through age-appropriate methods
- Specialized treatments including EMDR for trauma, anxiety therapy, perinatal support, and medical trauma counseling
The practice also provides Spanish-language services, acknowledging the importance of linguistic and cultural accessibility. Whether through in-person sessions at their Los Angeles location or virtual appointments, clients throughout California can access the support they need.
Lives Transformed: Client Journeys
The true testament to Playa Vista Counseling’s impact lies in the transformations within their clients’ lives:
“I can actually say I feel happy for the first time in a very long time,” reveals one client. “It was time – I needed to make better choices in life. Therapy helped provide a lot of clarity. I not only started to better understand why I was making choices that came around to bite me but I started making better ones. Because of this, I have a lot less anxiety, I’m not feeling depressed.”
Another client speaks to the nurturing environment created by the practice: “I’ve always felt safe and heard. There aren’t enough words to express how grateful I am… I’ll never forget the impact these sessions have made on my life.”
These testimonials highlight the practice’s effectiveness in not merely addressing symptoms but facilitating profound change—helping clients reshape thought patterns, develop new skills, and find lasting relief from conditions like anxiety and depression.
Science-Based Methods with Genuine Connection
What sets Playa Vista Counseling apart is their integration of evidence-based techniques with authentic human connection. The practice employs proven approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, providing clients with practical exercises and homework that extend therapy’s benefits beyond sessions.
One client who found relief from anxiety and panic attacks notes, “I think the difference between Rachel and other therapists I have tried in the past is that she helped me change the way I thought about the things that made me anxious through her well-crafted questions and the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tools she used in session and gave me as homework.”
This comprehensive approach—blending established therapeutic methods with individualized care and ongoing support—creates a holistic healing experience addressing both immediate symptoms and underlying causes.
Continuing the Journey: Looking Ahead
As mental health awareness grows in importance, Playa Vista Counseling remains steadfast in their founding mission: empowering positive transformation through therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties.
Their message resonates with hope and empowerment: “A simple shift in thinking can transform your world. You can’t always change your circumstances but you can control your thoughts and your mood. We can teach you how!”
This empowering perspective—that individuals possess agency in their mental wellbeing—is perhaps the most valuable gift Playa Vista Counseling offers their clients. By providing the tools, support, and safe space essential for personal growth, they continue transforming lives throughout Los Angeles and beyond.
For those seeking support, the practice offers an introductory call to help potential clients find their optimal path forward—the first step on what they describe as a “journey to joy, inner peace, and healing,” a journey countless clients have found life-changing.
In a world where mental health challenges continue to rise, Playa Vista Counseling stands as a testament to the transformative power of compassionate therapy, one session at a time.
Aroma: Earthy, Smoky, and Sweet Scents
