Nestled in the bustling heart of Los Angeles, where life’s relentless pace and modern stresses weigh heavily on many, Playa Vista Counseling shines as a sanctuary of healing and hope. Established with the fundamental belief that quality, compassionate mental health care should be accessible to all, this practice has evolved into an essential pillar of psychological wellness within the community.
A Healing Vision Realized
Playa Vista Counseling emerged from a profound yet straightforward vision: crafting a haven where individuals, couples, and families could break free from restrictive patterns and discover paths to healing, joy, and inner peace. This vision has blossomed into a flourishing practice serving diverse needs throughout Los Angeles and virtually across California.
Their welcoming message eloquently 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 philosophy—that meaningful change is attainable with proper support—forms the foundation of everything Playa Vista Counseling offers.
Dedicated Professional Team
The heart of Playa Vista Counseling beats through its team of licensed therapists and associates who combine professional expertise with genuine empathy, specializing in marriage counseling in Los Angeles, and much more.. Led by Rachel Thomasian, LMFT, this skilled group includes Ranjita Rao, LMFT, Emma Eskildsen, LMFT, Mandi Raspudic, LPCC, along with several associate therapists and clinical social workers.
Each team member brings their distinctive background and specialization, ensuring clients find their ideal therapeutic match. What binds them together is their dedication to what they describe as “compassionate care”—an approach acknowledging the bravery required to seek help while honoring each client’s unique journey.
Comprehensive Services Addressing Diverse Needs
Recognizing that mental health challenges manifest in countless ways, Playa Vista Counseling provides an extensive range of services designed to address various aspects of psychological wellbeing:
- Individual Therapy for Adults: Tailored counseling targeting specific obstacles to fulfillment and happiness
- Couples & Marriage Counseling: Focused on enhancing communication, resolving conflicts, and deepening connections
- Therapy for Teens: Supporting adolescents through the emotional complexities of these formative years
- Play Therapy for Children: Helping younger clients express and process emotions through age-appropriate techniques
- Specialized Services: Including EMDR for trauma, anxiety therapy, perinatal and postpartum counseling, and medical trauma support
The practice also offers Spanish-language services, acknowledging the importance of linguistic and cultural accessibility in mental health care. Whether through in-person sessions at their Los Angeles location or virtual appointments, clients throughout California can access the care they need.
The Transformative Impact: Client Success Stories
The true measure of any therapeutic practice lies in the transformations it nurtures in clients’ lives. At Playa Vista Counseling, these success stories flourish:
“I can actually say I feel happy for the first time in a very long time,” shares 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 practice’s ability to create a nurturing, supportive environment: “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 success in not merely addressing symptoms but facilitating deeper transformation—helping clients reframe thoughts, develop new skills, and find lasting relief from conditions like anxiety and depression.
Evidence-Based Approaches with Genuine Connection
What distinguishes Playa Vista Counseling is their seamless blending of evidence-based techniques with authentic human connection. The practice employs tools like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, providing clients with practical exercises and homework that extend therapy’s benefits beyond session time.
“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,” notes a client who found relief from anxiety and panic attacks.
This approach—combining proven therapeutic methods with personalized care and between-session support—creates a comprehensive healing experience addressing both immediate symptoms and underlying causes.
Looking Forward: A Continuing Mission
As mental health awareness grows, Playa Vista Counseling remains steadfast in their founding mission: empowering positive transformation through therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship concerns.
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 needed 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 right path forward. It’s a first step on what they call a “journey to joy, inner peace, and healing”—a journey countless clients have found life-changing.
In a world where mental health challenges increasingly affect us all, Playa Vista Counseling stands as testament to compassionate therapy’s power to transform lives, one session at a time.
You may find us at 5855 Uplander Way, Los Angeles, CA 90230, or by calling (310) 754-5304.