in-person and virtual
Therapy for Millennials and Teens in Los Angeles
You may be wondering if there is anyone who can fully see you, hear you, and understand you (like really understand you), and what it would be like to show up in a space and not be perfect for once. It would be an honor for me to create a holding space for you where you can welcome your messiest and most authentic parts.
Stephanie Michaelian, M.A., LMFT
Welcome! I am so glad you’re here. I imagine you find yourself here because there is something in your life that is not working for you or is bringing you pain. I want you to know, you are not alone and there is so much hope.
I grew up as a Highly Sensitive Person, and through my own therapy I learned tools that taught me how to relate to myself and others in ways that embraced by sensitivity. I soon realized my sensitivity was actually my superpower. I aim to help my clients feel that same sense of empowerment. Together we’ll learn ways to break free from the patterns that no longer serve you, find more capacity to feel the hard stuff, and finally welcome all your parts.
I have a deep passion for working with young adults and teens as they figure out who they want to be in the world, because I know what it’s like to feel disconnected from your authenticity and individuality. My mission is to lead you to a more honest self-reflection that nurtures healing and growth.
I strongly believe that you are the expert of your own life. My hope is that in our work together, I will help you unearth and access your power and resilience and develop a deeper understanding of yourself.
book a free consult with Stephanie
My Background
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (# 129556). I received my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. I am bilingual and can provide therapy in both English and Armenian. I have worked with individuals from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, and I am LGBTQ+ affirming.
I have a strong background in working with adults, teens, and children struggling with various issues, including depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, identity development, as well as issues with self-esteem, substance use, and social skills. I have experience counseling parents and providing them with the tools and guidance to better support family conflict and their children’s emotional challenges. Throughout the years, I have worked extensively with children and teens in the school setting, including those with disabilities, as well as their families for behavioral and emotional support. I find that connecting with and relating to teenagers comes naturally to me.
I draw from a variety of theoretical frameworks, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and humanistic/existential theories. I help my clients in regulating and managing their anxiety, stress, and negative thinking in order to help them be more at ease and equip them with the tools necessary to manage life’s challenges. In addition, we spend time looking into the origins of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to help them deepen their awareness around their triggers, reactions, and patterns. My goal is to support my clients in finding fulfillment in their life, as well as develop healthier and stronger relationships.
When I am not in the therapy room, you can find me cuddling with my dog, binge-watching The Office, struggling on a hike somewhere, or spending the whole day flipping through a fiction novel.
My Values & Approach
Curiosity & Acceptance
I embrace curiosity as a passage to more acceptance. I believe in the importance of getting curious about all your parts instead of judging them. That means bringing your imperfections in the room and knowing that I will accept you and meet you just as you are. I will hold space for your story and help you figure out where it originated, so you can finally develop more compassion for yourself.
Honesty & Growth
I value honesty as a catalyst to your growth. I am warm and compassionate, though I find tremendous meaning and importance in being honest and direct. I will be alongside you as I challenge you to move out of your comfort zone to start making meaningful changes in your life and embrace the growth you wish to see in yourself.
Humor & Connection
It is such a joy for me to bring humor into this space. The heart of my work is in the integration of my own authenticity, and I find so much value in bringing my personality into the room. The most important aspect of your growth is having a strong and secure therapeutic relationship with me, and I will always prioritize your feelings of safety and connection.