Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Registration No AMFT#125537
SAM POLANSKY, MA, AMFT
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
GET TO KNOW ME
Hello, I'm Sam! I am a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist currently practicing in Los Angeles, CA. I received my Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles, and trained at Beit T'Shuvah, a residential addiction treatment center, working with individuals, couples & families. Alongside private practice, I also work as a therapist at Clear Behavioral Health (formerly Clear Recovery Center), a mental health facility located in the South Bay. Before this, I took part in a Post-Baccalaureate Program for Patient Advocacy through UCLA - Extension and received a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate for Counseling and Psychology Professions from the University of California, Berkeley Extension. I received my Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I majored in Communications. My pronouns are she/her/hers.
After having spent the better part of 10 years in the advertising world, I began to struggle with both my mental and physical health. I could never have imagined the immense connection between mind and body until my own began to fail me. Diagnosed with a chronic illness in my late 20s, I learned first-hand how the healing of my mind would be at the very center of healing my body. Finding the path back to "myself" through my own therapy, inspired me to help others do the same. I am so happy you are here and so look forward to getting to know about you.
MY APPROACH
ALL ABOUT OUR THERAPY TOGETHER
Our experiences can undoubtedly and, at times, unknowingly, create a template for who we believe we are and who we believe we can or should become. Together let’s mix up that template. These experiences come in all forms, shades, shapes, and sizes. I believe therapy and therapeutic approaches should be no different. You are uniquely you and the expert on your life, and I am here to help support and provide you with a safe, thoughtful, and kind environment. A space where you can identify your needs, discover your voice, and begin making the changes that matter to you.
I am trauma-trained and work from a collaborative and multidisciplinary lens. I work with individual adults, adolescents, couples, and families. My approach is inspired by client-centered talk therapy, trauma work, mindfulness techniques and practices, identifying and replacing disruptive patterns through Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems work, and relational conflict resolution. I am also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) Therapy. EMDR therapy works to relieve, reduce, and reprocess the distress and negative beliefs, thoughts, and feelings associated with experienced unprocessed trauma through the use of bilateral stimulation.
Together we will come up with a plan that feels most authentic to you and your path to healing, feeling good, and living your best life.
MY SERVICES
Your wellness will be our ultimate priority. Whether you are looking for one-on-one support or therapy as a couple or family unit, our sessions will be tailored to your needs and goals. Please take a look at the services I offer to find which best fits you.
INDIVIDUAL ADULT & ADOLESCENT THERAPY
Understanding your thoughts and behavioral patterns can help increase daily function and overall wellness. Learning how we can effectively manage stress, conflict, and interpersonal struggles can be both empowering and immensely healing. Together we will work to strengthen your confidence and assist you in processing your experiences and bettering your understanding of where you are and where you want to be. I work with adult & adolescent individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness, addiction, relational conflicts, disordered eating, and struggles with identity, self-esteem and self-worth.
COUPLES COUNSELING
Our relationships and relational conflicts oftentimes act as a highlight reel of our lived traumatic experiences playing on a loop. Together we will work to kindly confront disruptive patterns in communication, misaligned goals and desires, and encourage a relationship based upon understanding, compassion and mutual respect.
FAMILY THERAPY
A change in family dynamics can sometimes feel unattainable. I believe positive, healthy changes in family interaction and communication are possible. And while it may seem you cannot choose your family, you can choose to seek a more authentic, empowered, and healthy way of claiming space and interacting within your family system.
EMDR THERAPY
I am also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) Therapy. EMDR therapy works to relieve, reduce, and reprocess the distress and negative beliefs, thoughts, and feelings associated with experienced unprocessed trauma through bilateral stimulation (eye movement, tapping).
SESSION INFORMATION
What to Expect
METHODS OF CONNECTING
I offer remote, online video sessions via a secure HIPAA-compliant online portal. I am based in Los Angeles and can only provide therapy to clients who are also in the state of California.
INITIAL CONSULTATION
I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out to me via the contact page and schedule a no-fee 15-minute phone call to touch on what your needs and goals are and if we feel like a good fit.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
I currently accept credit card payments. I am an out-of-network provider but am happy to offer a monthly superbill.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Need to cancel? No worries! Please just give me 24 hours notice via text, email or voicemail before the start of our next session. Unfortunately, a full session fee will be applied for no-shows or late cancellations. This payment will be required before your next scheduled session.
CONTACT ME
(818) 639-2220
Sam Polansky, M.A., AMFT
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Registration No. AMFT 125537
Supervised by Eliza Steel
LMFT #107513