Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
LMFT#149456
SAM POLANSKY, MA, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
GET TO KNOW ME
Hello, I'm Sam! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 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.
My journey in mental health began after I completed a Post-Baccalaureate Program for Patient Advocacy at UCLA Extension and received a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Counseling and Psychology Professions from the University of California, Berkeley Extension. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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After spending nearly a decade in the advertising world, I began to struggle with both my mental and physical health. Diagnosed with a chronic illness in my late 20s, I experienced firsthand the profound connection between mind and body, and how the healing of my mind would be at the very center of healing my body. Through my own therapeutic journey, I found a renewed sense of self and a healthy path forward, which inspired me to help others find their paths to wellness. I am so happy you are here and I can't wait to learn more about you and support you on your journey!
MY APPROACH
ALL ABOUT OUR THERAPY TOGETHER
Our experiences shape who we are, how we see ourselves, and what we believe we're capable of. But those stories aren’t set in stone. Together, we can explore new possibilities, break free from old patterns, and rewrite the narrative. Just as each of us and our experiences are unique, therapy should reflect that same diversity and openness. You are uniquely you and the expert on your life, and I am here to create a safe, supportive, and compassionate space where you can uncover your needs, discover your voice, and begin making the changes that matter to you.
I bring a trauma-informed, collaborative approach to my work with individual adults, adolescents, couples, and families. My practice is grounded in a blend of therapeutic modalities, including client-centered talk therapy, trauma work, identifying and replacing disruptive patterns through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), attachment work, Internal Family Systems (IFS), 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.
We will work together to create a plan that feels authentic to you--one that supports your unique 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.
INDIVIDUALÂ 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., LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
LMFT #149456
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