LGBT therapists in Encino, CA

You’re capable and use to managing a lot, but lately life feels overwhelming.

I’m Ashley Walay, LICSW, and I work with BIPOC women and LGBTQ+ individuals, professionals, single parents, and military-connected individuals (including spouses, veterans, contractors, and civilian employees) experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, chronic stress, and life transitions.

I value clear, direct communication and tailor therapy to your needs, whether you want tools or space to process. Together, we’ll work toward greater clarity, balance, and confidence.

Dr. Neal has practiced counseling and psychotherapy in various clinical and hospital settings since 2007. Dr. Neal has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington, a Master of Arts degree from Argosy University in Counseling Psychology, and a Doctor of Education degree from Argosy University in Counseling Psychology. She has successfully worked with children, adolescents, and adults struggling with a wide range of emotional and psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, eating disorders, relationship and attachment issues, parenting difficulties, stress, grief, and trauma. Additionally, Dr. Neal is a certified DBT and trauma therapist, and both a Level 1 Gottman couples therapist and certified Prepare Enrich therapist for couples seeking assessment and counseling. Dr. Neal has successfully helped improve others relationships, marriages and families through multi-modal approaches including Gottman couples therapy, Family Systems, Emotion-focused and Structural Family Therapy.

Another focus area to address in therapy is career counseling and development. Whether you need to change careers or need help with your career path or dynamics, Dr. Neal can assess and assist you with finding the best fit.

I have a warm demeanor and am also able to challenge your beliefs or behaviors that are not serving you based on your needs and wants in life. I have been working in the mental health field for over 9 years and have worked in different levels of care such as inpatient psychiatric, outpatient clinics and individual therapy.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with almost 10 years experience providing individual therapy. I am a graduate of Cal State Fullerton, and specialize in EMDR therapy and LGBTQ+ affirming therapy. I am a big advocate for taking care of our mental health, and I am so glad you are here because that usually means you are thinking about taking care of yours too!

Hello, I am excited to meet you and start the wild adventure that therapy can be. I have experience working with people of many ages from shy teenagers, to spicy adults in their 70s. I have worked with individuals, as well as couples and families. The majority of my experience was learned at a trauma recovery center. I gained skills for addressing PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, as well as exploring concepts of self, identifying other forms of trauma such as religious trauma, shame, and recognizing ways for experiencing empowerment. As a bi-sexual therapist who has lived overseas, was raised in a conservative religious house hold, I believe that I have a unique way of sitting with people in the complexities of cultural differences, trauma, faith, spirituality and sexuality.

Are you carrying trauma, anxiety, grief, or relationship pain and wishing someone truly understood? I work with individuals navigating PTSD, anxiety, grief, and life transitions, and with couples who want to rebuild trust and strengthen communication. After 25 years in special education, I became a therapist to offer steady, compassionate support that helps people feel heard, accepted, and understood.