Grief counselors and therapists in Manhattan Beach, CA

With over 20 years of experience, I’ve worked with hundreds of clients—working across the globe with the armed forces and incarcerated individuals facing severe trauma, to couples, families, and creatives looking to thrive, not just survive. My approach is grounded, evidence-based, and tailored to the complexity of your lived experience.

I’m trained in EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and Gottman Method couples therapy, allowing me to address everything from PTSD and relational conflict to performance blocks and emotional regulation. As a biracial therapist, I bring a culturally attuned lens to every session and hold space for identity, intersectionality, and healing.

In addition to my clinical work, I’m also a certified yoga instructor and sound healer, and have been featured in national outlets like The Washington Post, MSNBC, and USA Today.

Whether you’re navigating trauma, rebuilding relationships, or striving for personal growth, I offer a space that is compassionate, direct, and built on deep experience.”

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) which is a credentialed mental health professional that works with individuals, couples - both married and unmarried, families of all configurations, children and adolescents, and groups to facilitate healing or relief of mental, emotional, and relational concerns.

• Outstanding Patient Reviews - Google reviews (Access Psych Meds)
• Experienced Mental Health Provider (13 years) assisting clients with ADHD (adult) Anxiety Depression Chronic Pain Chronic Sleep problems Mood disorder PTSD: Military combat, childhood & sexual trauma Alcohol Use Disorder
• Dual Master’s Prepared
• ANCC Dual Board Certified - Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Veteran 22 yrs retired US Navy Commander/O-5
• Licensed in 5 States - AZ, CA, OR, MD, WA

I support adults and seniors working through family issues, grief and loss, relationship challenges, women’s issues, and cultural concerns.

I also help clients navigate anxiety, depression, and stress. My approach is open-minded, affirming, and holistic, and I’m here to help you feel understood, supported, and more grounded as you move through life’s changes.

Sometimes going through something worrisome, upsetting, or even inspiring, could make us want change. And change can be difficult. Maybe you and/or your kid are feeling overwhelmed and stuck, and aren’t sure how to manage it. I provide therapy for adolescents and adults, as well as parent consultation/support through a relational and integrative approach. Therapy could be an opportunity to gain insight into challenges to navigate difficult life situations. I can provide support in handling issues related to anxiety, self-esteem, transitions (grief & loss/parent separations), ADHD, or other emotional challenges.

I'm a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (English and Spanish) with 13 years of clinical experience, and I work entirely via telehealth across California. My clients range from children and adolescents to adults and seniors, and often I'm working with whole families at once.

A lot of the people I work with are navigating anxiety, ADHD, trauma, or major life transitions, and many are doing it while also managing the weight of cultural expectations, immigration history, or intergenerational patterns that don't always have easy names.

My sessions are judgment-free, bicultural, and built around what actually helps you move forward.

Growing up in Los Angeles most of my life therapy, social work, and mental health were taboo subjects. Similarly, within my Mexican culture being a Male I was expected to be strong and persevere through the trauma. However, the world doesn’t make it easy for today’s youth to succeed. But if I can do it, so can you! As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker I aim to reinforce your youth’s resilience to face their anxiety, depression, process their traumas, and more to help reach their goals.

Areas of focus and interest include women’s issues, self empowerment, positive manifestation, dream work and mind/body healing utilizing somatic guided imagery.

Trauma can leave you feeling on edge, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that insight alone hasn’t changed. I help adults and older teens navigate traumatic experiences, anxiety, grief, and relationship difficulties. With over 20 years in the field, I bring a warm, direct, collaborative approach to helping you feel more grounded and connected. I offer gender-affirming therapy and LGBTQ+, kink, and polyamory-supportive care that respects your identity, relationships, and goals. I also welcome people living with chronic mental illness.

I've been in practice for many years because I like working with others to solve problems/issues in their lives

Welcome, congratulations for taking the first step in your journey to a better you. I have experience in working with individuals who are struggling with a wide variety of problems such as depression, negative thoughts patterns, low self-esteem, anxiety, adjustment, grief, LGBTQIA and cultural issues.

I am committed to providing an empathetic safe space to support you in your journey.

Hi, I’m David Sudyka, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #1790385250). I’m passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families find healing, balance, and a deeper sense of connection in their lives. My goal is to create a welcoming and supportive space where you can feel comfortable exploring your experiences and working toward meaningful change. I take a compassionate and collaborative approach, meeting you where you are and helping you build on your strengths. I often draw from evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, and EMDR to support healing from trauma, manage anxiety, and foster personal growth and emotional well-being. Together, we’ll work toward creating the life and relationships you want.