Find a therapist in Santa Monica, CA — covered by insurance

Welcome, I'm glad you're here. I’m a warm and compassionate therapist with several years of experience working in mental health. I hold a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and work with people who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply wanting to understand themselves more deeply. I take a collaborative approach, tailoring our sessions to your unique needs and goals. My priority is creating a space where you feel supported, seen, and safe to explore whatever comes up.

Shana Bujake is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. She specializes in working with individuals who are recovering from narcissistic abuse, navigating life transitions, or struggling with relationship challenges and self-worth.

With a strong background in trauma-informed care, she provides a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, gain clarity, and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. Her work is deeply rooted in helping clients build resilience and create meaningful change in their lives.

Dr. Bacher is a holistic, trauma-informed psychologist with over 15 years experience working at many of the top residential treatment centers in the U.S. and Europe. He specializes in working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, relationship issues, and addiction. Dr. Bacher completed his undergraduate work in Psychology at Georgetown University, and his Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. His dissertation research focused on Positive Psychology--specifically meaning making--and how to cultivate positive strengths in individuals.

Having been in therapy myself, I've experienced firsthand its positive impact, helping me overcome my anxiety and equipping me with practical tools I still use today. I understand that repeatedly answering 'How does that make you feel?' can be frustrating. Drawing from my personal experience both as a therapy client and practitioner in a treatment center setting, I bring energy into my sessions and build momentum to help clients get unstuck and face their Anxiety & OCD with confidence.

It's hard to find non-judgmental therapy, especially when dealing with subjects that evoke shame. That's why I collaborate to create a therapy that meets you as you are. I hold an affirming space for marginalized orientations, neurotypes, and relationship styles. We can work to navigate major issues like trauma, sexuality and life changes, or an ongoing condition like depression or anxiety. I am also passionate about supporting people through their gender journeys. My therapy is not just inclusive, but is LGBTQ+ and neurodiversity affirming. I also enjoy working with couples or relationship groups as they navigate challenges.

I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. I also hold a degree in Mind-Body Psychology and am trained in clinical hypnotherapy. Before becoming a therapist, I spent over a decade working in digital marketing, which gives me unique insight into the stressors of fast-paced careers, identity development, and the challenge of balancing ambition with well-being.

I’ve worked with a diverse range of clients, including women navigating heartbreak or life transitions, professionals seeking purpose, and individuals healing from trauma, anxiety, or people-pleasing patterns. I’m passionate about helping people live with more intention and emotional freedom.

Therapy is personal, and I do my best to meet people where they are—with curiosity, compassion, and care. As someone who’s done a lot of personal healing work myself, I understand how vulnerable it can feel to ask for help. My goal is to create a space where you can be real, be seen, and make meaningful changes at your own pace.

I partner with clients to support healing, growth, and positive transformation. I offer an intimate space that’s grounded in empathy and curiosity. But I'm also real, direct, and sometimes a little playful. Therapy with me isn’t stiff or clinical; it's human, heartfelt, and intuitive. I’ve helped clients reframe and navigate anxiety, chronic illness, trauma, depression, and shame, offering relief from painful symptoms and limiting beliefs. I’m EMDR trained and bring over 25 years of yoga and meditation practice into the room with us.

I work collaboratively to explore patterns that may leave you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship challenges, or life transitions, therapy can offer space to gain insight and create meaningful change. I specialize in working with those who overthink, worry, people-please, struggle with boundaries, or put others’ needs first. Therapy can help you better understand these patterns, develop a stronger sense of self, and build practical coping skills.