Grief counselors and therapists in Westlake Village, CA

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with over 12 years of experience working with young adults, adults, and families. I earned both my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Northridge. I’ve practiced across community mental health, nonprofit, and private practice settings. My specialties include grief, depression, anxiety, stress, abuse, trauma, and communication skills. I’m trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and bring a trauma-informed lens to my work with individuals and families, including children and adolescents. Above all, I want you to know that I value genuine empathy and authenticity, and I see therapy as a partnership built on trust.

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.

I'm Dr. Jack Sample, a licensed clinical psychologist in Los Angeles offering psychodynamic, depth-oriented therapy at my office in Hollywood. My practice is informed by training and education in psychology, cultural anthropology, and nonfiction storytelling. I believe therapy is an opportunity to address the roots of suffering and support enduring change. My approach aims to cultivate capacities for thinking, feeling, and creativity to foster a greater sense of agency and aliveness.

I'm a Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles and love this work. I came to therapy through an unconventional path — nearly a decade in film and photography, work as a youth counselor, and service in the military — all of which deeply shaped how I understand people and their stories.

I earned my master's degree from Pacifica Graduate Institute, where I focused on psychodynamic and depth-oriented approaches. My thesis centered on ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, a specialty I've continued developing through advanced trainings I've completed.

I work with individuals, couples, adolescents & families across a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I have a particular love for working with creative professionals, veterans and young adults. I'm LGBTQ+ affirmative and love working with folks from the queer community.

My practice spans traditional talk therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) — including psychedelic integration support for those processing experiences outside of our work together. I see clients in person in Atwater Village in Northeast LA, and virtually throughout California.

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 help clients break the cycle of self-defeating patterns by exploring the lasting impact of early attachment wounds—especially the often unspoken pain of under-mothering and emotional neglect. My approach is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and the belief that healing begins when we de-stigmatize shame and make space for our unmet needs.

With certification in EMDR and advanced training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), I support clients in working through trauma, grief, and relational challenges. My background also includes working with first responders and professional athletes navigating high-pressure roles and emotional resilience.

Whether you're facing anxiety, grief, or feeling stuck in old patterns, I provide a steady therapeutic presence—offering insight, empathy, and deep respect for your healing process. Together, we work toward greater self-trust, healthier boundaries, and a renewed sense of wholeness.

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY - PSYCHOANALYSIS

I invite you to say what you would never say in ordinary conversation. I specialize in anxiety, depression, difficult to describe dissatisfaction, work/career difficulties, low self-esteem, sexual problems, imposter syndrome, men's issues, creative blocks, sexual abuse, religious/cultic/satanic trauma and relationship issues.

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.

My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and practical. I pull from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you understand patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, but I also lean into a humanistic style, meaning I see you as a whole person, not just a diagnosis or a set of symptoms.

I believe therapy should feel like a safe, judgment-free space where you can show up as you are. Whether we’re exploring your relationships, working through anxiety or depression, or identifying what really matters to you, my goal is to support your growth with curiosity, care, and clarity.

I also value realness, I’ll challenge you when it’s helpful, offer insight when you're stuck, and celebrate the progress you might overlook. You're the expert on your life; I’m here to help you reconnect with that truth and build the kind of change that lasts.