Emily Mandelstam

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist 147418

Approach to Therapy: My approach to therapy is egalitarian, blending warmth with candor. In direct contrast to stuffy, reserved therapy archetypes, I bring authenticity and humor to sessions to create a nonjudgmental environment in which clients feel relaxed and able to be themselves. I believe firmly in client autonomy and interweave DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and Narrative Therapy techniques to provide both a structure to the session with concrete principles of behaviorism, while also allowing space to generate understanding and create new stories.

Therapeutic Focus: From the beginning of my therapeutic career I knew I wanted to work with couples. Humans want connection and to be understood, and communication challenges can be incredibly painful both for present-day reasons and due to old emotional injuries. I work with all relationship structures and am familiar with and affirming of LGBTQ+, poly/ENM, and kink. I also connect with adolescents and adore supporting them as they restructure their relationships and identities navigating what this new stage of life means for them.

Schooling and Training: I received my B.A. in political science from University of California, Irvine. I spent a decade working in the corporate world of project management in avionics and insurance, wherein connecting people was my favorite part of my days. I went to Alliant International University for my master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am foundationally trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and have trained in both DBT adherence and the DBT Prolonged Exposure protocol for trauma.

Fun Facts About Me: I love Dungeons & Dragons, learning new musical instruments (accordion and banjo), taking salsa and bachata classes, and tending to my menagerie of flora and fauna.

Fees: $190 for adolescents, $250 for couples