Briana Mandel

My path to becoming a therapist wasn’t linear, but in hindsight, it makes perfect sense. I grew up on a small farm in Connecticut, studied theater in New York City, and spent over a decade in the service industry before becoming a social worker on Skid Row in Los Angeles. Those early experiences—listening deeply, staying present under pressure, finding humor in hard moments—turned out to be invaluable in doing the work I do now with folks navigating trauma, substance use, and systemic injustice. I was drawn to this field by a deep belief in people’s capacity to heal and the power of relationship in that process. Being a third-generation social worker, I carry that legacy forward with creativity, grit, and an unshakable commitment to meeting people exactly where they are.

My approach is grounded in psychodynamic therapy, which means we’ll explore the deeper emotional patterns and past experiences that influence how you relate to yourself and others today. I believe healing happens in relationship, so I bring warmth, curiosity, and honesty into our work together. While psychodynamic work is at the heart of what I do, I also draw from a range of theoretical models—such as attachment theory, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness-based practices—to build a treatment plan that’s as unique as you are. I tailor our work to your needs, goals, and pace, so whether you're seeking relief from emotional pain, greater self-understanding, or lasting change in how you move through the world, we’ll create space for that growth together.

I see goal-setting as a collaborative, evolving process—something we’ll shape together as your needs and insights unfold. Whether you come in with a clear focus or just a sense that something needs to shift, we’ll stay curious about what matters most to you and adjust our work as you grow. My role is to help you move toward clarity, healing, and change in a way that feels grounded, meaningful, and truly your own.