Lisa Chester-Schyman

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with many years of experience working with adults, teens, couples, and families. I am also trained in grief and loss through Our House in Santa Monica and hold credentials from the Grief Recovery Institute as well as a Level 3 SEP through Somatic Experiencing (Peter Levine's program.) I specialize in grief and loss, life transitions, relationship and family challenges, and the emotional impact of change. I work from a trauma-informed lens, a relational perspective and value creating a space that feels grounded, respectful, and non-judgmental. I see clients via tele-health and in person, and I'm especially attuned to working with people who are navigating loss, aging, life transitions, life shifts and trauma. I fully believe therapy works best when clients feel genuinely seen and understood; the relationship between the therapist and client is the major agent for lasting change.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate and depth-oriented. I integrate relational, psychodynamic and trauma-informed perspectives while also offering practical support. I am especially mindful of pacing - meeting clients where they are and honoring their lived experience. I see therapy as a place to process emotions, patterns, and build greater self-understanding and awareness through mutual safety and support.

The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and for me to understand what brings you to therapy. I focus on creating a comfortable, warm and supportive environment where you can share at your own pace. We'll talk about your concerns, history and goals, and you're welcome to ask any questions along the way. We will work collaboratively to build comfort and a nourishing place for you to bring whatever you'd like to bring to sessions. My hope is that you leave the first session feeling heard and supported, and feeling comfortable knowing you now have a safe place to be with what you're carrying.