Therapy for Creative People: Individuals, Couples & EMDR

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected? Are you afraid your relationship can't be salvaged? I’m here to help. I believe each of us has the innate ability and desire to lead a fulfilling life and have satisfying relationships.

In-Person Los Angeles • Telehealth Across California
Licensed MFT (CA #40551)
Certified EMDR Therapist
Since 2004
About

Compassionate, Evidence-Based Therapy in Los Angeles

Finding the right therapist matters. Here’s a little about how I work.

If you’re carrying something heavy — a relationship that’s fraying, a creative life that’s stalled, a past that keeps showing up uninvited — you’ve probably already tried to think your way through it. And you’re smart enough to know that hasn’t been enough. That’s usually what brings people to my door.

I’ve been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California since 2004, and I’m also a Certified EMDR Therapist. But what that means in practice is that I bring both depth of experience and a genuine toolkit to our work together — not just a listening ear, but real methods for helping your nervous system let go of what it’s been holding.

Who I work with

Many of my clients work in film, theater, opera, music, literature, and the visual arts. Creative people tend to have rich inner lives and a lot of self-awareness — and can still feel completely stuck. I understand the particular pressures of a creative career: the vulnerability, the uncertainty, the way your identity and your work become tangled together.

I also work with people navigating relationship challenges, trauma and PTSD, depression, anxiety, and major life transitions — career changes, grief, the end of a relationship, an international move. And I have a specific interest in supporting people with ME/CFS and Long COVID, as well as their caregivers, who are often overlooked.

How I work

My approach is collaborative. I’m not here to tell you what’s wrong with you — I’m here to help you find your way back to your own strengths, values, and sense of direction. We’ll work to untangle the patterns that have been keeping you stuck, and move away from self-blame and judgment — toward a greater sense of freedom and authenticity.

I draw on EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindful Awareness Practices — using whatever combination fits where you are and what you need.

You don’t have to have it all figured out before reaching out. If any of this sounds like you, I’d love to hear from you.

Visit the About Us page to learn about my background and about my two Associates, Sabrina Bell and Ryan Hynes. Each of us has different specializations, allowing us to help with a wide range of issues.

Learn More
Services

Specialized Therapy Services

EMDR Therapy for Trauma & PTSD

Evidence-based treatment to help process trauma and reduce emotional distress.

Couples Therapy

Reconnect emotionally and rebuild trust using EFT-informed therapy.

Therapy for Creative Professionals

Support for artists, performers, writers, and others navigating the challenges of creative careers.

Life Transitions

Help processing and moving through grief and loss, relocation, career change, and other major life changes.

Areas of Focus

I Have Experience Working With People Dealing With:

Depression
Anxiety
Trauma & PTSD
Grief / Loss
Low Self-Esteem
Isolation / Loneliness
Stress
Anger
Relationship Difficulties
Childhood Abuse
Addictions
Parenting Issues
Relocation / Expat Life
Life Transitions
ME/CFS & Long COVID
How

How Can I Help You?

Guided by training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindful Awareness Practices, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), with an Attachment-Focused EMDR perspective.

A Non-Judgemental Space
A space where you can talk about the things that are hardest to talk about, without fear of being judged, shamed or rejected.
Mindful Awareness and ACT
Techniques that ground you and help you manage anxiety while we explore what is most important to you. Align your life choices with your true values.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Strengthen bonds and build secure patterns in relationships. Step out of painful patterns and transform your relationship into a safe haven.
Certified EMDR Therapist
Process the traumas of your past and reduce emotional activation while increasing your sense of safety and wholeness.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Clinicians have also found EMDR effective in the treatment of a variety of conditions including panic attacks, phobias, complicated grief, performance anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, body dysmorphia and pain disorders. Many of my EMDR clients grew up in environments that were emotionally abusive or neglectful and find that they have chosen relationships throughout their lives where those dynamics are recreated. EMDR helps break those patterns and loosen the hold of negative historical beliefs about one’s self. For more information on how you could benefit from EMDR therapy in Los Angeles, Click here.

What is the advantage of working with a Certified EMDR Therapist? 

Many therapists who offer EMDR Therapy in California have only received basic training in EMDR. A Certified EMDR Therapist must complete additional advanced training, do EMDR therapy with a minimum of 25 clients, receive letters of recommendation from colleagues and complete 20 hours of consultation with an approved EMDR consultant. Certified Therapists also have to do ongoing continuing education in order to maintain their certification. Certification is granted by EMDRIA , the EMDR International Association.

Why do you specialize in working with creative professionals?

I believe that art is vital to the health of our society and I recognize that a creative life can have unique challenges and stresses. Unfortunately our culture doesn’t always seem to value people who are pursuing creative careers. I come from a creative background myself and have a family full of artists, so I feel it is my calling to support creators. For more information about how I work with creatives in Los Angeles and throughout California, Click here .

How would you describe your approach to couples therapy?

I have offered couples therapy in Los Angeles since 2004, and online throughout California since 2020. In my work with couples I help them step out of painful cycles that they get stuck in and create relationships that feel safe, secure and supportive. When needed, I also teach communication skills, explore family histories that may influence relating styles and work to create a safe environment for clients to say things that are hard to say. I have had the pleasure of watching couples move to new levels of intimacy, trust and compassion. I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), a modality that has been validated by extensive research. For more information about what I offer to clients seeking couples counseling in California, Click here.

What is an LMFT?

From the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists website (www.camft.org): Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) are psychotherapists and healing arts practitioners licensed by the State of California. They are trained to assess, diagnose and treat individuals, couples, families and groups to help those who are struggling achieve more adequate, satisfying and productive lives. LMFTs work in many different settings including private practice, treatment clinics, probation centers and schools, and they can specialize in working with depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, child and adolescent issues, marital and relationship issues, existential issues, eating disorders, severe mental illness and more. Requirements for licensure include a related doctoral or two-year master's degree, passage of two comprehensive written examinations and at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience.

Do you offer online sessions?

Yes, I offer individual therapy, couples therapy, and EMDR online for clients throughout California via a secure telehealth platform.

Where in Los Angeles is your office located?

My office is at 566 S. San Vicente Blvd in the Beverly Grove area of Los Angeles. The office is easily accessible to residents of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, as well as Los Angeles.

Do you accept insurance?

I am in-network with two insurances: Aetna and Carelon Behavioral Health. I also provide superbills to clients whose insurance plans reimburse for out-of-network services.

What are your fees?

Current fees for sessions with Clay Crosby: $225 for individual psychotherapy (50 minute session) and $260 for couple counseling (60 minute session). Sessions are payable by credit or debit card through my online platform. My practice is mostly private pay, but I am happy to provide superbills to clients whose insurance plans reimburse for out-of-network services. I am in-network with Aetna and Carelon Behavioral Health. Fees for my Associates Sabrina Bell and Ryan Hynes are $150 for individual therapy and $175 for couple counseling.

What if we aren’t a good fit?

Research indicates that feeling comfortable with your therapist is the most important predictor of success in therapy. If we meet and it doesn’t feel like a good fit, I welcome you to tell me so that we can find another option. I have many excellent California therapists in my referral network and I’m happy to try help you find someone that is a good match.

Next Step

Ready to Begin Therapy?

Request an appointment or schedule a free consultation to see if we’re a good fit. In-person in Los Angeles and telehealth across California.