Many of the people who reach out to me are thoughtful and capable adults who are accustomed to managing a lot of responsibility. On the surface they appear successful and composed, yet internally they may feel anxious, burned out, or stuck in patterns that no longer make sense.
My work focuses on trauma, chronic stress, and the ways the nervous system adapts to long periods of pressure. I integrate EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and mind body approaches to support individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma patterns, and chronic pain or illness.
Therapy with me offers a space to slow down and understand what your system has been carrying for a long time. When these patterns begin to shift, people often experience greater clarity, steadiness, and freedom in how they move through their lives.
I offer in person therapy in West Los Angeles and secure online therapy throughout California.
Client Focus
Session Format: Group, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Asian, LGBTQ+, Persons with Disabilities, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) A structured therapy that uses guided eye movements to help process traumatic memories. It is widely recognized for treating PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) A short-term approach focused on improving relationships and social support. It is often used for depression and grief.
- Multicultural Therapy Acknowledges the role of culture, race, and identity in mental health. It values diversity and adapts treatment to each person’s background.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Psychodynamic Therapy Explores unconscious thoughts and patterns that influence current behavior. It builds insight into how the past impacts the present.
- Somatic Therapy Helps clients notice how emotions are stored in the body. It uses breath, movement, and awareness for healing trauma and stress.
Approach Description: In therapy we pay close attention to what is happening in real time, not just the story being told. You might notice your breathing change when something difficult comes up or feel tension appear when certain memories or emotions are approached. These responses carry important information about how your nervous system has learned to protect you.
My work stays close to the body’s experience rather than analyzing problems from a distance. Using EMDR and Somatic Experiencing, we focus on helping the nervous system process trauma, chronic stress, and patterns of staying alert or shutting down.
For individuals living with chronic pain or physical symptoms, I also use Pain Reprocessing Therapy, a neuroplasticity based approach that helps the brain and body respond differently when pain has become persistent.
Sessions move at a pace that supports genuine change rather than pressure to perform or push through. The goal is not simply coping better but helping the system regain flexibility so more of you can come back online.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee 250
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- I believe mental health care should be accessible. I reserve a small number of lower fee spaces for individuals who may need financial flexibility. These sliding scale openings are offered on a limited basis and are available until filled.
- Out of Network
- I am an out-of-network provider and can offer a courtesy superbill to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
Education & Credentials
Elaine Skoulas M.A., LMFT
- Female
- License # LMFT126670
- Licensed in California
- Practicing Since 2018
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Addiction Studies, dual concentration
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, specialization in Psychological Trauma Studies
Elaine Skoulas Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Los Angeles, CA 90034 and San Francisco, CA
- Available Online for residents of California
- Online Therapy Details: I use a secure, confidential teletherapy platform for ease and convenience.
I work with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, chronic stress, burnout, grief, and persistent patterns such as perfectionism, caretaking, people pleasing, and difficulty setting boundaries. Many of my clients are high achieving individuals who might be outwardly successful but feel internally exhausted from staying constantly alert, responsible, or self critical.
Some clients are navigating the long term effects of relational or developmental trauma. Others are dealing with chronic pain or physiological symptoms that persist even after medical workups are stable. These patterns often reflect a nervous system that has learned to stay in survival mode for a long time.
Therapy focuses on understanding how these responses developed and helping the system shift out of chronic stress patterns. This work is especially helpful for individuals who have insight, intelligence, and motivation but feel frustrated that traditional coping strategies have not fully resolved the problem.