In-Person in Santa Monica, CA 90401
Online in California
I believe people come to therapy because they want something in their life to change. That's why I am very conscious of how we set goals, how we set a road map to achieving them, and how we realign if things go off track. I focus my work on relationships, including couples counseling, as well as anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. I am experienced as a Director and Therapist working in addiction and substance use treatment, and my educational background includes a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and a Master’s in Education from the University of Southern California. I know it can be hard to navigate through struggles all alone, which is why I find joy in helping others feel supported in finding happiness, success, and fulfillment in life.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Brainspotting A therapy that uses eye positions to access and process unresolved trauma. It helps release emotional and physical pain held in the body.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Eclectic Therapy Draws from different therapeutic methods based on what fits each client best. It is flexible and personalized rather than following one single model.
- 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.
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy Based on decades of research, this method gives couples tools to improve communication, manage conflict, and strengthen intimacy.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) A collaborative, client-centered approach that strengthens motivation for change. It is especially effective for addictions and health behaviors.
Approach Description: I use an eclectic approach, which means that I use different therapeutic modalities based on what I think a person needs. I am most experienced in using EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, CBT, DBT, and the Gottman method. I'm the kind of therapist that listens well and also shares observations and feedback to help you create real change in your life. Sometimes that means change in your external environment, and sometimes it means change in your internal thoughts and feelings. Either way, it is important to me that therapy benefits you and helps you grow.
Education & Credentials
Michelle King Rayfield LMFT
- Female
- License # 122618
- Licensed in California
- Practicing Since 2017
Education: Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University
Master’s in Education from the University of Southern California
Finances
Fees
- Average Session Fee 250
- Out of Network
Michelle King Rayfield Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Available Online for residents of California
- Online Therapy Details: Google Meet
I provide individual and couples counseling to people who are invested in finding and creating change. With specialities in relationships, couples counseling, trauma, anxiety, and life transitions, my intention is to help others find genuine peace and happiness in their life, with strong relationships, satisfying lives, and a clear purpose. I know it can be hard to find the right therapist, and I encourage you to reach out to see if we would be a good fit.