Anna McDonald LCSW

Therapeutic Philosophy: Expect more than talking to a brick wall. I provide feedback, inject personality into sessions, and collaborate actively to address your specific needs. Therapy is a dynamic, tailored process, not a one-size-fits-all solution. Human Approach to Healing: Sessions with me are characterized by a warm and empathetic atmosphere. Trust, understanding, and effective communication are prioritized, fostering an environment where you can comfortably explore the depths of your relationship. Transformative Conversations: Beyond mere dialogue, therapy with me is about making positive changes. We'll collaboratively identify strengths, address challenges, and implement practical solutions for both individual and collective growth. What to Expect: Choosing to work with me means selecting a therapist invested in your success, and dedicated to facilitating positive change. Sessions blend professionalism, genuine connection, and a commitment to helping you achieve your relationship goals. Ready to embark on a journey of transformation and growth? Reach out, and let's work together to build a stronger, healthier, and happier relationship. Your path to positive change starts now.

My personal experiences have profoundly shaped my approach to working with clients. Growing up in a family with untreated generational mental health issues, poverty, and witnessing a toxic and emotionally abusive parental relationship has fueled my commitment to breaking these cycles. I've undertaken extensive personal work to disrupt these patterns that often intertwine. Having struggled with anxiety myself, I've firsthand experienced the havoc it can wreak on one's life, relationships, and especially marriage. Reflecting on my journey, I recognize the transformative impact that knowledge and tools could have made. This realization fuels my passion to empower others with the insights and skills needed to navigate life's challenges, fostering healthier relationships and breaking free from detrimental cycles.

My journey to becoming a therapist is deeply rooted in my personal experiences and a genuine passion for fostering positive change. As I mentioned above, being raised in a family grappling with generational untreated mental health issues, poverty, and a toxic parental relationship, I embarked on a transformative path to break these cycles. Through my own struggles with anxiety, I intimately understood its profound impact on life, relationships, and marriage. Recognizing the potential for a different narrative if armed with the right tools, I was inspired to choose a profession where I could empower others. My commitment to therapy stems from a desire to provide the warmth, empathy, and personalized care I wished I had during challenging times. This personal journey has shaped my therapeutic philosophy, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections, tailored approaches, and a commitment to positive transformations. By leveraging my experiences, both triumphs, and challenges, I aspire to guide individuals and couples toward building stronger, healthier, and happier relationships, offering the support and tools necessary for their own unique journeys of growth and change.

• California, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 100937

I earned my Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from Azusa Pacific University in 2018, solidifying a foundation that propels my passion for couples therapy. Subsequently, between 2018 and 2021, I immersed myself in providing in-home therapy to a diverse community in Los Angeles, spanning Service Plan Areas 6, 7, and 8. This experience allowed me to develop a nuanced understanding of the intricacies of multiethnic and multi-aged relationships. In pursuit of my commitment to therapeutic excellence, I obtained my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) certification in 2021. Prior to pursuing my MSW, I dedicated my efforts to serving as an in-home behavioral therapist for children and adolescents grappling with Autism Spectrum Disorder, an experience that sharpened my skills in fostering meaningful connections within families. My professional journey also includes certifications as a Crisis Oriented Recovery Systems (CORS) and MAP clinician, indicative of my holistic approach to therapeutic interventions. Currently, I am actively pursuing certification as a Gottman Couple’s Therapist. I have completed Levels 1, 2, and 3 of the Gottman Training, underscoring my commitment to honing the skills necessary for transformative couples therapy. My comprehensive background, from in-home therapy to behavioral intervention, reflects my dedication to understanding the intricacies of human relationships. Through my experiences, I have cultivated an empathetic and insightful approach to couples therapy, informed by a diverse range of client interactions. As you seek a couples or individual therapist, consider my journey—an evolution that intertwines academic achievements, practical experiences, and ongoing professional development. My commitment to enriching relationships extends beyond my qualifications—it's embedded in the fabric of my professional identity. Partner with me as we navigate the complexities of your relationship, working towards positive transformations.