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Therapists answer…

Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?

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Elena Conte

Psychotherapist, LCSW
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I wanted to be a therapist at such a young age; I did not really even know what a therapist was! When I was younger, I was rather tech savvy. I set up a Freewebs Site for people to ask questions, so that I could give advice (think: Dear Abby). I just wanted to help people; it felt like a superpower. While I was still in elementary school, I ended up going to in-school counseling. I met with a counselor once a week, grieving the loss of my grandfather. I remember the counselor being so kind to me. I want to give that kindness to others, while giving them a safe space to explore whatever is on their mind. To obtain my LCSW, I attended Fordham University for both my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Social Work and my Master of Social Work degrees. I interned at a middle school, high school, and an adolescents’ psychiatric center. Post graduation, I worked for the Office of Mental Health clinics. I’ve been exposed to a variety of diagnoses and life circumstances, and I can only hope that I’ve been able to help people be gentle with themselves and gain from their challenges.
Elena Conte is a clinical psychotherapist who treats depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders. She also has experience working collaboratively with clients navigating relationship issues within couples and families. Elena uses a gentle, holistic approach to assess client concerns and inspire them to reach their highest potential.
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Myanah Simmons, LPCA

Compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a counselor because of my own personal experience with mental health and how cold and clinical it felt for me at that time. I wanted to not only help other with a more warm and compassionate approach but to show and prove that healing is possible.
I always say a counseling session should feel like having coffee with a trustworthy friend that is also knowledgeable in mental health. In my practice, I focus on meeting you where you are and offering a compassionate judgement free environment for us to work together to create change. We keep our efforts and expectations realistic for your lifestyle and focus on your strengths to empower you to continue to create change in your life outside of the counseling session. If you are hesitant to sign up for that first session, or have had less than stellar sessions in the past let's work together to try and change that! I specialize in working with victims of trauma, intimate partner violence, PTSD and complex PTSD, depression, anxiety, self esteem issues and many other struggles of navigating life and relationships. I use psychoeducation, homework and a focus on your strengths and what works for you to develop goals for treatment. Reaching out for help takes courage, be proud that you are taking the first step to create change! Let's work together to continue this journey in your next chapter!
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Laura Malandrino

Individual and Couples Psychotherapist
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to people’s inner worlds — to understanding what’s beneath the surface of their success, their strength, their stories. I’ve always felt a natural pull to connect, to hold space, and to offer others the kind of understanding I believe we’re all quietly craving. But for years, I was also chasing — achievement, structure, doing everything “right.” I knew how to perform, how to show up, how to give. What I didn’t yet know was how to be with myself — with my discomfort, my uncertainty, my truth. It wasn’t until I turned that attention inward that everything began to shift. I started to understand the patterns that were running in the background of my life — the ways I had internalized pressure, perfectionism, and self-doubt. The more I explored, the more I began to experience a kind of peace I hadn’t even realized I was missing. That inner clarity didn’t make life perfect — but it made it feel more real. More spacious. More mine. Now, I support others in doing that same deep, life-changing work. Many of my clients are thoughtful, high-functioning, and externally “put together,” yet internally feel stuck, numb, or disconnected. They’ve mastered the art of managing life — but they’re ready to move beyond coping, into something deeper: real self-understanding, grounded confidence, and emotional freedom. And that’s where the real transformation begins. Not by fixing what’s broken — but by reconnecting with what’s been buried, silenced, or forgotten. That’s the work I’m honored to do every day.
You’ve spent years holding it all together, but inside, something feels off. Maybe it looks like high-functioning anxiety, low motivation, or feeling emotionally flat. Maybe it’s a quiet sense of “something is missing,” even though life appears full. Maybe you're in the midst of a life transition — a shift in identity, purpose, relationships, or stage of life — and you're not sure who you are anymore. You’ve tried to think your way through it. You’ve read the books, stayed busy, pushed forward. But deep down, you know this requires something different—something more profound. If you resonate with any of this, you’re not alone. I specialize in working with adults who are ready to slow down and explore the inner landscape that often gets ignored — the parts of ourselves that don’t show up on the surface, but shape everything underneath. My clients are thoughtful, self-aware, and deeply tired of staying stuck. They’re often navigating: A midlife crisis or major life transition Menopause or identity shifts related to aging Low self-worth, shame, or chronic people-pleasing Overthinking and high internal pressure Feeling disconnected from their joy, purpose, or body A sense of numbness, loss, or emotional confusion Many have spent years succeeding on the outside while feeling disconnected or unfulfilled inside. They don’t want band-aid solutions — they want real, lasting change. My approach is depth-oriented, relational, and insight-driven. I don’t believe in quick fixes. Therapy with me is about gently peeling back the layers — roles, expectations, early attachment patterns — to reconnect with the core of who you are. My work is rooted in: Attachment-Based Therapy – to help you understand how early relationships shape emotional patterns Depth Psychology – for uncovering unconscious beliefs and internal narratives EMDR Therapy – to process trauma and create new emotional pathways Psychodynamic Therapy & Mindfulness – to integrate past and present with awareness and compassion Together, we create a space where you can be deeply seen and gently challenged — a space where real transformation becomes possible. I hold a Master’s in Clinical Counseling from the California School of Professional Psychology and have advanced training in EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, trauma-informed care, and somatic practices. I am multilingual (English, Italian, and Spanish) and bring a culturally inclusive lens to my work. Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked in creative industries and international environments — so I understand the pressures of fast-paced, high-expectation lives, and the emotional cost that comes with constantly "performing." Ready to begin? I see clients in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and virtually across California. If you're seeking deeper meaning, emotional relief, or simply a safe space to rediscover yourself, I’d be honored to walk with you. 📍 In-person and Telehealth Available 🌐 www.lauramalandrino.com 📧 [email protected] 📞 (747) 334-2972