Psychotherapy & Counseling Services in Santa Monica and Los Angeles
My name is Dr. Sally Hackman, a PhD, MFT, who integrates evidence-based CBT methods with a compassionate, straightforward approach. I help adults, teens, children, and couples cope with stress, anxiety, mood concerns, life transitions, and relationship strain in Santa Monica and Los Angeles with practical steps that fit real life. Sessions focus on goals, skills, and steady progress.
I listen closely, identify patterns, practice new responses, and track small wins. Zoom calls and in-office appointments are available, plus I offer coordination with schools or physicians, parents, and partners when helpful. Content me and get focused guidance and measurable change in your behavior. I welcome new clients and collaborate with other providers when helpful.
Therapy that Turns Insight into Action
Our first meeting clarifies your priorities, history, and current supports. I outline a plan, frequency, and expected milestones. You get worksheets, exercises, and clear takeaways after sessions. Together, we revisit goals regularly and adjust as needed. I coordinate with workplaces or schools when appropriate and provide concise progress summaries upon request.
I value privacy, consent, and thoughtful communication. I offer weekly, biweekly, or short-term intensives. If you are uncertain where to begin, I provide a focused consultation to identify next steps, and if another service would serve you better, I will recommend referrals immediately. Book a time to talk today.
Our Services
Psychotherapy
Goal-driven therapy that reduces symptoms, builds coping skills, and strengthens relationships. I target long-term relief and stability with measurable steps you can apply at home, school, and work.
Adult Psychotherapist
I help adults manage stress, anxiety, mood shifts, and relationship strain using structured plans, practical tools, and progress reviews that respect professional responsibilities and real-world work demands in Los Angeles.
Adult Psychotherapy
It improves emotional regulation, boundaries, problem-solving, and values-based decisions. I address beliefs and habits that block momentum and build routines that support health, relationships, and steady productivity.
Child Therapist
Developmentally informed care with parent involvement. I use play, CBT, and coordinated supports to improve behavior, coping, and school participation while strengthening family routines and positive communication.
Teen Therapist
Support for anxiety, mood, identity, academics, and friendships. I balance privacy with parent updates, teach communication and motivation skills, and coordinate with schools when appropriate in Santa Monica.
Couples Therapy
These are structured sessions that reduce conflict and rebuild connection. Together, we map negative cycles, practice repair conversations, and create agreements that protect closeness and decision-making every week.
Grief Therapy
Compassionate guidance through loss. I honor emotions, manage triggers and anniversaries, and rebuild daily structure while addressing complex family dynamics and offering practical next steps.
Grief Counseling
Short-term, skills-focused support for grief and non-death losses. I provide education, planning for difficult times, and communication strategies that help families function during painful moments.
LGBTQ Therapist
Affirming therapy that addresses identity, relationships, family responses, and minority stress. I emphasize safety, boundaries, advocacy, and resilience while connecting clients with supportive community resources.
Parenting
Targeted parent coaching for routines, behavior plans, and calm responses. I create consistent strategies that parents, caregivers, and teachers can use, with simple scripts and measurable goals.
School Anxiety
Collaborative plans for attendance, gradual exposure, and supportive accommodations. I coordinate with school teams, coach parents, and help students build confidence and routines.
Social Anxiety for Children
Playful, stepwise exposure with parent coaching. Together, we rehearse scripts, practice bravery exercises, and track small wins that improve peer interactions and classroom participation.
Social Anxiety for Adults
Direct strategies for meetings, dating, interviews, and presentations. I help you reduce avoidance, challenge beliefs, and build repeatable routines that increase confidence in daily social settings.
Mental Health Problems
Assessment and treatment for anxiety, depression, stress, and related concerns. I coordinate with medical providers and design a clear plan that restores daily functioning and stability.
Marriage Counseling
Focused work on communication, intimacy, trust, and decision-making. I help you identify patterns and establish agreements that reduce recurring conflicts and strengthen teamwork.
Relationship Problems
Strategies for conflict management and rebuilding trust. My coaching map interactions, improve listening, and design routines that support respect and consistent follow-through.
Family Problems
Facilitated conversations that lower tension and improve collaboration. I help members speak clearly, listen effectively, and form workable agreements for home routines and expectations.
Relationship with Adult Children
Guidance on shifting roles, independence, and communication. I assist you in setting respectful boundaries, rebuilding connection, and planning for sensitive topics like caregiving, finances, partners, and holidays.
Communication Problems
Skill building for clear, calm, productive dialogue. Learn structure, timing, and language that reduce reactivity and turn difficult talks into decisions and next steps.
Individual Therapy for Adults
One-to-one sessions centered on defined goals. I use CBT, mindfulness, and values-based planning to change habits, manage stress, and strengthen work and relationship outcomes.
Workplace Problems
Coaching for burnout, performance anxiety, and conflict. Together, we clarify priorities, improve boundaries, and develop communication strategies that support effectiveness without sacrificing health.
Why Choose Us
Experience
PhD, MFT, with decades of clinical work in Santa Monica and Los Angeles. I use evidence-based methods and tools.
Collaboration
For younger clients, I coordinate with families and educators (with consent) to reinforce support across home and school.
Accessible
In-person and Zoom appointments, including evenings. Short-term consults and intensives are also available for temporary support.
Frequently Ask Questions
What happens in the first session?
I review your history, goals, and current supports. I outline an initial plan that includes frequency, milestones, and early skills to practice. You will leave with a concrete takeaway and options for scheduling next steps.
How long does therapy take?
Length depends on goals and complexity. Brief problems may resolve in eight to twelve sessions. Ongoing patterns often benefit from longer work with periodic progress checks to keep momentum and focus.
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes. Secure video Zoom sessions are available for individuals and couples throughout California. Telehealth reduces travel time and increases consistency. In-person appointments are available in Santa Monica for those who prefer office visits.
How do you work with children and teens?
Yes, but I include parents in planning and provide updates by agreement. Sessions use developmentally appropriate methods, coordination with schools when useful, and clear behavior plans that families can apply at home.