Areas of Treatment Anxiety Issues Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Men's Issues Couples Therapy Sex Therapy
Individual and couples therapy in West Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Mar Vista, and Culver City.
 

About Me

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist serving California’s west Los Angeles neighborhoods of Playa Vista, Mar Vista, and Culver City.

I'm Erik Anderson, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in West Los Angeles neighborhoods of Playa Vista, Mar Vista, and Culver City, working with adults and couples on issues related to anxiety, depression, relationships, substance use, and men’s issues. My practice combines practical clinical methods with a deep interest in how and why therapy works — and how it can work better.

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My Experience

Since becoming a therapist, I’ve worked with a wide range of clients in both individual and couples formats. My clinical focus includes relationship conflict, addiction and recovery, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and men’s psychological health. I have a particular interest in the empirical research on psychotherapy outcomes — what leads to change, what actually works, and what doesn't. In pursuit of this, I’ve trained with Scott D. Miller and incorporate aspects of his research into my practice.

Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a math and science tutor. I earned my BA in Modern Literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and later completed my MS in Counseling from California State University, Long Beach.

Rationality

Since 2018, I’ve been an active member of the Rationality community — a network of people focused on thinking more clearly, having more accurate beliefs, making better decisions and using tools from science, math, and psychology to solve real-world problems. I currently manage the Astral Codex Ten Psychiat-list, a directory of therapists aligned with this community, and am listed as a recommended provider.

erik anderson trained in martial arts

Jiu Jitsu

I wrestled competitively in high school and began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2007. Between 2007 and 2011, I competed extensively, earning a silver medal at weight and bronze in the absolute division at the 2010 IBJJF World Championships. I continue to train and teach, currently holding the rank of 4th degree black belt.

 

 

My Approach

My approach as a therapist is multidisciplinary. In working with clients, I integrate my academic background, clinical expertise, and involvement with academic and athletic coaching.

I have extensive experience working with both individuals and couples in various group practices and outpatient treatment centers. Many of my clients include working professionals, gay and lesbian adults, and dating or married couples. My clinical specialties include:

  • Fostering and maintaining healthy relationships

  • Managing/recovering from depression and anxiety

  • Coping and building resilience with difficult life transitions

  • Building healthy road maps for substance use issues (symptom management, moderation, abstinence, etc.)  

  • Navigating struggles pertinent to gay and lesbian clients

Therapy is a place for personal development. Change can be hard, but the therapeutic relationship provides space for moving from one place of existence to another. I aim to combine both research and my own professional experiences to lead people into finding satisfaction and enjoyment in their lives.

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 Finding Your Therapist — West Los Angeles

Whether you’re meeting with me as your first time entering therapy or have sought out help in the past and are looking for the right match for your journey moving forward, this is an exciting step to take! My offices are right on the border of Culver City, Mar Vista, and Playa Vista. If you’re looking for the right match for individual or relationship therapy in Los Angeles, contact me about starting today.