Therapy with Dr. Angeli Desai

Finding a suitable therapist in Los Angeles, CA, and throughout California can be quite challenging. I provide a caring and nurturing atmosphere for individuals, couples, and families who feel different degrees of being 'stuck.' My focus is on helping you navigate emotional trauma while working to restore intimacy and connection. 


In our meetings, whether online or in person, we will create a respectful environment to address your concerns, symptoms, and patterns related to mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Together, we will explore both past and present events, understanding their impact on your life, relationships, and behaviors.

COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY SERVICES WITH DR. ANGELI DESAI


I work with patients from a relational perspective, also known as psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapy. This method is particularly effective in the tre, aiding partners in recognizing thoughts and feelings related to their emotional trauma.


The importance of this approach lies in its ability to empower individuals to alter their thoughts and behaviors, which leads to a deeper understanding of their emotions, often for the first time. I help individuals, couples, and families reflect on significant experiences, including trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders, as well as past stressors, to understand their impact on the present.


Therapy is a transformative process that begins with curiosity and openness to the relational work we undertake together.

Mood & Anxiety

Mood disorders encompass conditions such as depression and anxiety, as well as other types of mood disruptions that can result from emotional trauma. These issues negatively affect an individual's ability to function and maintain a healthy lifestyle, often making  counseling an essential step towards recovery.

Trauma & Healing

Includes acute and complex trauma from childhood and/or adulthood, such as emotional trauma experienced by survivors of sexual abuse, individuals with attachment-related challenges, and those dealing with mood disorders while mourning the loss of a loved one, to help navigate these difficulties.

Life Transitions

Life transitions refer to the process of moving from a familiar and comfortable situation to a new and often challenging one. These changes can be particularly difficult for individuals dealing with emotional trauma or mood disorders, requiring them to adapt to their new reality.

Personality & Patterns

Trauma experienced in early childhood often results in emotional trauma that disrupts the healthy development of personality. This can lead to difficulties in forming healthy relationships, feelings of emptiness, and recurring patterns of harmful behaviors, which may contribute to mood disorders. 

Couples Therapy

Couples often seek couples counseling when they encounter challenges in their relationship or when they question its viability. These difficulties can stem from emotional trauma, resulting in feelings of resentment, intimacy issues, mistrust, infidelity, and difficulties with conflict resolution and communication. If these issues are not addressed, couples may grow increasingly distant and experience heightened conflict, which can also be exacerbated by mood disorders. Therapy can play a crucial role in identifying and understanding the underlying issues that contribute to conflict in the relationship, promoting healing and fostering progress.

Family Therapy

Members of a family occupy distinct roles within the 'family system,' which affects how they interact and handle conflicts. When it comes to emotional trauma and mood disorders, it's crucial for family members to feel acknowledged and heard to foster healthy communication and relationships. Families can drift apart and become less connected than they once were.

Therapy FAQs

How does online therapy work?

Sessions are conducted via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, enabling you to participate in professional psychotherapy from any private location in California. This format ensures you receive the same level of care and 'good fit' connection as in-person visits, while also accommodating those dealing with emotional trauma or mood disorders, all without the hassle of commuting.

What happens in a first session?

The initial meeting serves as a space for you to share any emotional trauma or challenges that have been holding you back, while Dr. Angeli Desai learns about your history and goals. This session focuses on establishing a comfortable relationship, allowing for a discussion on mood disorders and how best to address your specific needs through a relational lens in the context of individual, couples, and family counseling.

Is therapy culturally sensitive?

Yes, Dr. Angeli Desai has extensive experience working with diverse populations, including providing couples counseling that addresses emotional trauma and mood disorders, particularly those unique to the South Asian community. The practice prioritizes cultural sensitivity and understands how identity and heritage impact one's mental health journey.