Stephanie Darrow, AMFT

I believe therapy is successful when there is active listening, mutual respect, and the spirit of collaboration. I offer my clients a safe space where they can be vulnerable and know they will be heard and understood, never judged. My clients describe me as warm, wise, empathetic, insightful and funny. I believe all of these qualities make for effective therapy.

I’m a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #147814). I got my Master’s degree from Phillips Graduate Institute and graduated with honors. I received my undergraduate degree (many, many moons ago) from Harvard University, cum laude, with a concentration in English and American Literature. I am a member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society, the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT), and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

I have academic, professional, and personal experience in a wide variety of arenas including grief and loss, life transitions, parenting, and chronic illness. My graduate research project explored the effect of chronic medical illness on marriages, an area in which I have personal experience. For the past 18 months, I’ve been seeing clients ages 8-62 at the California Family Treatment Center in Encino. The majority of my clients have been couples, but I have also worked with children, families, and adult individuals. In my work, I utilize attachment theory and Bowen theory, both of which center around family history. I strongly believe that our upbringings and family backgrounds have a major impact on our current functioning, and that increased awareness of this leads to increased well-being. My work with couples additionally employs Imago therapy, Gottman principles, and emotionally focused couples theory (EFCT). With all clients, regardless of the unit of treatment, I employ active, empathetic listening.

I love what I do and feel so privileged I get to do this work. Partnering with clients on their path to increased happiness and better functioning and well-being brings me joy, as does helping couple clients improve their communication with, and understanding of, their partners and relationships. I would feel honored to work with you to achieve your goals.

Email: [email protected]