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Meet Elaine

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WHO I AM

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          I’m Elaine Skoulas, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles and originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. I’m deeply passionate about the work I do and believe in the transformative power of therapy. It’s a true honor to walk alongside you on your path of self-exploration and healing, helping you discover a more meaningful, purposeful, and joyful way of living.

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            My journey to becoming a therapist grew out of my own personal challenges. Through my healing process, I found a calling to support others in theirs. I truly believe this is the work I was always meant to do.

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           Growing up, I was deeply sensitive to other people's emotions and to conflict. I learned early on how to listen deeply and tune in to others, a gift that has shaped my approach as a therapist. I have always been especially drawn to those who feel overlooked, left behind, or considered “outliers.” If you’ve ever felt unseen, unheard, or like no one has been there for you, I want you to know I’m here with you.

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            I identify as a highly sensitive person (HSP), and I understand how sensitivity can feel like both a strength and a struggle. The very trait that once made me feel different has become one of the greatest tools I bring into my work. If you’re curious about what it means to be an HSP, feel free to visit the resources page on my site.

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MY PHILOSOPHY

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     It takes courage to face what’s painful or unresolved. If you’ve survived the darkest moments, you already have strength and resilience within you, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. Your past does not define you, but it can become a source of wisdom and growth.

   

       The work we do together is grounded not just in clinical training, but in lived experience. My commitment to mind-body healing runs deep, and I’m here to help you reconnect with a sense of safety, hope, and possibility.
     

      I get it. I’ve walked it. I’m here, not above you, but beside you.

     

     Therapy isn’t always easy, but it can be life-changing. If you’re ready to begin, I’ll meet you with compassion, insight, and steady support every step of the way.

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BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE​

 

Education

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  • M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University with a specialization in Psychological Trauma Studies

  • Undergraduate degree with a dual concentration in Psychology and Addiction Studies

  • Completion of education with California Association for Drug/Alcohol Educators (CAADE)

 

Experience

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  • Clinical experience includes working in substance-use treatment centers with individuals and their families and facilitating group therapy in residential and intensive outpatient levels of care (The Pointe Malibu, Camden Center)

  • Worked with non-profits and low-cost counseling centers to provide treatment for those who might not have access to mental health care otherwise (Painted Brain and Women's Clinic & Family Counseling Center)

  • Facilitated a year long grief group for individual adults who recently experienced the death of a parent at Our House Grief Support Center

  • Past groups include recovery and relapse-prevention, creative expressions therapy, interpersonal relationships, grief and loss, resourcing, family systems, mindfulness, inner child, and skills from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

 

Professional Trainings

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Associations/Memberships

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  • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)

  • Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles (GPALA)

  • American Association of Pain Psychology (AAPP)

  • Los Angeles Institute & Society for Psychoanalytic Studies (LAISPS)

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Media

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  • InStyle.com

  • The Los Angeles Times

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