About Ritu
“The most fundamental aggression to ourselves, the most fundamental harm we can do to ourselves, is to remain ignorant by not having the courage and the respect to look at ourselves honestly and gently.”
I've always had a reverence for people and a curiosity for how the interpretation of our experiences shape our mental framework, our relationship with others, and our view of the world around us. I believe that innate within us is the capacity to operate from our higher self that sometimes loses the battle to our defenses when they are in overdrive. I believe that emotional evolution comes from a willingness to renegotiate our life’s terms in the wake of what happens to us.
Developmental trauma and PTSD, as well as other anxiety-related disorders
Mood Dysregulation
Bi-polar
Depression
ADHD
Grief
Personality disorders
Multicultural issues
Life transitions/crisis
Background and Specialties
I have extensive experience working with a wide range of conditions including:
Low self-esteem and self-worth issues
LGBTQ+ population (particularly, coming out and splitting off from oppressive cultural and religious norms)
Creative blocks
Vocational distress
Spiritual/religious confusion
Couple and family distress
Renegotiating life after loss
Education and Credentials
I completed my bachelors in Liberal Arts from Sarah Lawrence College and received my M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and University Massachusetts Global. I received my license in Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT #148554) from the California Behavioral Board of Sciences. I have comprehensive training in psychodynamic therapies and am certified in EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and Somatic modalities. To see qualifications, please visit:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/ritu-lal-studio-city-ca/1376574
Commitment to my Clients
I am committed to culturally-competent, fully-inclusive psychotherapy and approach my clients with care, sensitivity, and respect for their unique identities.