About Me
Charlotte Kay, LMFT
(she/her)
About Charlotte Kay – Psychotherapy
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (MFC 82224; [my license can be verified here]) with over 15 years of direct clinical experience working with the diverse population of Los Angeles, both in-person at my Silver Lake practice and online. Read what others are saying about my practice here. My work is informed by over 15 years of mindfulness meditation, 20 years of practicing and studying yoga, and more than 20 years of studying the human mind and body. I bring compassion, empathy, and an analytical mindset to help my clients navigate life’s challenges with warmth, sensitivity, transparency, accountability, and humor. Beyond clinical work, I’m committed to ongoing education and staying current with developments in psychology and wellness. I see therapy as a place for clients to not only heal but also rediscover parts of themselves that may have been overshadowed by stress or trauma. Outside of therapy, I find inspiration in nature, creativity, and the wisdom we can gain from everyday experiences.
Approach
As a trauma-informed somatic psychotherapist, my approach is holistic and relational. Clients often describe me as open, genuine, trustworthy, and supportive. I integrate various traditions, psychological theories, and methods, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach. Using a diverse range of tools and modalities, I aim to be fully present and committed to each client’s unique needs, helping them rediscover or learn what works best for them.
Client Focus
I offer culturally inclusive, affirming counseling for individuals, couples, and families, embracing all identities, including LGBTQ+ and non-traditional lifestyles. I am also sex-positive. My clients include artists, professionals, healers, students, parents, and fellow mental health providers. I enjoy working with people across all generations, from young adults to elders, recognizing that each stage of life brings its own unique challenges and opportunities for growth. I am committed to continuous self-work and learning, which allows me to better understand those who choose to work with me. I also strive to address systemic issues like patriarchy, toxic capitalism, racism, and white supremacy. I encourage open dialogue about how different forms of oppression can shape the reasons we seek therapy.
Qualifications & Background
I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental, Population & Organismic Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. After graduating, I returned to Los Angeles, where I began a career in environmental preservation while also exploring yoga and therapy. My yoga practice deepened my interest in the mind-body connection, leading me to certifications in both yoga (RYT-200) and massage therapy, though neither became my vocational calling. Encouraged by friends who recognized my potential, I pursued a career in therapy. During my graduate studies, I immersed myself in learning a form of mindfulness taught by Shinzen Young, whose work draws from classical Buddhist practices like Vipassana and incorporates neuroscience. This practice transformed both my personal outlook and my commitment to the healing arts. In 2010, I earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute.
Philosophy & Inspirations
The convergence of my studies has shaped my approach on both macro and micro levels. I guide clients in exploring their inner depths, nurturing creativity, and building emotional resilience. I am deeply dedicated to helping others tap into their innate ability to reduce suffering, heal, and grow. Supporting clients as they become more vital and authentic versions of themselves is what fuels my passion for this work.
Professional Affiliations