Sue Mandel is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a Ph.D. in clinical child psychology. She has been in private private practice in Los Angeles for over 25 years seeing adults, couples, parents, and children. Sue has an integrated theoretical and clinical approach to therapy, but focuses primarily on relational psychology and attachment theory. Integral to her belief in ongoing learning, Sue was part of a study group for two years with Attachment theorist and pioneer researcher Allan Schore, Ph.D., and continues her post-doctoral learning in numerous areas of her profession.

“As your psychotherapist I am aware of your vulnerability and how hard it is to take the first step and make that call. But when you do, you'll find a warm, compassionate person on the other end who listens and strives to hear what you need. My goal is for us to identify and understand the problems you’re struggling with, then work collaboratively to resolve these issues for a more satisfying life. Oftentimes we don't know what drives us to think, feel, or act in particular ways. We wind up in great emotional and physical pain,and making poor choices that leave us miserable."

"We know from neuroscience that there is a powerful connection between mind and body. There are many important aspects to therapy, some of which are exploring early experiences to better understand current issues and relationship difficulties; developing more flexibility; practicing new behaviors; and finding novel approaches to thinking about and solving problems. Right now you may believe that this is "just the way you are", or that your situation is too complicated to even untangle. While this is your feeling, it's not the way it has to be; let's chat briefly and come up with other options to try."

Private Practice

Dr. Mandel is a licensed marriage and family therapist (mft 22333) and holds a Ph.D. in clinical child psychology. She has a psychodynamic and relational orientation to therapy. She utilizes cognitive-behavioral techniques and mindfulness practices, and incorporates coaching when it best meets your needs and situation.