Meet Rachael Reiss, AMFT

Beginning therapy can feel vulnerable and uncertain. I believe it also takes courage. My role is to offer a steady, thoughtful space where you can slow down, make sense of what you're feeling, and begin to understand yourself and your experiences in a deeper way.

I work primarily with women who are used to holding things together, for their partner, their family, their career; while feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of themselves underneath. Often, the people I work with are high-functioning on the outside: capable, accomplished, dependable. But inside, there's a quiet exhaustion, a nagging self-doubt, or a sense that something isn't working anymore. In our work together, we'll gently explore what's happening beneath the surface… the relationship patterns, the perfectionism, the anxiety that never quite lets up and help you move toward a more intentional, grounded way of living and relating.

My style is warm, relational, and emotionally focused. I encourage curiosity, emotional honesty, and thoughtful introspection. Together, we will look at how your past experiences, relationships and traumas shape your present-day reactions, we will dive into your root emotions and go at a pace that feels manageable and supportive for you.

With couples, I draw on an eclectic approach, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and psychodynamic therapy, to help identify the negative cycles that keep you feeling distant from one another. By understanding and sharing the deeper emotions underneath the conflict, couples are often able to reconnect and rebuild a sense of safety and closeness.

Education & Experience

Prior to becoming a therapist, I spent 15 years working in the film and television business. That experience has given me a firsthand understanding of the unique emotional pressures that can come with high-demand careers, public-facing work, and fast-paced industries. It also deepened my interest in how people cope, adapt, and search for meaning during stressful or uncertain times. As a woman, it gave me unique insight into the particular pressure women often face when trying to balance careers, family, and managing it all. 

My own experience in therapy played a meaningful role in my decision to pursue this path. I experienced firsthand how powerful it can be to understand what is driving my thought patterns and feelings, and I want to offer a space to others where they feel equally safe to explore.

I earned my Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University and completed my clinical training at Airport Marina Counseling Service, working with a diverse range of individuals and couples in a community mental health setting.

I grew up in the South Bay and continue to have strong ties to the community. I have been described as empathetic, intentional, and genuine, and I strive to create a collaborative space where you feel supported in reaching your goals.