Anna Stookey, Marriage Counselor in Beverly Hills, 90210

Anna Stookey, MA, MFT, CHt.

Profession(s):
Marriage & Family Therapy, Psychotherapy, Other
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
MFT - MFC 44942

My Approach to Helping

This is a town of many dreams and visions; at times it becomes essential to ask ourselves who we really are and what we need. I frequently help people at crossroads in their lives to find a new path or voice. If you're in crisis, overwhelmed or struggling with a relationship, I can help you move through it, gain insight and perspective, and use it as a rich opportunity for growth. I believe that life can be a profound teacher, even when its lessons feel uncomfortable or shake up our sense of self.

In addition to my work with individuals, I see many couples, helping them move through infidelity, separation and challenging family relationships by listening to each partner's needs and dreams in order to make the best choices moving forward. I deeply believe that all of our relationships are here to teach us and challenge us to grow, even in the worst of times; I keep a fair and balanced eye on how both partners contribute to and can learn from what is going in in the relationship.

I also believe our bodies, if we listen to them, can teach us. I have over twenty years of experience working with the mind and body, first as a massage therapist and now as a licensed psychotherapist with additional certifications in EMDR, medical and clinical hypnosis, and LAISPS certification in the treatment of eating disorders. I work compassionately with trauma, bereavement and body and health issues, helping you find a voice through your experience, as well as giving you the tools you need to make sense of and peace with yourself and whatever you're experiencing. Learning to work with your body instead of against it can move you into a place of empowerment and cooperation; when you finally become more comfortable in your body, you can become more comfortable in your life.

In addition to working in the Beverly Hills office, I have taught classes and workshops with the Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center, Holy Spirit Retreat Center, The Wellness Community and City of Hope Cancer Center as well as A&E;Television and Lifetime Networks. I run a women's support group, a group called 'Love Your Body' to help participants heal the relationship they have with their bodies, and a chronic illness support group.

More Info About My Practice

I believe everyone should be able to get the help they need, when they are moved to get it. I work on a sliding scale and have interns who can also accommodate lower fee clients. I think the psychotherapy process can be one of the most transformative and hopeful journeys we can go on. Through it, we often learn to listen to and respond to our deepest truths, perhaps for the first time in our lives. The result can be quite magical.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

Because of my background as a massage therapist, I have a deep respect for the body and its wisdom. I think sometimes we are carrying feelings and memories in our bodies that we may be acting from without even realizing it. Sometimes I will ask a client what they are feeling or witnessing in their body in the moment, simply because there may be a truth or awareness there that the conscious mind has either blocked out or not gotten to. Learning to feel comfortable in and trusting of our bodies as providers of information can be a part of the process, particularly for clients who may have grown up without the room to know or express what they really feel.

What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist

I am deeply honored to be in this profession and to be a witness and guide. We have so few opportunities in life to reflect on our experiences and therapy creates a sacred space in which to do that. Once we begin to be more of an observer in our lives, we can make choices differently, with more consciousness. We understand better why we do the things we do. Watching someone begin to take the helm of their own life in that way through therapy inspires me and reminds me of that possibility in all of us.

Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist

Some people say that the most important factor in the success of therapy is the therapy relationship itself. I believe it is essential to really listen to yourself as you choose a therapist and make sure that the person you choose really resonates with you, mirrors your truth, and makes you feel seen and understood. I have been surprised to hear from many clients of the therapy relationships they stay in for a long time, even though they were deeply unfulfilled. I always want to work collaboratively with you, the client, to make sure we are staying on track and addressing your deepest needs.