Samer Fawaz, M.A., LMFT #149147

Long Term Partnerships   As humans, we are wired for connection. Navigating a healthy, fulfilling long-term relationship is challenging and requires all parties to be willing to grow emotionally. As someone who believes in and supports a diversity of relational styles including monogamous, ethically non-monogamous, polyamorous, etc. we can work together to  help you craft the right communication skills for whatever type of relationship you are developing with your partner or partners. I believe the most essential piece for a thriving union is direct, honest, and kind communication between individuals. Recognizing that we live in a world with a vast range of gender identities and sexualities—including queer, gay and lesbian, bisexual, asexual, and straight—I am invested in helping you identify the specific issues you will need to address in order to achieve a more well-rounded partnership. Together we will determine and implement the tools necessary to cultivate an open and connected dialogue within your relationship. These skills will allow you to generatively deal with topics like sex, ethical non-monogamy, finances, children, and careers (to name a few).   LGBTQ+ Issues -- Gay Men   As a gay man living in Los Angeles for over twenty years, I have experienced the challenges of cultivating and maintaining a genuine sense of self while being bombarded with body image issues, homophobia, gay shame, and the hyper-sexualized competitive nature of the gay community. As gay men, our sexual currency can sometimes become the focus of how we see and place value on ourselves. This can lead to addiction, self-loathing cycles, self-harm, anxiety, and depression. I am passionate about helping you dismantle what society, and the gay community has led you to believe about yourself. Together, we will get to the root of what makes you feel centered, authentic, and grounded. I am highly invested in creating a judgment-free space for you to feel safe to talk about anything you feel is relevant to your growth.   Entertainment Professionals Performers Talent   The entertainment industry is a particularly challenging business to navigate and thrive in. The intense competitiveness and the premium placed on notoriety, fame and money contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety and low self-worth. In my previous career, I worked as an agent and subsequently an agency owner. This experience has given me the insight to deeply understand the constant pressure we put on ourselves to be “successful” for the sake of external validation and financial gain despite our mental well-being. I know what it’s like to achieve a version of “success” that was supposed to make me happy but, in fact, left me miserable and purposeless. If you find that you are getting in the way of your own growth because of the intensity and ruthlessness of the entertainment industry, we can work to identify what is at play and help you find the right path for you. Together we will redefine your definition of success and how that can be implemented to take your career to the next level.