Anxiety Therapist Los Angeles- Questions to ask a therapist?
Anxiety Therapist Los Angeles - Your Road to Healing
You start googling and scrolling through therapy directories, searching for an “anxiety therapist Los Angeles” and suddenly realize something—there are so many therapists. It’s starts to feel overwhelming. You don’t even know what to look for, let alone what to ask. As you sift through all the options, you keep thinking: “Who will be the right person to trust with my anxiety?”
Los Angeles is a huge, diverse city with endless possibilities. And while diversity is amazing, it also means that your search for the right Los Angeles Anxiety Therapist can feel daunting. It's important to find someone you feel comfortable with, someone you trust, and someone you can really open up to.
But how do you even start?
What are the key things to look for?
What are the questions you need to ask to make sure you’re heading in the right direction?
I’ve been where you are—searching endlessly for a Los Angeles Anxiety Therapist, wondering if I was making the right choice, doubting if therapy was even the right step. And as a therapist myself, I know how important it is to make an informed decision. I also know how easy it is to get stuck, frustrated, and feel like you're wasting precious time. So, let me share some insights from my own personal journey, along with a few tips that could help you fast-track your process of finding the best therapist for you.
Whether you’re looking for therapy for anxiety, struggling with toxic relationships, or dealing with people-pleasing tendencies, the right Los Angeles Anxiety Therapist can help you get where you want to be. Below, I’ve outlined a few essential questions to ask, along with some insights about what to look for in a therapist that will make you feel supported, validated, and empowered to heal. Whether your path to healing is through private pay or insurance (you can always ask for a transfer!).
Anxiety Therapist Los Angeles - Questions to ask a therapist?
Sharing what I have learned with my own personal journey in finding a therapist and being a therapist myself. I hope I can help you not lose the months and years like I did in your healing journey. Honestly, who has the time to add that stress on top of everything! You can use a couple of these questions below to guide you towards the direction of the right therapist for you, whether through private pay or insurance (you can always ask for a transfer!) . Trust me, we LOVE answering questions about our process and we want you as a client to feel like we are the right fit for you! No amount of questions feels like too much!
Question #1 - How would you describe your therapy style?
One of the first things you’ll want to know is what kind of approach your potential therapist takes. Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience, so finding a style that resonates with you is crucial.
Some therapists are more structured, following strict protocols, while others may have a more flexible and collaborative style. I, for example, have a collaborative approach. My goal is not to lead the process from the front but to walk alongside you. I believe that therapy is a partnership—your healing journey is led by you. I’m here to provide the right tools and techniques, but I also want you to feel like you have a say in the direction we go.
If you're someone who needs structure, consistency, and a clear direction, then you might feel more comfortable with a therapist who is more directive. But if you prefer a more relaxed, open-ended approach, then working with someone like me—who allows flexibility in the session and sometimes deviates from the agenda—might be more your style.
Make sure you ask about how often the therapist would want to meet. For some people, weekly sessions are essential to feeling like they’re making progress. For others, biweekly might feel more comfortable. Either way, you should feel like you can have an open conversation about your expectations from the get-go.
Question #2: Do you have experience working with anxiety?
This might seem like an obvious question, but it’s a critical one. It’s important to know that the therapist you’re considering has real, hands-on experience working with anxiety—especially the type of anxiety you’re struggling with.
I specialize in working with anxiety and have years of experience helping clients who are dealing with everything from generalized anxiety to specific forms of anxiety related to toxic relationships, people-pleasing, or emotional vulnerability. Understanding your anxiety—what triggers it, how it shows up, and how it impacts your life—is a huge part of the healing process.
When talking to a therapist, ask them about their experience and success stories working with anxiety. You want someone who understands the nuances of anxiety and can give you concrete strategies for dealing with it. A therapist who is experienced in managing anxiety can offer you the best tools to help you cope.
If you’re dealing with anxiety related to a specific area—such as toxic relationships, emotional vulnerability, or people-pleasing—you’ll want to ask if the therapist has experience in those areas as well. I work with clients who are struggling with the complex emotions that come from toxic relationships or the pressure of people-pleasing. These areas often intersect with anxiety, and having a therapist who understands that dynamic can make all the difference. You can read more about my experience with toxic relationships here and people-pleasing here.
Question #3: How do you help clients who come in for anxiety?
Once you’ve established that the therapist has experience working with anxiety, the next question is about how they help clients. What methods or techniques do they use? How will they approach your anxiety?
This question gives you the chance to gauge whether their approach aligns with your personal needs. Some therapists may rely heavily on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is evidence-based and focuses on challenging negative thought patterns. Others may lean into mindfulness techniques, meditation, or holistic approaches to tackle the body-mind connection in anxiety.
For me, my work often combines elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Attachment Theory along with a deeper exploration of how the past impacts the present. I also work through an intersectional lens, which means that I take into account how factors like culture, race, gender, and sexuality can affect your anxiety and overall mental health.
I’ll also use tools like worksheets, journal prompts, meditation exercises, and mindfulness practices, but I always make sure that you’re comfortable with the tools I introduce. Therapy isn’t just about using techniques; it’s about creating a safe and open space for you to explore, understand, and grow. If something doesn’t resonate with you, we can work together to find what works best for you.
Question #4: Do you work from a cultural sensitive/ LGBTQ+ affirmative/ intersectional/ religious/holistic lens with anxiety?
Another important question to ask is whether the therapist works from a cultural-sensitive, LGBTQ+ affirmative, or intersectional lens. This is particularly important if these aspects of your identity are central to your anxiety or how it manifests in your life. A therapist who is attuned to these factors can help you feel more seen and heard in your sessions.
If you are someone who identifies as part of a marginalized community—whether LGBTQ+, BIPOC, or another group—it’s essential that your therapist understands the unique challenges you face. For instance, I specialize in working with first-generation BIPOC individuals and LGBTQ+ folx. I bring an understanding of how your background, identity, and lived experiences shape your anxiety and relationships. This awareness helps us work together in a more meaningful, connected way.
When you’re looking for an anxiety therapist, consider asking if the therapist has experience with cultural sensitivity and if they have a solid understanding of how cultural and identity-based factors affect mental health. This can create a deeper, more authentic therapeutic relationship and lead to better outcomes.
Question #5: What’s Your Experience with Toxic Relationships and People-Pleasing?
As mentioned earlier, anxiety often doesn’t exist in isolation. It often connects to other aspects of life, especially when it comes to relationships. Are you feeling anxious because of toxic relationships in your life? Or perhaps because you're constantly trying to please others, even at the expense of your own well-being? Or the struggle of emotional intimacy? These issues can be at the core of your anxiety, and finding a therapist who specializes in those areas can help you address the root causes of your stress.
I have worked extensively with clients who are struggling with the impact of toxic relationships, guilt/shame, and people-pleasing behaviors. These dynamics often exacerbate feelings of anxiety and create cycles of stress that are hard to break. If you're someone who finds it difficult to say "no" to others, or you feel trapped in relationships that drain your energy, it’s essential to work with a therapist who understands this pattern and can help you break free from it. You can read more about my work with toxic relationships here and people-pleasing here.
Anxiety Therapist Los Angeles - Ready to take control of your therapy journey?
If you’ve read this far, you’re already doing an amazing job taking steps to prioritize your mental health! Finding the right Los Angeles Anxiety Therapist may take some time, but it’s worth the effort. The right therapist will not only help you manage your anxiety but will also empower you to heal from toxic relationships and overcome the challenges of people-pleasing.
If you're feeling ready to take the next step in your healing journey, I’d be happy to offer a free 15-minute phone consultation.During this call, we’ll talk about your unique struggles and I’ll help guide you toward the right resources and support. I know this process can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to go through it alone.
Call me at (323) 493-6644 for a free consultation today or book a session with me here.
Wishing you peace and clarity on your journey to finding the right therapist—and the healing you deserve.
Ligia Orellana, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Ligia Orellana LMFT 122659 Anxiety Therapist Los Angeles, California
