Healing that is

deep,

authentic,

& transformative.

Bethami is wearing a teal sweater and jeans while sitting  with her legs crossed and one elbow propped on the arm of the outdoor couch on which she is sitting. Bethami is looking at the camera directly and smiling.

Hi! I’m Bethami Lawson - a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over fifteen years of experience as a psychotherapist helping creative, high-achieving, and introspective individuals navigate life’s complexities.

Therapy with me isn’t about surface-level fixes or endless talking in circles. It’s about getting to the root of what’s keeping things stuck, making space for overwhelming emotions, and learning how to move through life with more clarity, connection and self-trust.

More often than not, the patterns that hold us back today were once brilliant survival strategies - coping mechanisms that got us through tough times. But when they start keeping you from the life you want, it’s time to approach them with curiosity - not judgment. I’ll help you recognize those patterns and develop new ones that align with your goals.

I work with thoughtful, deep-feeling, high-achieving people (children, teens and adults) who are often their own harshest critics. Many of my clients struggle with anxiety/panic, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, and/or major life transitions. Maybe you’re exhausted from keeping it all together, stuck in the same frustrating patterns, or feeling disconnected from yourself. Or maybe you don’t even know what’s wrong - just that something needs to change. My role is to guide you through this process with curiosity, compassion, and active engagement - so therapy isn’t just a conversation, but a space for real transformation.

Perhaps you’re a parent watching your child struggle with emotions, relationships, or confidence - unsure of how to help. It can feel overwhelming not knowing what they need. Therapy provides a space where they feel heard, understood, and empowered - while also helping you feel more supported in your role as a caregiver.

Bethami is wearing a jean jacket, black t-shirt and deep aubergine-colored velvet pants. She is wearing glasses with black, rectangular frames. She is holding a blue and white mug of coffee and smiling directly at the camera.

About Me

I’m Bethami Lawson (she/her)—pronounced like “Bethany,” but with an “m.” I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over fifteen years of experience helping children and adults as a psychotherapist. I’m a cisgender, heterosexual, Jewish woman. Being cisgender, heterosexual, and white-presenting has afforded me privilege that I acknowledge. At the same time, as a Jewish woman, my whiteness is conditional - granted in some spaces while denied in others - shaped by history, society, and context.

Before becoming a therapist, I worked as an early childhood educator and pursued acting - both of which deepened my appreciation for human connection, creativity, and the stories we tell ourselves. I earned both my BA in Psychology and my MSW at UCLA, specializing in Mental Health and School Social Work.

I value authenticity, creativity, and deep human connection. Therapy should be a space where you feel seen, supported, and able to bring all of yourself - without judgment. I bring warmth, curiosity, and humor into my work because healing is serious, but it doesn’t always have to feel heavy.

While I offer guidance, I trust that you are the expert in your own life. Together, we’ll explore what’s keeping you stuck and create meaningful, lasting change.

Affiliations

Certified Professional Telemental Health Provider [CTMH] Badge from Evergreen Certifications
WPATH - World Professional Association for Transgender Health Logo - Member badge
CAMFT - California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Membership Badge
Triple P - Positive Parenting Program Provider Badge
Gottman Relationship Check-up Approved Member Badge
NASW - National Association of Social Workers - California Chapter - member badge
UCLA Alumni member badge
Bethami wearing jeans and an orange shirt while sitting on an outdoor couch and holding a blue and white mug of coffee. Bethami is smiling and looking off to the side towards the person with whom she is speaking.

Working with me

I take a collaborative, integrative approach—active, engaged, and tailored to each individual. I draw from psychodynamic therapy, EFT, EMDR, CBT, TF-CBT, and mindfulness to help uncover the roots of emotional distress and build a more connected, fulfilling life. My work is always grounded in attachment and attachment theory, because the way we relate to one another shapes everything.

I also recognize that healing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Systemic oppression, intergenerational trauma, and cultural identity all play a role. I am affirming of all gender identities, expressions, and sexual orientations.

With children, I incorporate play therapy, art therapy, and sand tray therapy, using creative expression as a natural way for them to explore emotions and develop coping skills.

With teens, I create a space where they can safely express themselves while navigating growing independence. Confidentiality is key to fostering trust, so while I work within legal and ethical guidelines, I strive to create an environment where teens feel they can speak freely. I also help teens and families balance autonomy and connection, strengthening relationships while respecting developmental needs.

With couples, I utilize Gottman Method Couples Therapy and Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy. Both are attachment-oriented, research-based modalities that aim to improve communication, deepen emotional connection, and create lasting relationship change.

Across all ages, therapy is a space to examine old patterns, process painful experiences, and build healthier ways of relating. When emotions feel overwhelming, the focus is on regulation skills and emotional clarity. When relationships feel strained, the work centers on breaking unhelpful cycles and fostering deeper connection.

The Power of a

Strong Therapeutic

Relationship

Healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in relationships, and the connection between therapist and client is one of the most important parts of the process. Research shows that therapeutic fit—feeling safe, understood, and truly seen—is a key factor in healing and growth.

That’s why I approach therapy as a collaborative relationship rather than a one-size-fits-all process. I work to create a space where you feel met exactly as you are, with warmth, curiosity, and zero judgment. When therapy feels like a genuine, supportive relationship, deep change can happen. If it seems like we’d be a good fit, I’d love to support you in this process.

Bethami hugging her goldendoodle, Sigmund (AKA Siggy). Bethami is smiling towards him and Siggy is sticking his tongue out.
  • Blond, caucasian child (gender unclear) who is making a heart shape from their hands that frames one of their eyes. Image credit unknown. Reach out for credit.

    Child Therapy

    Children face unique challenges as they grow, and therapy provides a safe, supportive space to help them navigate emotions, relationships, and life transitions. Using a warm, relational approach that incorporates play and art therapy, I help children process their feelings, build resilience, develop coping skills, and strengthen connections with family and peers.

  • Person wearing a black sweatshirt, blue jeans and sneakers. They are fidgeting with their hands on the cuff of the sweatshirt as teens sometimes do. Their face is not visible. From their hands they appear Caucasian, but their gender is ambiguous.

    Teen Therapy

    Adolescence is a time of self-discovery, increasing independence, and complex emotions. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where teens can navigate stress, relationships, identity, and mental health challenges while building confidence and resilience.

  • Individual sitting facing outward in silhouette at the base of a heart-shaped cave. They are looking out at a mountainous region in hues of blue-greys. Image credit unknown. Contact for credit.

    Individual Adult Therapy

    Whether you're facing life transitions, relationship struggles, or emotional challenges, therapy offers a space for growth and healing. I provide a compassionate, evidence-based approach to help you gain insight, build resilience, and create meaningful change.

  • Hands of a person with the fingers brought together in a downward V-shape holding a heart-shaped tangle of illuminated fairy lights at dusk. The person's sweater cuffs are visible in the frame. Image credit unknown. Contact for credit.

    Couples/Family Therapy

    Relationships can be both deeply fulfilling and incredibly challenging. I provide a supportive space to help couples and families improve communication, strengthen connections, and navigate conflicts with greater understanding and care.

FAQ

You don’t have to do this alone.

If you’re ready to step into a more fulfilling, connected, and empowered life - let’s take that step together.

Reach out to schedule a consultation. I’d love to support you on your journey.

Your healing starts here.

Let’s talk!

Interested in working together?

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I can't wait to hear from you!