Profile image of Michelle Renee  Kobayashi
Vetted

Michelle Renee Kobayashi(She/Her/Hers)

(She/Her/Hers)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
California
Loss, grief, and bereavement-Emotion regulation-Mind-body connection-Values clarification-Perfectionism-
AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & FeesTestimonials

Professional statement

Michelle R. Kobayashi is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Mindfulness Coach who sees clients online anywhere in California and in-person at The ROWDTLA in Los Angeles. She enjoys working with adults who want to feel more comfortable with who they are and less intimidated by other people’s judgments, opinions and expectations.

One of Michelle’s specialties is working with people hit with a tsunami of grief like the loss of a loved one, a romantic partnership or big life transition like starting or graduating college, loss of income, becoming a parent or adjusting to an empty nest. Many of Michelle’s clients suffer from a harsh inner critic and have difficulty trusting people and enjoying intimacy. Another specialty is guiding people who experience insecurities which may directly relate to their childhood or other hurtful experiences they haven’t been able to process alone. They can feel anxious and/or depressed and resort to prioritizing other people’s needs over their own, leaving them feeling drained and resentful.

Michelle sees strengthening emotional balance, having more fun, and connection as foundational to everyone's well-being. Clients learn how to replace mean, untrue and defeating self-judgments, instead replacing them with increasingly kind self-support. Expect to collaborate and practice new skills between sessions. Michelle creates an atmosphere in sessions that feels calm, upbeat and engaging.

Michelle earned a Master’s degree from Antioch University and has been licensed since 2015. Life experience like being married since 1998, a mom since 2000, has deepened her understanding and compassion for the challenges of being human. In her free time Michelle enjoys spending time with family and friends, swimming and learning new things.


Message to clients

You are welcome to reach out for a 10 to 20 minute phone or video meeting at no charge. It’s a time to get to know each other.

If we decide to work together you set the goal(s). We may explore what brings you joy and how you get stuck. That will help us clarify what you want for yourself and a direction for our work together.

None of us can change the past, but it is possible not to be driven by it. Science has shown we can make new choices that lead to a more enjoyable life.


Work and Education

Years of Experience: 14 years

Self, Singin’ In The Rain Therapy, 2016 - Present
The Gathering Place (Bereavement Program), Grief Group Facilitator and Individual Therapist, 2012 - 2020
Pacific MFT Network, Primary Therapist, 2016 - 2016
Cancer Support Community, Clinical Intern followed by employment as Therapist and Group Facilitator , 2010 - 2013
Jewish Family & Children’s Services, Elementary School Counselor, Grief and Mindfulness Group Facilitator & Individual Therapist, 2012 - 2013
Shambhala Meditation Center of Los Angeles, Present Parenting Group Founder & Facilitator, 2009 - 2012
South Bay Human Service Center (severe substance abuse), MFT Clinical Trainee, 2008 - 2009
Self, Mom’s Listening Circle Founder & Facilitator (new mom support), 2000 - 2009

Antioch University, Los Angeles, Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Applied Community Psychology, 2011

Licensure

California: 91072

Languages

English

Specialties

Loss, grief, and bereavement - Emotionally preparing for the anticipated passing of a loved one; managing feelings and reactions to a death or loss of significance; support during the process of healing and acceptance

Emotion regulation - Learning how to effectively manage the ups and downs of intense emotions; developing coping skills to use in a variety of settings to calm oneself and to give an appropriate amount of space to emotions

Mind-body connection - Practicing mindfulness to draw together how the body feels physically and how the mind feels mentally; healing both physically and mentally

Values clarification - Exploring one’s values, including their origins and how they impact daily decision-making and behaviors; making life changes according to these values and living a life aligned to one’s values

Perfectionism - Coping with feelings of anxiety, stress, self-criticism, and procrastination; addressing unrealistic expectations of one’s self and negatively comparing self to others




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Seniors (65+)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Locations & Hours

My schedule usually changes from week to week. I can often be flexible. If you don’t see the best time for you here just check with me in case I haven’t had a chance to update my availability.


Insurance

Michelle Renee Kobayashi is not in-network with any insurances.

Read about the benefits of seeing an out-of-network provider here.


Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$150 (50min)
  • Sliding scale:$75 - $150
  • Initial session:$170 (50min)
  • Group sessions:$25 (90min)
  • Mindfulness Coaching:$50 (25min)
  • Mindfulness Coaching:$75 (50min)

Additional session information

Payment options
  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
  • Zelle
Session frequency

Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.

  • Weekly
  • Monthly
  • Every other week
  • Every other month
  • Multiple times a week
  • As needed
Therapist's note

It’s important to me that my clients can continue therapy as long as they feel it’s beneficial.

That's why I charge a much lower fee than many of my peers with comparable experience and training, especially the one's taking insurance. There are potential privacy issues with using insurance. Not taking insurance allows my clients to have as much privacy as possible.

We can talk about what you can comfortably afford for individual therapy, I follow the honor system. Clients tell me what they can afford on a consistent bases. My fee ranges from $75 to $150 to $225 depending on ability to pay and the frequency of our meetings. I keep two $75 sliding scale spots which become available from time to time. or perhaps a class or group is perfect for you. Mindfulness teaching and coaching is less.


Client testimonials

"Michelle was wonderful. Very interested and attentive to me and my needs. Very supportive and helpful! Thank you!"
- Zencare client October 2023

Book a Free Initial Consultation

The practice will call you for a free 10min phone call to discuss your needs and ensure a match!

This provider has no upcoming call times available.