Michelle Renee Kobayashi(She/Her/Hers)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
California
Loss, grief, and bereavement-Emotion regulation-Mind-body connection-Values clarification-Perfectionism-
Michelle Renee Kobayashi
Vetted
(She/Her/Hers)
See Michelle Renee's Details for:
Professional statement
Do you need more time to speak your truth? Or maybe explore what your truth is with an expert companion? Michelle Rene is a licensed marriage and family therapist and mindfulness teacher who sees clients in-person in Los Angeles and online anywhere in California.
One of Michelle’s specialties is working with people trying to cope with change and uncertainty or hit with an unexpected tsunami of grief and loss. Many of her clients Many of her clients have found great success in their careers or academically, but struggle to feel connected. Some experience insecurities which may relate to their childhood or other hurtful experiences. They can feel anxious and/or depressed and resort to prioritizing other people’s needs over their own. She loves seeing clients become more confident, happy and capable to meet life's inevitable challenges.
Expect to be met with kindness and a dose of humor. One client described Michelle as, “caring, compassionate, and attentive. She creates a space where I feel safe to be vulnerable.” Another client said, “The most valuable thing I’ve gained from therapy is a calmer state of mind that allows me to step back from depressive spirals and actually take productive steps to help myself out of a funk (or worse).”
Michelle earned a master’s degree from Antioch University, Los Angeles and has been licensed since 2015. Life experience has made her a better therapist – like being married in 1998, and becoming a mom in 2000.
Hanging out with family and friends, swimming, scuba diving and learning new things are some of her favorite things.
Please reach out for a complimentary consultation to assure you find the right fit!
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: 91072Languages
EnglishSpecialties
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
General expertise
Treatment approaches
Clientele
- Adults (24+)
- Seniors (65+)
- Young adults (18-24)
Locations & Hours
My schedule can change from week to week. If you don’t see the best time for you here kindly 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:$225 (50min)
- Sliding scale:$125 - $225
- Initial session:$250 (50min)
Additional session information
Out-of-network billing options
This provider can support you in getting reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Here are the out-of-network billing options they provide:
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.
There are potential privacy issues with using insurance. Not taking insurance allows my clients to have as much privacy as possible.
Therapy is an investment in yourself. My fee ranges from $125 to $225 depending on ability to pay and the frequency of our meetings. Some clients see me every other week or occasionally once a month after getting to know each other and setting goals. Perhaps a class or group is perfect for you.
Client testimonials
"Michelle was wonderful. Very interested and attentive to me and my needs. Very supportive and helpful! Thank you!"
- Zencare client • October 2023Book a Free Initial Consultation
The practice will call you for a free 10 minute phone call to discuss your needs and ensure a match!
This provider has no upcoming call times available.