Many adults with gifted or high-ability traits find that their unique needs and challenges can be difficult to address in typical therapy settings.
Therapists who understand giftedness can help adults in Santa Monica, CA find the support and guidance they need to reach their potential and improve well-being.
Finding the right counselor or therapist can make a significant difference in how gifted adults manage relationships, work, and daily life.
This article explores the topic of therapy options for gifted adults living in the Santa Monica area.
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1) Lynne Azpeitia – specializes in gifted, talented, and creative adults in Santa Monica
Lynne Azpeitia is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Santa Monica.
She works with gifted, talented, and creative adults, as well as couples and families.
Her practice includes coaching, psychotherapy, and consultation for people across the lifespan.
Lynne provides services in person and also works with clients internationally.
She offers support for areas such as life transitions, relationships, and stress.
Learn more about Lynne Azpeitia at Gifted, Talented & Creative Adults and Psychology Today.
2) Ira Israel – experienced psychotherapist with a focus on adult giftedness
Ira Israel is a psychotherapist based in Santa Monica, CA.
He has over 15 years of experience helping adults work through life challenges.
He is known for his compassionate approach and insight into issues faced by gifted adults.
Clients often seek him for support with anxiety, depression, or creativity.
Ira offers in-person counseling and accepts several insurance plans.
More details can be found on his official website, Psychology Today profile, and Zocdoc listing.
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Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 24 hours.
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✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers
3) Dr. Beth Levy, Ph.D. – consultant for gifted families and cognitive evaluations
Dr. Beth Levy is a psychologist located in Santa Monica.
She specializes in cognitive and IQ testing for both children and adults.
Her practice focuses on evaluations, assessments, and support for those with advanced abilities or giftedness.
She works with families seeking advice on educational planning and emotional support for gifted individuals.
Dr. Levy also consults for several schools and programs in the area.
Learn more at Dr. Beth Levy’s official website, or on her Institute for Educational Advancement profile.
4) Lena Dicken, PsyD – therapist focused on individual therapy in Santa Monica
Lena Dicken, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Santa Monica, CA.
She specializes in individual therapy and works with a variety of clients, including gifted adults.
Dr. Dicken uses an integrative approach.
Her methods include psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and mindfulness-based therapies.
She offers therapy in a confidential and supportive setting.
Find more information at her professional website and her Psychology Today profile.
5) Beth Kadlec, MA, LCSW – skilled in counseling gifted adults and families
Beth Kadlec, MA, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker based in Santa Monica.
She offers therapy for adults and families who face challenges related to being gifted. Her approach is personal and supportive.
Beth Kadlec helps clients through life transitions, stress, relationship issues, and personal growth.
She provides both in-person and telehealth sessions.
Learn more about her background and services at her official website and her Psychology Today profile.
6) Gifted, Talented & Creative Adult Phone Coaching with Lynne Azpeitia
Lynne Azpeitia offers phone coaching to gifted, talented, and creative adults in Santa Monica, CA.
Individuals can talk with her by phone for help with life challenges, relationships, and personal growth.
Phone sessions make it easy for busy adults to get support from home or work.
Lynne’s coaching style is based on understanding the unique needs of gifted adults.
Learn more about her services at Gifted-Adults.com and High Ability.
7) Marriage & Family Therapy by Lynne Azpeitia tailored for gifted adults
Lynne Azpeitia is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Santa Monica, CA.
She specializes in working with gifted, talented, and creative adults.
Her approach focuses on individual, couple, and family therapy.
Lynne helps clients address unique challenges that gifted adults may face.
Learn more about her services at Lynne Azpeitia’s official website and Psychology Today profile.
8) Local & international coaching services for gifted adults by Lynne Azpeitia
Lynne Azpeitia offers coaching services for gifted adults both in Santa Monica and worldwide.
She provides support for adults facing challenges related to their unique talents and creativity.
Her clients can choose between phone or video sessions to suit their needs.
These flexible options allow more people to access help from different locations.
Learn more about her services at Gifted, Talented & Creative Adults and Counseling for Gifted Adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gifted adults often seek therapy to address unique needs relating to their thinking style, emotions, and life challenges.
Specialized therapists can help gifted adults better understand themselves and find ways to use their strengths effectively.
What are common challenges faced by gifted adults in therapy?
Gifted adults may struggle with feeling misunderstood by therapists who are not familiar with their unique thought patterns or intensity.
They might also have high expectations for themselves and others, experience boredom, or feel isolated.
Emotional sensitivity and perfectionism are also common challenges.
How can therapy help underachieving gifted adults?
Therapy can help by identifying barriers such as self-doubt, anxiety, or past negative experiences.
Counselors guide gifted adults in building confidence, developing realistic goals, and exploring new ways to handle frustration or setbacks.
Specialized therapists can offer support that is tailored to the gifted adult’s experiences.
Where can I find specialized therapists for gifted adults in the Santa Monica area?
Santa Monica has several professionals with experience in supporting gifted adults.
For example, Lynne Azpeitia and Beth Kadlec both focus on clients who are gifted or highly creative.
To explore more options or find therapists who address gifted or talented issues, consider searching therapy directories for Santa Monica gifted issues therapists.
What symptoms indicate that an adult may be gifted and in need of specialized therapy?
A gifted adult might notice a strong drive to learn, deep curiosity, or intense emotions.
Other signs include feeling out of place among peers, experiencing boredom with routine tasks, or difficulty connecting with others on an intellectual level.
Persistent frustration, loneliness, or the sense that “something is missing” also may signal a need for specialized support.
How does one go about testing for giftedness in adults?
A psychologist or therapist trained in cognitive assessment can offer testing for giftedness.
This may involve standardized IQ tests and evaluations of cognitive abilities.
Professionals such as Dr. Beth Levy, Ph.D., provide cognitive evaluations for adults who want to better understand their abilities and needs.
Are there any organizations in Santa Monica that provide resources for gifted adults seeking therapy?
Some therapists in Santa Monica, such as those mentioned above, provide both therapy and consultation for gifted adults.
Resources can also be found through organizations and therapists who specialize in working with the gifted community, like those listed on Counseling, Therapy for Gifted Adults in Santa Monica.
These resources offer support, workshops, and referral services tailored to gifted and talented individuals.
