Flavia MacMenamin, AMFT

Psychotherapist Associate (she/her)

West Los Angeles & Online

I am a psychotherapist who takes a psychodynamic, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approach to support meaningful change and emotional growth. My work draws from psychoanalytic and somatic therapies, and I integrate tools from attachment theory, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), and internal family systems (IFS). Central to my approach is the belief that the client-therapist relationship is the cornerstone of effective treatment.

By fostering a secure, empathetic, and collaborative therapeutic alliance, I create a safe and supportive space where clients can explore deep-seated emotions, relational dynamics, and unconscious patterns. 

I work with individuals, couples, and families on a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, and relationship struggles. I work extensively with couples, helping partners deepen connection, navigate conflict, and strengthen emotional bonds. I also offer support to families navigating challenges like divorce, parenting, and blended family dynamics. I strive to create an inclusive and affirming space for all clients and offer therapy in both English and Portuguese.

I have Masters Degrees in Clinical Psychology and Economics, and am currently pursuing specializations in Somatic Experiencing (SEP Beginning Level) and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy.

Prior to my work as a therapist, I worked in economic consulting in New York and Los Angeles. In my free time, I enjoy being in nature and spending quality time with my family.

Training & Background

  • MA, Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University

  • MA, Economics from Clemson University

  • BS, Economics from Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro

  • LAISPS One-Year Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Program—Currently enrolled

  • Psychodynamic supervision and training at Maple Counseling

  • Somatic Experiencing Practitioner Training (SEI), Beginner 1—Currently enrolled in 3-year SEP program

Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #146051
Supervised by: Steven Bradshaw, LMFT #136584

Treatment Approach

Psychotherapy is a great tool to help you understand yourself at a deeper level, find purpose in your life, and address obstacles that are hindering you from reaching your goals. The result is a more integrated self, enabling you to achieve more satisfying ways to live and foster healthy and fulfilling relationships with people in your life.

In addition to my relational approach, I teach practices that support your nervous system to move toward regulation, or homeostatic balance. These practices teach you how to be with challenging sensations without bracing to allow energy to shift and release, rather than accumulating in your body. Over time, your window of tolerance expands so that your nervous system naturally spends more time in parasympathetic, or “rest and digest,” even as you move through the world .

In the process, I help you to unburden the original traumas that live on as hypersensitivity to threat. To do this, we need to meet and befriend the protective parts that over or under react to present situations. With more understanding and acceptance, these parts calm down and start to work together as a team, helping you to become more responsive and vital.

I help you build a personalized tool-kit to manage your symptoms going forward. When you stop fearing your symptoms they lose power over you and they begin to fade. Clients often report forgetting about symptoms as their life comes back into the foreground.

Somatic Therapy helps to discharge Survival Energy and Reduce Chronic Symptoms such as Pain & Discomfort

Services and Fees

I offer in-person and online sessions for:

  • Individuals $200 (50-minute session)

  • Couples $250 (50-minute session)

  • Adolescents & Teens $200 (50-minute session)

Feel free to ask if sliding scale is available.