THERAPY AND DIVERSITY
At Oliver Drakeford Therapy, our primary objective is to facilitate your journey towards self-awareness, where you can gain insights into your personal history, identify recurring life patterns, address internal conflicts, and ultimately lead an authentic life.
Our team consists of skilled therapists, and our client base is both diverse and extensive. Many individuals seek our assistance for various transitional life challenges, such as managing anxiety, coping with depression, addressing substance use disorders, and parent coaching.
Training and supervision at Oliver Drakeford Therapy is provided from a psychodynamic perspective for individual clients and through a family systems lens for families and couples. Psychodynamic supervision is a process in psychotherapy where an experienced supervisor helps a therapist or the supervisee enhance their understanding and effectiveness in working with clients. It focuses on interpreting and responding to the patient's communication, differentiating between what is directly expressed and what is underlying and often unconscious. This includes recognizing transferences or unconscious feelings projected onto the therapist by the patient and the therapist's emotional reactions. The supervisor also guides the supervisee in aligning their responses with the overall treatment strategy, which can be insight-directed or supportive. Psychodynamic supervision aims to promote self-awareness, improve therapeutic skills, and ensure ethical and effective psychotherapeutic practice.
OLIVER DRAKEFORD, LMFT, CGP
British-born Oliver Drakeford is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as well as a Certified Group Psychotherapist in the West Hollywood / Beverly Hills area of Los Angeles. He has extensive clinical experience providing services to adolescents and adults individually, as well as providing family counseling and group therapy.
Oliver started his career with years of working with adolescents as a psychotherapist in residential settings and at Beverly Hills High School and The Maple Counseling Center. His approach to therapy is influenced by his enthusiasm for psychodynamic theory, which was ignited while studying for his master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University. After graduating, he pursued this interest with year-long certifications from the Los Angeles Institute and Association for Psychoanalytic Studies (LAISPS), and the Institute for Contemporary Psychoanalysis (ICP).
CARRIE RUTMAn,MA, AMFT
Carrie received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Sociology from the University of California, Davis and her Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles.
Her professional experience as a therapist includes training at the esteemed Maple Counseling Center and the Psychoanalytic Program at LAISPS.
Carrie works with adults and young adults, addressing a range of life’s challenges, including depression, anxiety, life transitions, emotional expression, relationship dynamics, career challenges, and family issues.
In particular, Carrie has developed a credible history and interest in working with men and male psychology.
PHIL LEWIS,MA, AMFT
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who helps teens, parents, couples, and professionals find real relief from real problems.
I see clients in person at my West Hollywood / Beverly Hills office, or online anywhere in California.
I hold a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles. Since 2020, I have been treating adults, teens, couples, families, and groups at the esteemed Maple Counseling Center in Beverly Hills.
I also provide group therapy at La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center’s Intensive Outpatient program for individuals recovering from addiction.
CLARA FISHEr, MA, AMFT
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Clara is an experienced Associate Marriage Family Therapist and an artistic soul rolled into one. With a deep-rooted passion for cultivating mental wellness and resilience, she brings a wealth of experience to her therapeutic practice. Born and raised in the vibrant environments of New York and Los Angeles, Clara earned her Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, marking a fulfilling journey in the field of psychology spanning over a decade.
Specializing in addressing a diverse clientele, including adults, couples, artists/performers, adolescents, and Asian-Americans, Clara focuses on a wide range of mental health challenges. Her expertise encompasses areas such as depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, relationships, suicidal thoughts, career and school issues, stress, and coping skills. As a trained EMDR therapist (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Clara leverages the power of this innovative technique to guide individuals through the healing process, particularly in trauma and negative beliefs.
Clara centers her practice on a collaborative and holistic approach, working closely with clients to identify challenges, explore strengths, and foster empowerment. Additionally, she prioritizes the creation of a judgment-free space where clients can experience acceptance, feel understood, and be seen exactly as they are.
Learn more about Clara here
Jake Mallove, MA, AMFT
Jake is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. He has a Master’s degree from Antioch University, Los Angeles with a specialization in LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy.
He provides individual, couples, and group therapy to adults and teens. He utilizes trauma-informed care to help with intimacy issues, internalized phobia and shame, sexual trauma, anxiety, depression, and emotion regulation.
Jake completed his clinical training at APLA Health where he conducted ongoing psychotherapy with individuals and couples, working primarily with gay men as well as transgender and gender non-conforming adults. Coming from a background in arts and entertainment, Jake brings a holistic energy to the room, integrating the mind-body connection in psychotherapy with mindfulness, creative arts, and humor. He is sensitive to the process of psychotherapy and offers warmth, empathy, and a client-centered focus to collaborate with clients and take their lead.
He currently sees clients both in-person in West Hollywood or virtually online. You can read more about Jake here
Dawn Holiski, MA, AMFT
Dawn is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and is wholeheartedly committed to providing essential support to LGBTQI+ individuals/families, foster/adoptive families, and diverse communities.
Guided by a cultural and social justice lens that celebrates your resilience, strength, and resourcefulness, Dawn embraces an integrative approach. Techniques such as Internal Family Systems, Attachment-Based Therapy, Strength-Based/Solution-Focused Therapy, Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, Community Resilience Model, and Non-Violent Communication are woven into her practice.
Prioritizing inclusive, strength-based care, Dawn's therapeutic style is collaborative, relational, and firmly rooted in empowerment principles. Drawing from her diverse background in theatre, entertainment, and collaboration, Dawn infuses resilience, adaptability, and a belief that "the show must go on" into her approach, all while emphasizing the paramount importance of self-care.
Embark on a transformative journey with Dawn where empowerment takes center stage, collaboration thrives, and everyone is embraced in a sense of belonging. Together, let's co-create a space where your empowerment and growth flourish. Read more about Dawn here.
Empower. Connect. Thrive.
Therapy In West Hollywood
Oliver Drakeford Therapy is located at 8702 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069.