Who is Dona Laressa Desmond PhD, LMFT

I specialize in helping Individuals and Couple in the LA area. I work with all phases of relationship, from dating, living together, engagement to marriage. Private practice since 1993. I see clients at my offices in Santa Monica, West LA & Woodland Hills, as well as via FaceTime, Google Duo and phone-sessions.

License 

CA LMFT 29944

Certifications, Specialty Trainings & Degrees

Emergency Medical Tech        UCLA, Medical Center Pre-Hospital Care

Masters/Doctorate             Antioch/AU, Psychology & Human Sciences

Couples Communication                      UCLA, Mentor: Dr. Alex French

Relationship Dynamics                        UCLA, Mentor: Dr. Alex French

Anger Management                               One year internship at SCCC

Trauma Training

Trauma Recovery           Certified in Mitchell Technique, UC San Diego

Red Cross Certification                   Early Stage Disaster Management

Red Cross Certification       Crisis Debriefing for Emergency Personnel

Red Cross Certification    Debrief Disaster Workers & First Responders

        Teaching USA

Crossroads School                        Teaching Intern Life Skills Program

FBI, LA Bureau                  Taught "Depression, Impact &  Prevention"                                          

FBI, LA Bureau            Taught "Stress Management in the Workplace"

     Teaching Abroad

Center for Citizen Initiatives in Ekaterinberg                 

Taught "American Psychology Techniques" to European psychologists, psychiatrists, policeman and middle school teachers

Coach Training & Certification

ICF                                                   International Coach Federation

Relationship Coach                                           Coaching for Couples

Certified Professional Coach    

trained and certified through the College of Executive Coaching in Santa Barbara, CA

Technical Consultant for Film & TV

TV                                                      Oprah, Episode on "Infidelity"

TV                                                         Naomi Judd Talk Show Pilot

Film                           Bette Midler, Woody Allen,"ScenesFrom A Mall"

Guest Therapist for Radio & TV

CNN News                                           "Treatment of Panic Disorder"

KRLA Radio                                  "Issues of Life: Your Relationships"

Fox TV                                      "Impact of OCD Parents on Children"

MTV                                               "Effect of TV Violence on Teens."

NBC                           "Crisis Therapy for Families Impacted by 9/11"

Additional Skill Sets

Emotional Intelligence: Testing & Enhancement

(Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Method)

Trained in:

The Gottman Method

Emotional Focused Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Jungian

Brief Strategic Solution-Based Therapy

Affiliations

American Association of Integrative Medicine

California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

Association for Traumatic Stress Specialists

International Critical Incident Stress Foundation

International Association for Relationship Research

What makes me unique as a therapist?

There are several unique qualities that I bring to my clinical practice. One interesting aspect is the way that I began my practice in the Los Angeles area. I launched my practice by doing house calls and field work with clients. The population that I initially served was those who were homebound due to PTSD or anxiety disorders such as agoraphobia. Their fragile emotional state was such that they couldn't leave their home to attend therapy.

During those home sessions, of course, it was often the case that other family members would be present, usually a spouse. It became efficient to include them in the sessions and via that I began to understand the contagious nature of emotions inside a relationship. As this process evolved I branched out in deeper theoretical and practical ways for helping couples.

The other population that I did field work with was people who had developed specific phobias such as flying, driving, elevators, etc. I went with these clients and did therapy with them in such places as airports, on planes, trains, freeways, in malls, hotels, grocery stores, etc. I accompanied them through their systematic desensitization as they regained their freedom to move normally in the world.

I saw couples at my office 3 days a week and did house calls and field work 2 days a week for 10 years. The range of my client base extended from Santa Clarita to Santa Monica. My clientele included housewives, celebrities, law enforcement, first responders, executives and business owners.

Over the years I have gained profound insights into what makes for a satisfying relationship that thrives. I am happy to extend my expertise to you.

$30 discount on video sessions