about me
My name is Tara Vatankhah and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist LMFT (LMFT 146502) in West Los Angeles. I obtained a B.A. in Psychology from University of Southern California and went on to complete my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at USC.
I bring years of experience from various mental health settings, including a DMH contracted community mental healthy agency, a trauma treatment center, high schools and group practice settings. I offer comprehensive and compassionate care to individuals across all stages of life.
Currently in private practice, I help people untangle relationship patterns, strengthen their sense of self, and create lives that feel more aligned and authentic. Being a thoughtful, driven person in today’s world can feel exhausting. You care deeply, reflect often, and try to do the “right” thing — yet still find yourself in situations or relationships that feel confusing, one-sided, or harder than you expected. Anxiety, people-pleasing, or perfectionism may keep you over-functioning on the outside while feeling disconnected on the inside. You might find yourself replaying conversations, second-guessing decisions, or wondering why patterns keep repeating even though you know better.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to keep figuring it out on your own. I work with teens, young adults, and couples to explore the roots of their patterns, strengthen their sense of self, and create lives that feel more aligned and authentic. I believe that the suffering we experience can become a gift if we work through it. The foundation of my therapeutic approach is based on the idea that wisdom lives within all of us. My hope is to help you tap into & live from that place of connection to your own unique inner compass.
I pour my heart & soul into what I do & feel honored to be part of my clients healing journeys.
Education & Training
Licenses Marriage & Family Therapist #146502
University of Southern California, M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy
University of Southern California, B.A. in Psychology
IFS Institute, IFS level 1
Reconnect Integrative Trauma Treatment Center, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CTP) + Reconnect Integrative Trauma Treatment Model (RITTM)
Family Service of Santa Monica, MFT Traineeship
YogaWorks, RYT 200-hour Yoga Teacher
“Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging.”
Joseph Campbell
How I work
At the core of my approach to therapy is a belief that healing happens in safe & non-judgmental spaces.
In sessions with me, my hope is that you will feel seen, supported, and understood. Safe enough to explore your story, challenge old patterns, and work toward lasting change.
Therapy with me is about more than managing symptoms. It’s about understanding the roots of your patterns and creating meaningful change. Together, we’ll explore how early experiences shape the way you show up in relationships, uncover the beliefs that fuel self-doubt, and build boundaries that support healthier, more fulfilling connections.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
— Carl R. Rogers, On Becoming a Person: A Therapist’s View of Psychotherapy
Therapy with me is…
specializing in:
Relationship issues
Anxiety
Depression
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"Tara is an outstanding therapist with rich knowledge who helps clients deepen their understanding of themselves to feel empowered. Her empathetic approach and dedication to her clients' growth make her a highly effective and trusted professional."
Ida Farzaneh, MFT
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"Tara is an incredible listener and holds space for individuals with compassion and empathy. She is insightful, wise, and a gift to others in need of support."
Tova Harkham, MFT
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"Tara is one of the best. Her calm demeanor allows for clients to feel safe and can share honestly. I would recommend Tara to anyone who is looking for a therapist who cares deeply for her clients."
Sunshine Harding, LCSW
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"Tara's warmth is one of her greatest strengths, and allows her client's to feel at ease in her presence. She is deeply curious, and has a profound ability to see the strengths of her clients, that helps them build self-awareness and self-confidence."
Tal Ginsburg, PsyD
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"I love how no matter what problems or challenges arise, Tara has a tool to bring to the table to address it head on. She has a respect for the therapeutic process, and it shows in her work. Tara is always impeccably in-step and in-tune with her clients."
Kim Brounstein, MFT
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"Tara works gently but tenaciously to support clients in getting to know themselves and who they want to welcome into their lives. She kindly and patiently helps young adults step into themselves and step into fulfilling relationships."
Elyse Jung-Vrymoed, MFT
