LMFT, 10 years of experience
New to Grow
Welcome! My name is Rafael Gomez, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Los Angeles, California. Starting therapy can feel daunting, but it’s also an incredible act of courage. Life can become so loud and overwhelming that it’s difficult to know what truly matters to us. My role is to help you quiet that noise and reconnect with the parts of yourself that may feel lost, stuck, or hidden. I specialize in supporting men who are struggling with anxiety, trauma, grief, loss, and relationship challenges. I also work extensively with parents who are navigating the unique stressors of raising children while trying to maintain their own sense of identity and balance.
In our first session, we’ll spend time getting to know each other and setting the foundation for our work together. I’ll invite you to share what brings you to therapy, what you’ve tried so far, and what you’re hoping to achieve. I’ll also ask questions to better understand your story, but we’ll go at a pace that feels comfortable to you. By the end of the first session, you’ll have a sense of how I work, and together we’ll start identifying the goals and direction for your therapy.
Much of my work focuses on helping men who may feel they have to carry their struggles in silence. Often, men experience a double bind: the pressure to be strong while quietly dealing with pain, shame, or disconnection. This can lead to difficulties in relationships, challenges with emotions, and a sense of dissatisfaction in life. I provide a space where men can begin to open up, reconnect with parts of themselves that have been shut down, and move toward living with greater authenticity and fulfillment. My clients often tell me that our work helps them feel less isolated, more connected to loved ones, and more at ease with themselves.
I work best with young and middle-aged adults who are navigating relationship concerns, major life transitions, parenting stress, grief and loss, or the lingering effects of trauma. Many of my clients come to me feeling disconnected from themselves or others, unsure of how to move forward, and in therapy we work towards making meaningful changes.
I have used Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for nearly five years with teens and adults facing grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges. My approach helps clients clarify their values and build the necessary skills to take meaningful steps toward living a more connected and fulfilling life.