Exploring Life & Business with Ariel Black, M.S., L.M.F.T

Hi Ariel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I provide holistic, client-centered psychotherapy services to adults, teens, adolescents and families. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks, grief/loss, adults with previous childhood abuse, sexual trauma, relational conflict, substance abuse, and LGBTQ+ related issues. I have over 9 years of experience in the field.

In the past, I have had the pleasure to work for several non-profit agencies in the local Los Angeles and Orange County surrounding areas. In 2019, I was given the opportunity to expand my career and start working with clients in a more intimate, private setting. From there I started my own practice and grew an even more, deeper passion for providing mental health services that would enable lifestyle changes.

During the treatment process, I believe that there is no exact recipe or standardized form in providing therapy. Each person that comes to see me is unique and presents a different set of issues. This is why I hope to create an individualized, organic treatment plan that is tailored toward helping each person achieve their goals. As a psychodynamic therapist, my main focus is the relationship and connection I have with my clients. I truly believe that it is important to feel grounded and secure when processing deep-rooted and painful issues. My experience as a therapist has enabled me to help make positive changes in people’s lives and I am privileged to be a part of that journey.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been an easy journey. I opened my practice just a few months before the COVID19 pandemic. I remember being in pure shock as I was hearing the news about the global crisis. Many of my clients worked in health care or had active roles in the community. I heard many stories about them being scared, panicked and anxious about the unknowns. Even I myself was nervous about the future. Not only was I facing the challenge of trying to stabilize my client’s mental health, but was also overwhelmed with starting my own practice from scratch.

Before opening up my practice, I was working for other treatment facilities and organizations. I remember feeling burnt out and dissatisfied with the level of client care. I often times left work feeling angry or depressed about the poor management. My closest colleagues and family members were very supportive and often times told me that I needed to start my own practice. I knew that I always had a passion for the field of psychotherapy and mental health, however I was very uncertain and scared about the potential business hardships I could face.

I was 28 years old when I finally made the decision to open my own practice. Even though I was very young and ambitious, never in my life did I go to school for business or knew anything about marketing. Being my own boss and working for myself allowed me to find my own voice. Even though this journey its had many ups/downs and I am grateful for the experiences along the way.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Throughout the years I have undergone extensive training and education in the field of psychodynamic therapy. This form of in-depth talk counseling originated from the of study of psychoanalysis.

Unlike other styles of therapy, psychodynamic is a long-term style of counseling that requires commitment. It isn’t mean for those that are looking for a quick fix or “band-aide” style of coping. The majority of the clients that seek treatment are yearning for deep-rooted, meaningful changes. They understand that everyday coping skills are only going to get us so far and perhaps not facilitate the lifestyle changes that we truly desire.

Psychodynamic therapy is ideal for those that have the desire to understand the subconscious roots of emotional suffering. It utilizes self-reflection and the therapist’s analyzations as a tool to help clients understand their subconscious psychological roadblocks that are preventing one from getting over the past and moving forward.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
Some of my most favorite childhood memories involved going over to my grandmother’s house for lunch. My paternal grandmother migrated to the United States from Japan. I always loved and admired some of the cultural traditions she brought into my family. She taught me a lot about practicing compassion for myself as well as for others. I remember her telling me stories about her upbringing and the hardships she had faced during World War II and the Great Depression. She explained to me the importance of being able to find a deeper sense of meaning even through some of life’s most tragic moments.

Because of this time I spent with her, a lot of my own personal values and principals that I bring into my practice were inspired through her words. I truly hope to give back to my clients and local community the love and peace that she brought.