Exploring Life & Business with Dr. Benjamin S. Edwards

Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin Sebastian Edwards.

Hi Benjamin Sebastian, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I began my professional life as a musician, fronting bands throughout high school and college before becoming a touring bass player in my early 20s. This path took me around the world and culminated in my participation on two Grammy-nominated albums, including a Latin Grammy win for best pop-rock album. After my daughter was born, I transitioned into restaurant management, serving as GM for various Los Angeles establishments. Both professions offered deep insights into human nature and relationships, sparking a profound curiosity around psychology and culture.

This curiosity, along with other transformative experiences and my own therapeutic journey, led me to pursue psychology. After completing my master’s in clinical psychology, I earned a doctorate in depth psychology. Today, I maintain a private practice in West Los Angeles and Pasadena, working with individuals, couples, and families. I also serve as a senior lecturer at Antioch University’s master’s program, teaching psychodynamic and family systems frameworks. My current work includes publishing academic articles and speaking at conferences about culture and the psyche, with a particular focus on therapeutic applications.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life is challenging, we all have our ups and downs, and I certainly have had mine. For example, when I was younger I operated with an aggressive drive that, while successful in many ways, eventually led me to question my approach to life and relationships. This self-reflection prompted me to explore various paths of personal growth and led me to more thoughtful choices about the life I wanted to create.

One significant decision was choosing to stop drinking – what started as a temporary pause became a permanent lifestyle change that brought unexpected freedom and energy. Another profound shift came when I chose to step away from my career as a touring musician – a decision that, while difficult, opened new doors for personal and professional growth.

I find deep fulfillment in helping others navigate their own crossroads, whether they’re questioning their relationships, careers, or lifestyle choices. My clients include successful creatives and struggling artists, couples navigating both separation and reconnection, parents working to navigate contemporary pressures, families in transition, and young adults facing life’s challenges. My journey through multiple careers, combined with training in diverse and what sometimes seems like opposing therapeutic approaches, grounds my conviction that there are many valid paths forward. This broad theoretical and experiential foundation enables me to offer a rich spectrum of strategies while helping clients discover their own authentic way.

We’ve been impressed with Dr. Benjamin S. Edwards, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I provide individual, couples, and family therapy with a particular focus on life transitions, creative blocks, and relationship dynamics. Drawing from clinical psychology, history, philosophy, and mindfulness practices, I help clients navigate personal crossroads – whether they’re rethinking career paths, working through life changes, or confronting patterns that no longer serve them. My extensive experience with family systems theory, built through thousands of hours working with families, allows me to help families understand and transform their patterns.

What sets my practice apart is my global perspective, shaped by international experience and a multicultural background. As a bilingual therapist offering services in both English and Spanish, I bring a unique understanding of diverse human experiences and cultural dynamics. With a PhD in depth psychology, I work extensively with the unconscious and its constant influence on our behavior and relationships. My practice integrates dreams, literature, myth, and symbolism as powerful tools for understanding and transformation.

I work collaboratively with clients, helping them discover their own answers rather than prescribing solutions. My approach combines evidence-based therapeutic techniques with a deep appreciation for each person’s unique story and circumstances. Sessions can focus on immediate challenges while also exploring deeper patterns and possibilities for growth.

What were you like growing up?
From an early age, I was drawn to the arts and imagination – always creating, whether through music, storytelling, or play. As a Chilean-American with intellectual immigrant parents, I spent the majority of my youth between Los Angeles, Washington DC, and Santiago, Chile. My early years were shaped by a rich blend of cultures, navigating multiple languages and worldviews. This experience of being between worlds fostered both adaptability and a deep curiosity about human nature and relationships.

Books were constant companions, and I was particularly captivated by history that explored the depths of human experience. Music was another vital outlet – I started playing instruments young and found in music a universal language that transcended cultural boundaries. I always enjoyed a motley crew of friends from all walks of life – this early comfort with diversity and different perspectives continues to enrich my work today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.benedwardsphd.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benedwardstherapy/
• Youtube: @BenjaminSebastianEdwards
• Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/benjamin-s-edwards-los-angeles-ca/774778