Exploring Life & Business with Rebecca Hoetzel of Hotzel Therapy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Hoetzel.

Hi Rebecca, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Rebecca Hoetzel and I am originally from Bonn, Germany. I moved to NYC in 2008 to pursue a career in acting and singing which a lot of us know, is an incredibly tough business to be in. After a few years in the business, and meeting my now husband in New York, we moved to LA and I decided to go back to school to get a Bachelors Degree in Child Development and Family Studies.I have always been interested and fascinated by human development and relationships. During my studies, I was introduced to Marriage and Family Therapy and it was then and there that I decided to become a Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked as a Therapist for the last 8 years and started my private practice in 2021. I have lived with my husband and now two boys (5 and 3 years) in the South Bay since 2012 and been calling it my home ever since.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
That is an excellent and, frankly, very important question. Stories are often presented as though they unfold like fairy tales, yet the challenges and obstacles along the way are rarely acknowledged. For me, having already earned a degree, worked in a particular field, and pursued what I believed was my lifelong passion, it was difficult to confront the possibility that performing arts might not, in fact, be the path I was meant to follow. Accepting that reality required a great deal of honesty with myself and was not an easy realization to come to.Additionally, returning to school for another six years—accumulating 3,000 clinical hours in order to sit for the licensing exam, completing general education courses alongside much younger students, and managing the significant financial responsibilities—was undeniably challenging. I often found myself questioning whether I had made the right decision, as moments of doubt inevitably crept in.Lastly, establishing a private practice and building a professional reputation came with its own set of challenges. It often takes up to two years for a practice to become fully sustainable and for referrals to begin flowing organically.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My practice is based in Manhattan Beach, where I provide psychotherapy to individuals—both adults and children—as well as couples. Sessions are offered in person or via telehealth.

I believe strongly in the power of connection: the healthier we are as individuals, the healthier our relationships can be. Yet challenges such as life transitions, infertility, parenting, academic or career pressures, anxiety, depression, trauma, and loss can interfere with our ability to connect with ourselves and others. For this reason, I focus my work specifically on these areas.

With a background in performing arts and training as a registered yoga teacher, I approach therapy through a holistic lens, integrating both mind and body to support healing and meaningful change. Because you are the expert in your own life, I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches and tailor them to your unique needs so that you receive not only the most support, but the kind of support that truly aligns with your goals.

Furthermore, my work goes beyond validation. Many people share that they have been to therapy before without seeing real change. I believe that when someone seeks therapy, it is because something in their life is not working. For that reason, therapy must extend beyond understanding and empathy—it should also include feedback from the therapist, the implementation of tools and strategies, the reshaping of thought patterns and behaviors, and the development of new communication skills. These elements are essential for creating lasting, noticeable change.

Reaching out for help and finding the right person can be extremely difficult that is why I offer free 15 minutes consultations to see if clients feel I am the right fit.

Sessions for individuals last 50 minutes and cost $200
Sessions for couples last 50 minutes and cost $225

How do you define success?
I guess I define success as living in alignment with my values while continuing to grow in meaningful ways. For me, success is not just measured by achievements and external validation but by me being able to cultivate balance, authenticity, and a sense of purpose. Success for me also means having resilience to navigate challenges, the the willingness to evolve and the capacity to create fulfilling connections with oneself and with others. We as humans are social beings and without human connections I believe we will be lost.

Pricing:

• Individual Theraly $200
• Couples Therapy $225

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hotzeltherapy.com/