SPECIALIZING
I specialize in working with people who struggle with day-to-day anxiety, grief, depression and trauma as an expression of real experiences and hardships. I approach each challenge with sensitivity and care knowing that my clients have come to me to find relief through exploration and compassion. I know how much suffering can come along with every day challenges in situations that might seem common to many people but feel insurmountable in the face of worry, physical uneasiness and unwanted behavior patterns that lead to more suffering. I understand that these experiences can make one feel like there is no one in the world who can help or understand what it is they are going through, so I take extra care in making sure you are comfortable, feeling aligned and allowing our process to reveal itself however feels safe and helpful to you.
With 30 years of education, spiritual growth and clinical training as a therapist and a creative arts specialist, my approach to psychology is unique in that I have been trained to listen and respond to life’s difficulties from the heart with empathy and compassion as an artist as well as a psychologist.
I work creatively, philosophically and with soul in mind to tend to the symptoms that have kept my clients from living the life they deserve and I am committed to bringing relief and insight with optimism, enthusiasm and love. I feel it is important to create a collaborative space that is confidential, safe and inspiring. I generally use methods of communicating that are holistic and comforting without being New Agey or spiritually farfetched. If applicable or requested I teach meditation and encourage organic approaches to living a healthy and positive life.
When it is appropriate I encourage my clients to report their dream experiences to guide the therapeutic process. I believe that dreams are portals into an alternative way of seeing, feeling and hearing the deeper part of my clients who are seeking a meaningful creative and positive interpretations to the often strange and bizarre events that take place in our day to day lives. If one is not dreaming on a regular basis this does not impede the process at all. But don’t be surprised if you start recalling dreams once we get into our work.
Theoretically my orientation is a blend of Psychoanalytic and Jungian theory while applying aspects of Self Psychology as a way of bringing the work into the here and now with the intention to heal and recover the authenticity and connection that was lost from traumatic experiences throughout one’s life.
My education and training has been dynamic and extensive. I received a PhD from Pacifica Graduate Institute. In addition, I hold an MA in Performance Studies (dreams/music/behavior) from New York University, and an MFA in the study of writing about images and music from the University of Miami. I had three years of training at the prestigious Wright Institute of Los Angeles where I learned my craft as a therapist and currently teach clinicians how to work with the unconscious in their private practices. I am very proud to say that I have been taught by some of the greatest thinkers/writers/authors of our time from James Hillman, Dr. Robert Romanyshyn, Marion Woodman and countless others. I have taught at Eslen and I have given lectures and workshops on the importance of images, dreams, music and healing through life choices.
I take pride in my extensive knowledge and respect for the human experience; allowing for treatment that tends to creativity and cognitive challenges. Call or contact me for a free consultation online and we can decide what therapeutic strategies are best for you to apply to whatever challenges you wish to work on.
The time is now to access the true Self.
“With Enthusiasm, Peace of mind and Warmth – Welcome!”
ABOUT MICHAEL MOLLURA PhD, Psychologist, Inc.
Dr. Michael R. Mollura is a licensed PhD clinician PSY30873. He has a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology with two Master degrees in the study of the healing components of music, performance and images. Online or from a centrally located Beverly Hills office or East Side Atwater/Silver Lake area, Dr. Mollura offers classic psychodynamic therapy addressing mild-severe symptoms for anxiety, trauma depression, grief, dream-sleep challenges, creative dilemmas, addictive thought-stopping, spiritual challenges, unstable moods, chronic pain and disruptive thinking.
With 30 years of experience as a spiritual practitioner and scholar and music healer, Dr. Mollura embodies a creative warmth and imparts a friendly down-to-earth reception that can assist in decreasing the levels of anxiousness often associated with awkward situations. Dr. Mollura is a born and raised New Yorker now residing in Los Angeles who knows what it means to struggle and how challenging it can be to ask for help. He is committed to providing a therapeutic environment that feels calming and gentle as well as inspiring and caring. Dr. Mollura’s extensive experiences as a clinically trained Ph.D level psychotherapist and creative interventionist makes his perspective unique and complements his ability to effectively relate and serve others with a high level of authenticity, compassion and enthusiasm. Drawing on his own personal experiences, he has successfully worked with all levels of artists, entertainment industry executives, well-known musicians, parents, corporate executives and people who just want to get back on to the grid and get back to enjoying life again.
Dr. Mollura’s therapy includes a sensitive blend of traditional psychotherapy, Jungian driven Depth Psychology, Self Psychology and sometimes when appropriate a focus on dream interpretation using creative expression to open up the psyche for new healing perspectives to emerge.
Dr. Mollura has taught at Esalen, Wright Institute of Los Angeles and has given talks and lectures at Pacifica Graduate Institute and the Jungian Institute of Los Angeles. His work with dreams and music as a Psychologist was featured in LA Yoga Magazine and in the 2019 Inspirational Esalen Film Festival overlooking Big Sur. The festival included a world premiere public presentation Master Class of Dr Mollura’s work with music, dreams and sound.
Final Note:
You may have already heard of Michael Mollura or know him as the music composer contributor to such critically acclaimed health oriented feature films as HEAL (seen on Netflix), Awake: The Life of Yogananda, Hare Krishna, Road to Dharma (TV series on Amazon), Climate Refugees or The Highest Pass. Michael’s work as a composer only supplements and fuses with his work as a clinician.
Please send an email or text and begin a chat about what obstacles are keeping you from getting the most out of your life. An initial 10-15 minute consultation session is free for your questions and discovery.
See Resume for more detailed information.
About my Approach to Therapy
My therapeutic work is focused on providing a refreshing sense of hope and well being to the individuals I work with. In treatment I address each person's obstacles and how they relate to the struggles of living in what can feel like a very challenging unsupportive environment. Through dialogue we address any discomforting thoughts and feelings associated with daily life issues in ways that can not be addressed by one's friends or relatives. The confidential nature of our alliance allows the healing process to begin. I believe that unconditional love, compassionate listening and empathy can open vital portals to healing. I grew up in New York and I have studied homelessness and I have engaged with the shadows of our world on levels that can not be described accurately. I have had the honor of working with people who have had to fight just to get a seat on a subway car in sub zero degree weather or the once accomplished business owner who has lost everything but refuses to give up on life. I know what it means to feel overcrowded and undernourished even under the beautiful blue skies of Southern California. Regardless of who you are, what you think you’ve done, or what you think of your SELF — I will receive you with warmth. I sincerely believe that whatever the presenting issues that have brought you to this point of having to seek a therapist –– regardless of how powerless or hopeless it all might feel –– actually may be happening for a reason with the intention of finally being healed not just for you, but for everyone you know. Believe it or not, everyone benefits when one person decides to be courageous enough to change how they experience the world.
While therapy might consider how the past has shaped current experiences of problematic thinking patterns, my approach to accessing healing also considers creative and spiritual ways of understanding why you have come to therapy at this time and how your symptoms are expressions of the deepest part of your being seeking peace of mind through a positive healthy relationship. In this new way, the work is focused on the creative exploration of images and ideas that make us who we are in the world and provide direction for transformation and satisfaction. I rely on heart to heart communications to access hope and inspiration through the science and spirituality of connective interactions.
Topics generally discussed in therapy range from issues regarding intimacy fears, creative conflict, sexual discomfort, relationship and vocational concerns as well as transpersonal psyche event –– such as feelings of going crazy after meditation or yoga class or travels to the other sides of the world — that can sometimes feel alienating and scary. I consider how our moods, fears and perceptions are nothing to be ashamed of no matter how disturbing they are. With sensitivity and optimism, I listen, reflect and create the work with you in a collaborative, healing environment that is creative and completely confidential. Together we create a healing experience by accessing that part of you that has been forgotten and awakens that part of you who longs for healthy connection, authentic communication with trust and a new sense of well being. I invite you to come in for a free consultation meeting and see for yourself if what I am saying here is true. If you do not feel inspired after that first session, there will be no charge and you are free to seek other options for your well being. I am here to serve and to help and that is why I love doing what I was placed on this earth to do. May you always be heard, held and loved! Thank you for being here.
