Stephen Dansiger

psyd mft

323-248-7475

Punk drummer then Songwriter then Dharma Practitioner then Social Justice Educator then EMDR/Trauma/Addiction Therapist then Author/Podcaster now simultaneously...

- StartAgain Therapy -

ABOUT  •  SERVICES  •  EMDR  •  LOCATIONS  •  ASSOCIATES  •  PRIVACY
COMMON QUESTIONS  •  RATES + INSURANCE  •  LINKS & RESOURCES


A great deal of my practice has to do with training clinicians, providing consultation, and through clinical supervision helping pre-licensed people move toward their goal of completing licensure.  My work as an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and as a Trainer with the Institute for Creative Mindfulness keeps me at the center of the growing world of EMDR therapy and the expanding world of Mindfulness Based therapies.

In addition to the above, my private practice generally remains full, and so I have created StartAgain Associates. I have trained amazing clinicians who bring a variety of skills and specialties, as well as a variety of fee structures, including lower fees or sliding scales.  In the interest of knowing that one size does not fit all, and in the interest of helping potential clients have the opportunity of finding good therapy at the rate they are able to pay, these are the current therapists on our growing roster of StartAgain Associates.


Associate Therapists


DrStephenDansiger.jpg

Dr. Stephen Dansiger

I am available for psychotherapy at the rate of $350 per therapy hour. I do not have sliding scale slots at this time, but several StartAgain Associates have lower fees and sliding scales.

I have provided training, education, leadership, coaching and therapy for a diverse population for almost 30 years.  I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California, holding a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a Masters in Counseling Psychology. I have created and run programs at several top treatment facilities, as well as serving as a Clinical Director and Primary Therapist.

I am an EMDRIA Certified Therapist, and practice primarily using EMDR therapy as my therapeutic modality, and the Adaptive Information Processing model of EMDR as my theoretical orientation. I work with all types of trauma: event based trauma, developmental trauma, attachment trauma and institutional trauma. I specialize in addiction, PTSD, Complex PTSD, and phase of life issues.

I have trained all of our StartAgain Associates in EMDR therapy through the EMDRIA Approved Institute for Creative Mindfulness. I supervise and provide regular consultation to dozens of therapists, which keeps my own work in the office with my clients informed by the most current practice and research in our field.

Please contact me to set up an initial consultation.


John Fisher, AMFT, APCC

John Fisher, AMFT, APCC has been working in mental health for close to 20-years. As a therapist, John aspires to empower people with tools to help themselves and believes this starts by collaborating with the client to create a space where they can feel seen, heard and understood. He likes to work with story - both real and imaginative - as a touchstone to guide the therapeutic process - and believes it’s vital to explore the stories that we tell ourselves, the stories that we tell others, and the stories we believe we’ve been told about almost everything.

John’s approach is born from a synthesis of the discoveries he’s made through his experience as a professional musician, professional athlete and addictions specialist where he has overseen curriculum, training and numerous wellness initiatives.

He holds a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, a Bachelors in Organizational Leadership from California Lutheran University - and a Certificate in Addictions Studies from Los Angeles Community College. His clinical training includes year-long residencies at both the Center for Professional Counseling, seeing individuals and couples - and Counseling Partners of Los Angeles where he worked with adolescent boys in a Catholic highschool setting.

His specialties are trauma, intricate-systems, and addictions theory - which he uses to help facilitate creative breakthroughs that foster growth within his clients. To achieve this he is trained in and utilizes EMDR, ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy) and Narrative therapy that is grounded in Depth Psychology.

His fee is $200 per session and accepts sliding scale on a limited basis.

818-927-1913 / jfishertherapy at gmail . com


LEMMELL.jpg

Lauren Emmel, LMFT

Lauren Emmel, MA, LMFT, EMDR Certified Therapist is available for therapy at a rate of $175 per therapy hour.

Lauren Emmel earned her Masters in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University Los Angeles. She is a trained EMDR therapist and an Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In addition to her work as a therapist, she is a certified yoga and meditation teacher. Lauren currently works in private practice under Dr. Stephen Dansiger and facilities trauma-informed yoga and trauma-education groups. Much of her work includes a trauma-focused approach utilizing EMDR therapy, Buddhist psychology, mindfulness approaches and LGBTQ affirmative therapy. Lauren’s specialties include addressing trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, and eating disorders. Lauren’s compassionate and empathetic approach to therapy provides a safe space for clients to feel seen and heard, release toxic shame, develop adaptive behaviors, and cultivate self-kindness. She is available for private practice sessions and with adults, couples and families. Her contact number is 818-314-7927 


Associate Coaches

Jay Dee.jpg

Jay Dee Daugherty

Besides sustaining a career as an influential musician, songwriter and producer for over four decades, Jay Dee’s involvement in the recovery community began in 1986. Trained as an addiction recovery coach and sober companion, he also offers life coaching and guidance to individuals from all walks of life. In helping to identify and meet self-established goals in everyday life and the workplace, Jay Dee offers an enthusiastic, optimistic and solution oriented process. 

Using guidelines established by the International Coaching Foundation and other modalities, including mindfulness meditation, self-acceptance and compassion practices, Jay Dee establishes a safe and sacred space for clients to explore and clarify their issues and meet their objectives. He is a consultant to The School For Compassionate Action, an organization providing training to integrate mindfulness into personal and professional life.

www.schoolforcompassionateaction.com