My life’s work is to help others consciously connect to themselves and others.  

I’m Adam Boardman, a therapist in Los Angeles, offering in-person therapy in Brentwood/Santa Monica, and online across California.   

Bench on top of cliff on a mountain -- symbolizing an invitation for talk therapy
Adam Boardman - therapist in LA, Brentwood & Santa Monica -- looking at the camera, with a calm look
Man swimming to symbolize needing help - therapy for men in LA

I offer a warm, direct approach that emphasizes authenticity and action. You know there has to be a better way than this and you are here to find it. As someone who expects a lot from himself I know how hard it can be to get through tough times and healing from old wounds. 

I see it as my job to believe in you and help you cultivate your best self. By going deep enough to find your real foundation, the bedrock of the real you, we can find a more connected way up and forward from whatever is bringing you here today.

Clients describe me as playful and disarming. I work extensively in metaphor and analogy, and embrace any chance to play with whatever ideas will serve our process together to help us look at what we need to see. I can help you have some hard conversations with yourself and discover a deeper sense of strength, power, and direction in your life.  

My approach integrates psychodynamic, family systems, somatic, existential, and humanistic theoretical orientations; a deep current of performance psychology runs through everything I do. 

I am an LGBTQIA+ affirmative, feminist therapist; I support poly and open relationships, and consensual non-monogamy.

Road signs -- symbolizing feeling lost and looking for a therapist

As your therapist it is my job to connect with you, know you, and show up for you. I will move with you into the difficult, uncomfortable spaces to help you connect to your authentic core. 

Therapy Specialties

Dad holding kid's hand at the beach - representing therapy for men with family

I found my way — and found out it is helping others find theirs

I know what it’s like to not have a perfect childhood — I dealt with mine by becoming an overachiever and a perfectionist. This had its upsides — it drove my success in school and sports, but I was always left feeling fragile, disconnected, and deeply unsafe.  Coming from a family that dealt with addiction, trauma, and lacked the kind of boundaries that let’s people be authentic, I know how hard it can be to find one’s real self. 

I became a nationally competitive collegiate distance runner and took a circuitous path to becoming a therapist. This included extensive experience in education, entertainment, restaurants, and coaching. I know how one can be completely focused and oriented on something and then - sometimes suddenly- be completely lost. 

I did end up finding my way through and into a more authentic self, in no small part from my work in therapy. I find it deeply meaningful to support others accessing that same life-changing process — especially those who don’t always feel seen or understood by other therapists. 

I was born and raised on the West Coast. I lived in the Pacific Northwest for many years in high school and after college, but California has always been home.  

I strive to be the best father, husband, and friend I can be. I have traveled extensively and love classical music, skiing, watching sports, and hosting parties. Ultimately, I love helping others heal, grow, and find their way. I look forward to meeting you!

Training & Experience

EDUCATION & LICENSURE

  • M.A. Clinical Psychology, Antioch University Los Angeles

  • B.A. Linguistics, Pomona College

  • LMFT CA License #139730

TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS

  • Somatic Experiencing Practitioner Candidate - Intermediate Level 2 

  • National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners, Certified Dementia Practitioner

  • Level 1 DEFT (Dynamic Emotion Focused Therapy) Certified Practitioner

  • Certified Mental Performance Consultant -  Candidate

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

  • CCSPA Clinical/Counseling Sport Psychology Association

  • AASP - Association for Applied Sports Psychology

  • CAMFT - California Association for Marriage and Family Therapists

  • Athletes Soul Volunteer Facilitator