Meet Our Staff

Our therapists provide online sessions to California residents while our coaches offer sessions worldwide. We are all available for free 15 minute consultations to ensure that we are a great fit for you.

The Therapists

Areas of expertise: EMDR • trauma recovery • IFS • Psychedelic Integration

I’m Aniko Zela Benedek and I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker #120176 under the supervision of Pam Shaffer LMFT #91321. I’m honored to offer online clinical services rooted in both established therapeutic models and depth-oriented practices. With an MSW from Columbia University School of Social Work, I serve as a meditation teacher, sound ceremony facilitator, and psychedelic integration specialist.

My areas of focus include grief, breakups, depression, anxiety, family-of-origin trauma, and major life transitions. My work invites clients into their own healing potential, using a blend of EMDR, Internal Family Systems, depth psychology, dream exploration, and emotionally focused therapy to support meaningful inner change.

As a guide for psychedelic preparation and post-journey integration, I draw on training from Polaris Insight Center and experience with MAPS and Horizons PBC. I’ve facilitated sound ceremonies using over-tone rich instruments, harmonic scaling, and breathwork, creating safe and transformative set-and-setting for clients in non-ordinary states.

I am proud that my work is deeply trauma-informed, sex-positive, and affirming of diverse identities and relational paths—including monogamy, ethical non-monogamy (ENM), kink, and LGBTQ+ communities. I believe, echoing Ram Dass, we are all just walking each other home—and I’d be honored to walk with you on your healing journey.

Session Rates:

Individual $200
Multi-person $225

Areas of expertise: Sex Therapy • ENM • Kink • EFT

I am Sarah Bansak (she/they) and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #149232 under the supervision of Pam Shaffer (LMFT #91321). I am passionate about sex therapy and working with individuals and couples from the LGBTQIA+ community, the ethical non-monogamy community, and the BDSM community. I view sexuality and gender identity and expression as both fluid and unique to each of us, like a fingerprint, and also believe that pleasure is both a moral value and an act of resistance.

During my masters in clinical psychology program, I received additional specialized training and certificates in both sex therapy and LGBTQ+ affirming care, which informs my work as a staff therapist at the LA LGBT Center and my work here at Best Self Psych.

I look forward to supporting your growth, your healing, and your self-exploration in our work together. In my free time, I enjoy the fiber arts, lifting weights, playing accordion, and dismantling the patriarchy.

Session Rates:

Individual $175
Multi-person $200

Areas of Expertise: Disability • Autism • Ethical/Consensual Non-Monogamy • Life Transitions 

I am Lara Juarez Rofman (she/her), and I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker #118077 under the supervision of Pam Shaffer LMFT #91321. I provide online therapy for individuals, couples, and partners. I have experience working with neurodiverse individuals and members of the disability community who are struggling with anxiety or depression.  

As a kink, ENM/CNM, poly, and LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist, I strive to create a safe and supportive space with my clients to explore diverse relational models and sexual identities while providing guidance for navigating relationship transitions. Driven by an anti-ableist approach, my work promotes accessibility and inclusion while also honoring the intersectionality of the identities we hold. I am honored to help my clients navigate the often distressing world of disability in an ableist society and thrive amidst the challenges that late diagnosed autism and other neurodivergences can present.

My approach to therapy is evidence-based and tailored to your unique needs and preferences. I am committed to creating a trauma-informed environment for clients where they can work towards personal growth, improved relationships, and overall well-being. We’ll work together to explore your experiences and develop strategies for growth and fulfillment.

In my work outside of therapy, I am an advocate for economic justice for those with disabilities and have expertise in navigating workplace and educational accommodations.

Session Rates:

Individual $150
Multi-person $175

I am Laura Ramadei, an intimacy counselor certified through the Sexual Health Alliance and host of the intersectional, feminist podcast Girls on Porn. I have an extensive background as an educator, consultant, and communications trainer.
As an intimacy counselor, I work with individuals, couples, and groups to dismantle shame, unlock desire, and navigate obstacles independently and in relationships. I work with a range of challenges, with specialization in relationship counseling, desire discrepancy, nonmonogamy, queer identity, and kink.

Our work together focuses on fostering deeper connections, cultivating self awareness, and breaking free from limiting beliefs. I bring proven tools, resources, and expertise to our sessions, but I also operate from a place of empathy and understanding. Having personal experience in the areas I specialize in, I understand the courage it takes to access vulnerability and instigate change.

I believe in the power of choice and the capacity for transformation. Every individual is capable of, and entitled to, pleasure and radical authenticity.

Session rates:

Individual: $150
Multi-person: $175

I am Jessica Stoya. I bring a wealth of sexuality knowledge—both practical and theoretical—to my coaching sessions. I offer tips and tricks gleaned from a 15 year career in adult entertainment, insights gathered over ten years as a sex and relationship advice columnist, and a vast reference set garnered through a lifetime of reading and learning about sex.

I offer weekly 50 minute coaching sessions over Zoom. While my coaching style is tailored to each individual client, I specialize in being a non-judgmental listener, providing education about expansive sexualities such as kink and polyamory, and taking the role of cheerleader to encourage celebration at every step of the journey from where you are to where you want to be.

I’m affirming of gender, orientation, kink, polyamory, asexuality, and of vanilla sex and monogamy. Our work will focus on providing thinking tools, education, and support as you work towards embodiment and expression of your authentic erotic self.

Session rates:

Individual Sex and Relationship Coaching $250

I am Rena Martine, a certified intimacy coach, former sex crimes Deputy District Attorney, TEDx speaker, and author of The Sex You Want. With nearly two decades of experience in sexual health, legal advocacy, and trauma-informed care, I guide individuals and couples toward creating authentic, fulfilling relationships. I've helped over 100 individuals through my signature Shameless coaching program, and am honored to collaborate with Best Self Psych to offer more accessible, tailored sessions for those seeking guidance without committing to an intensive coaching experience.

My approach blends neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and actionable steps (yes, homework!) to help you explore your desires, break through shame, and build lasting connections. Whether you’re exploring polyamory, rediscovering intimacy, or healing from trauma, I’ll be with you every step of the way to guide you toward a more shameless way of life.

You can read more about my background, media appearances, and coaching ethos on my website.

Session rates:

Individual $250
Multiperson $275

I am Tas Al-Ghul, and I am an ADHD Coach. I guide individuals in the process of identifying, organizing, and clarifying goals so that we can then create a customized concrete plan together in order to achieve said goals in a supported and manageable way.

With a decade-plus of experience in the field of mental healthcare, I utilize a trauma-informed strengths and empowerment based modality to ensure my clients feel affirmed and heard as we work together. I work with clients across the broad spectrum of races, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, identities, and orientations, including those who are BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, sex workers, and/or immigrants, as well as those participating in ENM/polyam and/or kink. I believe diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility are crucial, and as such, the principles of anti-oppression are baked into my coaching style and have greatly influenced the multifaceted toolbox of resources I have curated over the years.

As a coach, my intention is to create and hold comfortable, judgment-free space for you that both honors and adapts to your particular needs regarding the aspects of ADHD you would like to shift in your life. It would be a tremendous privilege to serve as your guide in your journey.

Session rates:

Individual ADHD coaching $150

I am Pam Shaffer, the founder of Best Self Psych. I am a licensed MFT and coach as well as professional consultant for clinicians and organizations that want to learn more about working with neurodiverse individuals.

As a coach, I specialize in working with high achieving ADHD and combo platter AuDHD individuals. The people who get the most out of my coaching are often creative, ambitious, and outwardly professionally successful but struggle with burn out from "masking" their neurodivergence in their social and work life. They often report feeling depleted, unmotivated and lonely despite their accomplishments due to their ability to hide their neurodivergence with their outward markers of competence.

Our coaching work together focuses on creating a life that honors neurodivergence instead of hiding it and healing our relationship to ourselves which ultimately shifts our relationships with everyone around us, fostering better interpersonal connection and satisfying creative and professional endeavors.

My coaching work dovetails well with people who have been in therapy or desire to do so, as we have a wonderful team. I love collaborating to help my clients lead their best authentic lives and enjoy relationships that honor their neurospicy nature.

Session rates:

Individual $250
Multi-person $275