Yael Eiserike, LCSW

Two words: manageable discomfort

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Yael Eiserike, LCSW's style

Why Yael Eiserike, LCSW chose to be in the helping profession

I've always known I wanted to help people, though the path to becoming a therapist wasn’t straightforward. Before entering the field of therapy, I worked as a litigator—a role that left me feeling like my soul was withering. I'm naturally more collaborative than adversarial, and I thrive in conversations with people rather than drafting legal documents or poring over case law. Spending my days reading, writing, and researching felt painfully out of sync with who I truly am. Sunday evenings became a source of dread as I thought about the week ahead, which was a clear sign something needed to change.

In an honest moment with myself, I made the decision to reconnect with what I had always known deep down: I was meant to be in a profession centered around service, connection, and helping others grow. That’s what led me to social work. It felt like coming home.

I’ve chosen to stay in this field not just because of the alignment I feel, but because of the profound fulfillment I experience watching clients make meaningful, lasting changes in their lives. There’s nothing quite like being a part of someone's healing journey—witnessing their growth, resilience, and breakthroughs. It’s work that fills me up and reminds me daily that I’m exactly where I need to be.

Yael Eiserike, LCSW's approach

I take a deeply pragmatic approach to therapy, believing that it must be tailored to each person and each session. The work we do together reflects that no two clients are the same. I blend structure, humor, and common sense to create a therapeutic experience that is both effective and approachable. Every session has an agenda to keep us focused, and I always assign homework, encouraging clients to engage with the process intentionally between sessions. Real change happens not just in the therapy room, but also in the space between our meetings, where clients have the opportunity to apply what we’ve explored.

I also believe in the power of metaphors and real-world examples to make concepts more accessible and relatable. I pull from a wide range of sources—just this week, I referenced both Nietzsche and reality TV. The tools and language I use depend entirely on the person sitting in front of me. I meet them where they are, using whatever resonates most to deepen understanding and inspire growth. For me, therapy is about creating meaningful change in a way that fits each individual’s unique life and challenges.

What you can expect from sessions with Yael Eiserike, LCSW

Two words: manageable discomfort. Growth isn’t easy, and change often comes with a degree of unease—but it’s the kind of discomfort that signals progress. I believe in being transparent, so clients are active participants in the process. Together, we make decisions about your therapy, ensuring it feels collaborative rather than prescriptive.

That said, meaningful change takes effort and intention. I aim to strike a balance between being supportive and holding you accountable. We’ll move at a pace that feels right, but I’ll also gently push when needed because long-term, significant change requires consistent work and attention.

You can expect me to show up as your teammate—fully invested in helping you discover what a more satisfying, fulfilling life looks like for YOU. My role isn’t to tell you what that life should be, but instead to walk alongside you, offering insight, strategies, and encouragement as you move toward it.

Yael Eiserike, LCSW's experience working with the Jewish community

I have extensive experience working with individuals across the full spectrum of Jewish identity and observance. This includes those who identify as culturally or ethnically Jewish but not religious, as well as those who align with more traditional practices, including Reform, Conservative, and even Modern Orthodox communities.

What I love about working with the Jewish community is the richness of its diversity—each person brings their own relationship with faith, tradition, and identity to the table. Some clients might be navigating questions of belonging or spirituality, while others are exploring how to integrate modern life with religious observance. My approach is always to meet clients where they are, without judgment, and create a space that honors both their personal experiences and the nuances of their Jewish identity.

I find that the common thread across all these levels of observance is the desire for growth, connection, and meaning—whether through relationships, personal healing, or balancing tradition with individuality. It’s a privilege to support clients as they explore these themes and work toward living more fulfilling, authentic lives.

Yael Eiserike, LCSW's Book Recommendation Zone

• Facing Love Addiction
• The Brothers Karamazov
• DBT Skills

Approaches

• Career Counseling
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Supervision Services
• Trauma Focused Therapy

Concerns

• Anxiety
• Bereavement & Grief
• Codependency
• Dating
• Depression
• Insomnia & sleep issues
• Life purpose and meaning
• Panic attacks/panic disorder
• Transitions & Change

10 years in practice

Licences

• LCSW by California 2016. License number 75053
• IND CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER by Washington, D.C. 2022. License number LC200001661
• Currently Inactive License by California Bar 2008. License number 259378

Degrees

• MSW by University of Southern California 2014
• JD by Emory University School of Law 2008

Certificates

• Individual CBT for Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma by Academy of Cognitive Therapy 2015
• CBT Supervisor by Academy of Cognitive Therapy 2018
• CBT-I for Insomnia by PESI 2020
• Trauma Focused CBT by California Institute for Mental Health 2015

Average costs per session

$350

Payment Methods

• Sliding Scale
• Free consultation
• Credit Card