Mr. Rainer Geissler, MA
About Me
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Los Angeles, California. I strive to create an environment of compassion, authenticity and understanding, inclusive and welcoming to all clients. In working with me, you will identify the thoughts, feelings, behaviors and beliefs that are preventing you from living joyfully. I work with you to help you discover your strengths and capabilities so that you can live a life that is meaningful, rewarding and free from conflict. I believe that therapy must be engaging, non-judgmental, and supportive to facilitate growth. I am practicing for over 25 years and am certified in EMDR, a psychotherapy approach shown to be effective in the treatment of trauma and a wide range of other issues, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. EMDR integrates both mindfulness and somatic approaches to healing trauma, emphasizing the interrelatedness of body, mind and spirit. I firmly believe that we should all have the freedom to be who we are and to love whoever we want, expressing our sexuality in whichever way we feel most comfortable. I'm proud to support the LGBTQ+, sex-positive, polyamorous, and non-monogamy communities and consider sexuality to be an important part of life that should be fun for everyone.
Education & Experience
Rainer Geissler is a psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience. He started out in 1987 as a facilitator of Coming-Out Groups in the Gay and Lesbian Center in Berlin, Germany. In 1988, he began his studies in Psychology at the Free University in Berlin, and in 1991 continued them at the University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, finishing with a Master of Science in Psychology. During the time in which Rainer studied at the University of Amsterdam, he also attended a four-year training program at Gestalt Education Network International in Frankfurt, Germany, that earned him a certificate of completion in Gestalt Therapy. In Amsterdam Rainer volunteered at the gay and lesbian center "SAD-Schorerstichting" providing services to people with HIV and AIDS, including group therapy for people who worked with this population. During this time he also provided individual therapy for clients at the "Center for Socialization and Personal Growth" and in private practice in Cologne, Germany. In 1998, Rainer transitioned to work for the Dutch Department of Justice, providing therapeutic services to prison inmates in a clinical setting in the federal prison facility "The Single" in Amsterdam. In 2001- 2002, Rainer came to the United States and attended the New College of California in San Francisco, completing a masters degree in clinical and social psychology. In 2004 Rainer started to work at the Haight Ashbury Free Clinics. In August of 2012, he went into private practice. Rainer is located in Los Angeles, CA, and currently provides tele health services only. EMDR Qualifications Basic EMDR training: 2014 Trainer: Laurel Parnell EMDR Advanced Clinical Workshop and Refresher Course (Part 3): 2015, Trainer: Laurel Parnell Certified Therapist in EMDR: 05/2017
Specialty Area
- Abuse/Neglect
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks
- Depression
- Gender Identity
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Race, Culture, Ethnicity Issues
- Sexual Abuse
- Traumatic Incident
Population Served
- Adults
- Couples
- First Responders
- LGBTQ+
Language
- Dutch
- English
- German
Insurance
- Aetna
- Sliding Scale
MHN; Out of Network