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About My Work as a Psychotherapist and Psychoanalyst

 

Psychoanalysis is not merely a profession for me—it is an art, a discipline, and a deeply human endeavor. It is a calling, a craft, and a lifelong dedication to understanding the human soul. At the heart of my work is the creation of a space where authenticity flourishes, where the spoken and unspoken can be explored without fear, and where transformation becomes possible. Where the body can breathe and identify its communication channels. Ultimately to just lounge and express by way of arriving or to arrive at the, "this is me!'

 

Therapy is a partnership, one in which we navigate the complexities of the human experience together—patient and analyst—building and maintaining a relationship rooted in trust, curiosity, and the shared pursuit of meaning.

 

I work from a relational psychodynamic-psychoanalytic approach, which honors the profound influence of our earliest relationships while remaining attuned to the dynamics unfolding in the present. The therapeutic space is one of exploration, not limitation—where self-awareness deepens, resilience strengthens, and old patterns give way to new possibilities. Elements of visualization, relaxation, goal-setting, self-encouragement, focus, control, and confidence naturally integrate into our work, fostering psychological insight and personal growth.

 

Professional Background & Training

 

My academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Prairie View A&M University, followed by a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. I then earned my Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles.

 

My dedication to psychoanalysis led me to complete the Adult Psychoanalytic Training Program at The New Center for Psychoanalysis in Los Angeles, where I obtained my diploma as a Psychoanalyst in June 2024. I am  in advanced training at the New Center for Psychoanalysis, Los Angeles, to become a Child and Adolescent Psychoanalyst—an area of study that continues to inspire and challenge me in meaningful ways.

 

Beyond my clinical practice, I am privileged to contribute to the field as an Associate Professor at The Chicago School in Los Angeles, where I teach advanced psychoanalytic theories to doctoral candidates. I served as faculty at The New Center for Psychoanalysis, where I taught Psychoanalytic Theory on the Life Cycle of Early & Mid Childhood within the two-year psychoanalytic program. Teaching, for me, is not just an academic pursuit—it is a source of deep joy and fulfillment, a way to engage in the ongoing evolution of psychoanalysis while shaping the next generation of clinicians.

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Clinical Experience & Practice

 

For over 13 years, I have worked with individuals, couples, families, and groups, offering psychoanalytic treatment that is both rigorous and deeply human. My clinical training took place at Family Service Agency of Burbank, The Chicago School Counseling Center of West Los Angeles, and Airport Marina Counseling Services, followed by two post-doctoral fellowships in private practice under the supervision of licensed psychologists.

 

A Passion for Working With Children and Adolescents

 

In addition to working with adults, I am also a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, offering psychotherapy for young minds who are still forming their sense of self, identity, and emotional resilience. Childhood and adolescence are delicate, complex seasons of life, often misunderstood and dismissed. I hold deep reverence for this stage of development, recognizing the immense impact that early experiences have on one’s future.

 

My approach with children and adolescents is gentle, creative, and deeply attuned to their world. Through play, storytelling, and thoughtful conversation, I help them express what they may not yet have words for, untangle emotional knots, and develop a healthier relationship with themselves and others. Whether it’s struggles with anxiety, depression, trauma, identity, or relational difficulties, my goal is to provide a sanctuary where young minds can grow freely, without fear or shame.

 

Today, I maintain a private practice and am the executive director of the Creative Center in West Los Angeles, where I lead the center and work with patients seeking profound psychological change and tapping into their creative spears and lights.  Whether confronting life transitions, relational struggles, creative blocks, or the deeper unconscious patterns shaping their lives, my role is to listen—not just to what is said, but to what remains unsaid—to help bring the unconscious into awareness and facilitate growth.

 

    A Unique Perspective: The Intersection of Art, Athletics, and Psychoanalysis

 

In addition to my clinical and academic work, I have an extensive background in the arts and athletics, experiences that continue to inform my approach to therapy. As a SAG-AFTRA member in the film and television industry, I understand the unique psychological complexities of creative professionals—the interplay of vulnerability, performance, and identity. My background in theater arts, improv and comedy occasionally lends itself to the therapeutic space, where light humor can serve as a bridge to deeper emotional work.

 

Athletics has also played a formative role in my life. As a former NCAA Division I collegiate basketball athlete, I know firsthand the psychological demands of sports—the pressure, the discipline, the triumphs, and the internal battles. My dissertation research explored the intersection of mood and physical activity, particularly in populations where movement is both an outlet and a challenge. This personal and academic experience allows me to work uniquely with athletes, helping them cultivate emotional awareness and mental resilience.

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The Space

© Fredrick Edo-Okuonghae 2025  |  13101 W Washington Blvd 90066   |   (424) 362 - 8745  |  grow@fredrickedo.com  |  LMFT CA #113359 | TX #204222 | CO #.0002735 | FL TPMF1526
 

"Life is a journey and it's about growing and changing and coming to terms with who and what you are and loving who and what you are." 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          - Kelly McGillis   

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