About Maddy: Los Angeles Therapist

A little about me

Hi, I'm Maddy Kostman, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist born and raised in Los Angeles. I'm passionate about helping people better understand themselves, navigate relationships, and make sense of the experiences that shape who they are.

My path to becoming a therapist was shaped by my background in acting and education. I spent five years working as a school counselor, supporting children and families through the social, emotional, and developmental challenges of growing up. Before that I worked in schools while pursuing acting full time. My experience in the creative world also gave me a unique appreciation for the vulnerability involved in putting yourself out there, navigating uncertainty, and figuring out who you are beyond the roles you play. 

I attended Bennington College for my undergraduate studies and majored in Psychology and Theater. I then attended graduate school at Antioch University where I recieved my masters degree in Clinical Psychology.

These experiences continue to inform the way I approach therapy: with curiosity, creativity, and an appreciation for each person's individual story.

Outside of work you can find me hiking, camping, going to see plays, or playing with my cats.

How I approach therapy

I believe therapy should be a space where you can show up as you are, without needing to have everything figured out. My approach is warm, collaborative, and relational. I'm interested not only in what you're experiencing, but in understanding the patterns, relationships, and experiences that have shaped how you see yourself and move through the world.

I integrate EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS/Parts Work), Narrative Therapy, and Mindful Self-Compassion into my work. I tailor our approach to your needs, balancing deeper exploration and processing with practical tools that help you navigate everyday life.

I believe meaningful change comes from developing a better understanding of ourselves, rather than simply trying to fix the parts of ourselves we find difficult.

What I love about this work

I'm especially drawn to the moments when people begin to see themselves differently: when someone starts recognizing patterns they've been repeating, develops compassion for a part of themselves they've spent years criticizing, or begins making decisions based on what they actually want rather than what they feel they should want.

I enjoy working with women navigating relationships, dating, identity, and major life transitions, as well as actors and creatives exploring the emotional complexities of their work and identities. I also love supporting children, teens, and parents as they navigate the challenges of growing up and family life.

My background in acting continues to influence my perspective on identity, vulnerability, creativity, and the stories we tell ourselves. I'm fascinated by the ways our experiences shape who we become and how much freedom can come from allowing ourselves to rewrite those stories.

Let's connect

Finding the right therapist matters. If something here resonates with you, I'd love to connect and hear a little about what brings you to therapy. We can start with a free 15-minute consultation to see whether working together feels like a good fit.