Sheila S. Gilbert, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, CA LMFT #163341
Hi, I’m Sheila. And I’m so glad you’re here.
I’m a licensed psychotherapist, and I created Laya Women’s Therapy because this work is deeply meaningful to me and rooted in the kind of thoughtful, attuned care I believe women deserve, but too often do not receive.
My own experiences with infertility, postpartum anxiety, and the ups and downs of motherhood deepened my understanding of how emotionally layered these life transitions can feel. And because each person’s experience is their own, I know how much it can matter to be genuinely supported while moving through them.
Having spent years working in highly demanding business environments and in mental health supporting women, I understand the particular pressure that women can carry. Many of my clients are thoughtful, capable individuals who, beneath the surface, are struggling with either anxiety, burnout, grief, relationship strain, the pressure to hold everything together, a growing sense of disconnection from themselves…or some combination of it all.
My approach…
My approach to therapy is warm, relational, and insight-oriented. I believe many of our challenges often make sense within the context of our lived experiences and relationships. Together, we’ll explore what you’re facing and the emotional patterns underneath them. Therapy is shaped around what feels most supportive for your growth and grounded in evidence-informed therapies, including:
Psychodynamic Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral & Acceptance-Based Therapies (CBT & ACT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Narrative, Solution-Focused & Feminist Approaches
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
Education, Experience & Credentials
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, CA LMFT #163341
B.A. Psychology & Social Behavior — University of California, Irvine
M.A. Clinical Psychology — Pepperdine University
Beach Cities Mental Health — Clinical work focused on supporting women navigating anxiety, perfectionism, relationship challenges, infertility, perinatal experiences, motherhood, and major life changes
Perinatal Mental Health Certification in progress (expected July 2026) — Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Training — Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Maternal Mental Health Certificate Training — Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health & Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Gottman Bringing Baby Home Certified Educator — The Gottman Institute
Infertility for Mental Health Professionals Training Part 1 / Part 2 — American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)
Miscarriage, Stillbirth & Death Training — Maternal Mental Health NOW
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) Externship & Core Skills Training — ICEEFT
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)-Trained Therapist — EMDRIA
Perinatal Mood Support for Moms Support Group Lead — Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Women’s Infertility Support Group Host — RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association