Milena von Wrangel, PhD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Hi, I’m Milena.

Many of the people I work with feel overwhelmed by thoughts or emotions that seem difficult to manage alone. You may feel stuck in cycles of anxiety, self-doubt, or disconnection, or unsure how to move forward while carrying the weight of past experiences and patterns that seem difficult to shift alone. Others come to therapy feeling exhausted from trying to meet expectations that never quite felt aligned with who they truly are. Many are trying to better understand themselves, why certain relationships feel challenging, why self-doubt persists, or why life transitions bring unexpected distress. Together, I aim to help you build greater self-trust, strengthen relationships, and develop a more compassionate relationship with your mind

My approach is influenced by psychodynamic and relational therapy, which focuses on understanding how past experiences and relationships shape present emotions, patterns, and sense of self. I tailor therapy to each person’s needs, sometimes helping clients gain insight into longstanding patterns, sometimes focusing on building coping skills, and often using the therapy relationship itself as a space to practice new ways of relating. The goal is to support greater self-understanding, emotional resilience, and more fulfilling relationships.

WHO I WORK WITH

Adolescents, adults, and older adults

Anxiety and OCD

Mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorders

Neurodivergent clients (ADHD, autism, learning differences)

Individuals navigating attachment trauma or relationship challenges

Clients seeking support through identity shifts and emotional changes

High-achieving or intellectually curious individuals who feel misunderstood or out of place in traditional systems

Family members coping with the stress, grief, and complexity of supporting a loved one with mental illness

Individuals interested in personal growth, meaning-making, and deeper self-understanding

WHAT I HELP WITH

Understanding longstanding relational patterns

Developing self-trust and confidence

Navigating life transitions or identity changes

Improving relationships and communication 

Feeling more grounded, flexible, and aligned with values

Moving from self-criticism toward self-compassion

Understanding how your brain works and how to work with it rather than against it

Working toward greater psychological flexibility, emotional resilience, and a stronger sense of agency in one’s life.

HOW I WORK

Psychodynamic Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Mindfulness-based approaches

Feminist therapy

Existential therapy

My approach integrates relational psychodynamic therapy with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), feminist therapy, and existential perspectives. Sessions are collaborative and thoughtful, balancing insight-oriented exploration with practical strategies for change.

I believe healing happens when we feel deeply understood while also being gently challenged to move toward the life we want to live. Many clients come to therapy feeling that something about them is β€œtoo much” or β€œnot enough.” My goal is to create a space where all parts of you are welcome, including those that developed as adaptive responses to difficult experiences.

3 Reasons To Choose Therapy with Me

Balancing Depth + Practical Change

I integrate insight-oriented therapy with evidence-based approaches like ACT, helping clients understand themselves more deeply while also building skills that support meaningful change.

A Space for Authenticity

Many people come to therapy feeling pressure to β€œget it right,” please others, or hide parts of themselves. I aim to create a relationship where you can show up more fully as you are, including uncertainty, ambivalence, or emotions that feel difficult to express elsewhere.

Collaborative and Individualized

I tailor therapy to your goals, learning style, and values, drawing from multiple therapeutic frameworks to create an approach that feels both effective and personally relevant.

Practice Information

    • Licensed clinical psychologist PSY36419

    • PhD in Clinical Psychology - California School of Professional Psychology (Alliant International University)

    • MPhil in Psychology and Education - University of Cambridge

    • BA in English Literature - University of St Andrews

    • Virtual Therapy and Psychological Assessment Services Available throughout California

    • In-person Therapy and Psychological Assessment Services Available in Pasadena 

  • Fees & Insurance

    Therapy (Self-Pay): $250 per session

    Assessment Services:

    • Autism: $2,500

    • ADHD: $2,800

    • Comprehensive Evaluations: $4,500+

    • Combined evaluations range from $5,000 to $6,000, depending on the scope.

    • Therapeutic Assessment $2,500 - $6,000

    Assessment fees reflect the full evaluation process, including intake, testing, scoring, report writing, and feedback.

    Insurance: In-network with Aetna (therapy and assessments). If using Aetna, your out-of-pocket cost is determined by your copay, coinsurance, and deductible. Benefits are verified prior to your first appointment.

    We are out-of-network with all other insurance plans. A superbill can be provided for potential reimbursement if you have out-of-network benefits. We recommend contacting your insurance carrier directly to understand your coverage.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re interested in working with Thrive & Feel Psychology, begin by completing our New Client Intake Screener. Once submitted, our team will follow up within 24 - 48 business hours with the next steps.