Rachel Bentley , LMFT

Rachel Bentley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who draws on decades of clinical experience to help individuals, couples, children, and families navigate stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, trauma, and life transitions. Originally from Southern California, she earned a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University in 2005 and obtained independent LMFT licensure in 2010. LMFT indicates she is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist trained to work with relational and family systems.

Her background includes work in group homes, school-based counseling, outpatient addiction programs, and residential services for adults with serious mental illness, giving her exposure to a diverse range of clinical needs. Rachel integrates Object Relations and Attachment theory to help people see how early caregiver relationships shape current thoughts, feelings, and relational patterns. She is also trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and play therapy, using these tools to address thinking patterns, emotional regulation, and developmental needs.

Rachel emphasizes empowerment and advocacy, guiding clients to identify strengths and update coping strategies that no longer serve them. As an army spouse of more than 20 years, she has a particular commitment to military families and veterans. Outside of practice, she is actively involved in her children’s academic and sports activities.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Rachel Bentley works from several evidence-based approaches that translate well to remote sessions. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early caregiver relationships shape current emotional responses and attachment patterns - it can be helpful for relationship struggles, abandonment concerns, and intimacy issues. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, teaches practical strategies to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and is often used for anxiety, depression, and managing cravings in addiction. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a nonjudgmental, empathetic stance where the therapist supports the client in exploring goals and finding personal solutions, which can be effective for building self-esteem and coping with life changes.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey. Rachel collaborates with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting techniques over time to support meaningful progress. This collaborative process helps tailor care to each person and family.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, allowing clients to access support around work, family, and other commitments. These options make it easier to maintain consistent care and apply therapeutic skills in everyday life while working with licensed professionals and therapists who guide the process.