Michelle L. Fryback, LMFT

Michelle L. Fryback is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and certified Gestalt therapist in El Segundo, in Los Angeles’s South Bay, who offers ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and integration of psychedelic experiences alongside individual, couples and family therapy. She sees clients in person and by video.

Approach

Fryback has practised in the South Bay for more than 25 years, after a first career in accounting. Her Gestalt certification took six years of training at the Pacific Gestalt Institute, she serves on the board of the Gestalt Institute of Los Angeles, and in 2023 she earned a certificate in psychedelic-assisted therapy after 240 hours of training. Her work stays with the here and now, treats the client as the expert on their own experience and uses parts work, mindfulness, family systems and Satir’s communication approach. A ketamine session lasts at least three hours, at her office or the client’s home: the client lies down with music and optional eyeshades while she stays in the room and takes notes for the integration sessions that follow.

Who it is for

Her focus includes anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, relationship conflict, grief, self-esteem, menopause, sobriety and LGBTQ+ and transgender clients. She also runs therapy groups.

Practical details

Office hours are Monday to Thursday, from noon to 7pm. A 50-minute session costs $225, with some sliding-scale places. She does not bill insurance but provides statements for out-of-network PPO claims.

Care and safety

Preparation takes one or two sessions to review intake forms, consent, psychological assessments and a medical assessment by a licensed medical provider. Boundaries around touch are agreed in advance, and she states that sexual touch is never part of the work. Clients who meet online need a second preparation session in person.