Rachel Bentley, LMFT

Originally from Southern California, Rachel Bentley trained in marriage and family therapy at Pepperdine University, earning her master’s degree and later achieving independent licensure as an LMFT - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in 2010. Her clinical background spans individual, child, and family therapy across settings such as group homes, schools, outpatient addiction programs, and adult residential services for people with serious mental illness. This range of experience has given her familiarity with diverse clinical needs and developmental stages.

Rachel’s work is grounded in object relations and attachment theory, approaches that help people trace how early relationships with caregivers shape current thoughts, feelings, and relational patterns. She is also trained in cognitive behavioral therapies, dialectical behavior therapy, and play therapy, using these methods to help clients identify unhelpful thought patterns and build new coping strategies. Rachel emphasizes empowerment and advocacy, guiding people to recognize existing strengths and apply them toward meaningful change.

An army spouse for more than 20 years, Rachel has a particular commitment to serving military families and veterans. She has worked with children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families, and balances her professional life with active involvement in her children’s academic and sports activities.

Attachment-Informed and Practical Online Therapy

Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early bonds with caregivers influence current relationships and emotional responses. It helps people understand patterns of connection and disconnection, which can be useful for issues like attachment concerns, abandonment fears, and relationship difficulties. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship in which the client’s perspective guides the work; it supports self-exploration, self-esteem, and personal growth in a collaborative way. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) addresses the links between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors by teaching practical skills to challenge unhelpful thinking and change coping strategies, often used for anxiety, depression, and stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Rachel works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best suit their needs, goals, and preferences. She integrates relational and skills-based tools to tailor care to the individual or family.

Online therapy with Rachel can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for busy schedules, relocation, or military life. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and access support from licensed professionals when in-person visits are impractical.