Meet DeMonta Whiting | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with DeMonta Whiting and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DeMonta, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking risks is a natural part of being a human that helps to ensure our survival. Every time we walk out the door, we are taking a risk. We risk falling and hurting ourselves, getting into a car accident, being victims of a crime, etc. However, under normal circumstances, the advantages of taking risks outweigh the disadvantages: we get to travel greater distances, meet new people, make more money, etc.

Taking risks has benefited me greatly throughout my life as it has allowed me to live a life that I genuinely enjoy. By taking a risk and going back to school for my Master’s degree at the age of 35, not only do I now have a career that I love, but I make enough money to do the things that I want to do. By taking a risk and ending relationships with people who didn’t have my best interest in mind, I now have happy and healthy relationships with people who do.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in assertive communication. I work primarily with people who experience difficulty being assertive and setting boundaries with others (and themselves) due to childhood trauma, abuse, or neglect. I utilize an integrative therapeutic approach to help my clients voice their needs confidently, value themselves and their rights, communicate effectively, and learn to say ‘no’ without feeling bad about it.

As a survivor of childhood trauma, I have learned the importance of valuing myself, my needs, and my rights. My personal and professional experiences over the years have since shaped and formulated my therapeutic style.

I am open, honest, emphatic, direct, and engaging. I believe in meeting clients where they are, and I tailor my treatment to their specific goals and areas of interest.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to L.A. for a visit and I wanted to show them the best time ever, on a 3-day weekend, it would look like the following:

Day 1: We would drive to the Promenade in Santa Monica on the first day. The abundance of great food, live music, and shopping is a great way to indulge the senses and a great introduction to Los Angeles. Afterward, we’d stroll over to Santa Monica place for food, drinks, and conversation at The Curious Palate, a hidden gem of a restaurant that specializes in craft beers (and even craftier meals) in a cozy dining area that’s private and comfortable. To top off the day, we’d take a cruise on State Route 1 up the Pacific Coastline to enjoy the ocean air and revel in the mountainous views on our right, juxtaposed with the bountiful waves of the Pacific Ocean on our left.

Day 2: We’d start the day off with breakfast at The Kitchen, a neighborhood fave in Silverlake, with rich and delicious delicacies and a relaxed atmosphere conducive to intimate conversations and mild introspection. Afterward, we’d head to Griffith Park for a hike through the walnut woodlands, checking out the Hollywood Sign and marveling at the fantastic view of the city from the Observatory. For lunch, we’d go to the Alcove Cafe and Bakery, where we’d enjoy the hearty food and a boisterous atmosphere. Lastly, we’d drive down Hollywood Boulevard to visit the TCL Chinese Theatre and Hollywood Walk of Fame before closing out the night with dinner and drinks at the Black Cat in Silverlake.

Day 3: We’d start the day with an early drive to Wrightwood, CA. (I know, it’s not L.A., but hear me out). Its alpine trees and mountain views greatly contrast the urban displays of the inner city. While there, we’d get breakfast at Grizzly Cafe, a country-style restaurant with a patio that offers a great view of the mountainous municipality. Next, we’d visit some local shops for doodads and trinkets before heading over to the Evergreen Cafe for lunch and the Raccoon Saloon for a game of billiards. Lastly, we’d hop back on the road towards the Angeles Crest Highway, where we’d spend the next two hours carving the winding roads of California’s most scenic byway before heading back home to finish the evening.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a shoutout to my wife, Claudia. Over the past five years, she has loved me unconditionally, supported me tirelessly, and encouraged me tremendously. I am in awe of her. Her beauty is unparalleled, her intelligence is unrivaled, and her integrity, unsurpassed. She is my better half, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Website: https://www.assertivecommunication.help

Instagram: @deethetherapist

Other: https://portal-client.tryframe.com/therapists/demonta-whiting