Meet Ariel Landrum

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

Hi Ariel, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Inspiration for me is deeply rooted in my personal experiences and the people who have shaped my life. One of the most profound influences has been my father. He was a single dad who raised my brother and me while maintaining a full-time military career—a feat that required immense sacrifice and strength. Despite his challenges, he never wavered in his commitment to us, and he always spoke about us with pride. After his passing, we found that he had kept memorabilia from our childhood—things like awards, trinkets, and even our old taekwondo belts. We didn’t realize he valued these items, but they held significant meaning for him. This discovery taught me the importance of cherishing small experiences in the moment. It inspires me to recognize the value in every experience, no matter how trivial it may seem.

The people around me, both personally and professionally, also play a crucial role in shaping what inspires me. I’m at a stage in life where my friends are all on different paths—some are getting married, others are having children, some are changing careers, and others are facing significant challenges like divorce or moving out on their own for the first time. Observing their journeys has been incredibly inspiring. They’ve shown me that there’s no “right path” or “right way to live.” Their ingenuity, resilience, and clarity in decision-making often push me to be more courageous in my own life. Sometimes, it’s hard for me to move forward because I get caught up in the decision-making process—I joke that it’s because I’m a Libra. But watching my friends move forward with such determination gives me the courage to do the same.

When I encounter personal or professional challenges, I draw inspiration from several sources. As a therapist, I rely on my theoretical framework, consultation groups, supervisors, and ongoing training to navigate professional obstacles. I firmly believe that seeking guidance and using resources is a strength. I often tell my clients that using a resource makes you resourceful—it’s like Batman; we don’t admire him because he’s as strong as Superman, but because he’s resourceful and clever. In my personal life, I take a similar approach. I might go to therapy, join a support group, or even turn to stories and narratives—whether in books, comics, or video games—that help me process my struggles. These stories provide me with new perspectives and sometimes inspire creative solutions to my challenges.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My private practice reflects my commitment to providing holistic, culturally humble, and affirming care. The journey to where I am today began with a deep desire to create a therapeutic space that meets clients where they are, particularly in areas often overlooked or misunderstood. I’ve recently taken a significant step by returning to school to pursue a PsyD in Applied Clinical Psychology, focusing on learning how to conduct evaluations for neurodivergent people. This decision stems from my passion for providing affordable, neurodivergent-affirming care—something I believe is greatly needed. Embracing this new chapter of my life, from writing a dissertation to feeling like a learner again, is both daunting and exhilarating. However, I know that this continued growth will only enhance the care I can offer and contribute to the ongoing success of my business.

The path to building my practice has certainly had its challenges. One of the most significant obstacles has been contracting with employee assistance programs (EAPs) and managed healthcare programs in a way that ensures fair compensation for my expertise and that of my colleagues. It was a harsh reality to discover that many insurers don’t consider the years of experience, specialized knowledge, or the fact that I’m licensed in multiple states when determining rates. This disparity underscores the systemic barriers that still exist around valuing mental health professionals. It’s a reminder of how much work still needs to be done to ensure that mental health care is respected and valued appropriately.

What truly sets my practice apart is our dedication to cultural humility and the opportunity to learn from every individual’s unique cultural background. As a proud mixed Filipina American, my journey deeply influences how I approach therapy. I’m continually learning about the mixed experience and Filipino cultural values, which are integral to connecting with my clients. For example, the Filipino concept of Kapwa, which emphasizes a shared identity and interconnectedness, informs my approach to understanding clients within the context of their communities and relationships. Additionally, the value of Bayanihan, or community spirit, inspires me to foster a therapeutic environment where clients feel a strong sense of belonging and support.

These cultural values are not just theoretical concepts but lived experiences that inform every aspect of my practice. They shape the way I build connections with my clients and the community. I want the world to know that my approach to therapy is about much more than just providing treatment. It’s about creating a space where cultural identities are respected, clients can explore their experiences in a way that feels authentic and affirming, and where every individual’s story is valued and uniquely understood.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a military brat, I’ve called many places home over the years, but when I moved to California for school, the San Fernando Valley became my true home. I’ve lived here since 2010, making it the place I’ve called home the longest, and I’ve come to love being part of this vibrant community. When friends come to visit, I always look forward to showing them around and sharing what makes this area so special.

One of the must-see spots is the NoHo Arts District in North Hollywood, which is brimming with creativity. The district boasts about 20 independent theatres, making it a fantastic destination for anyone who appreciates art and culture.

The Great Wall of Los Angeles is an absolute must-see for those who appreciate cultural history. At half a mile long, this 2,754-foot mural is one of the city’s most significant examples of cultural cooperation. Conceived by Judith Baca, the mural was created by over 400 young people and their families from diverse backgrounds with the help of artists, historians, and community members.

If we’re talking about classic movie nostalgia, we can’t skip Reseda, California, where the apartment complex from The Karate Kid is located. This is where Daniel meets Mr. Miyagi, and the exterior still looks much like it did in 1984. It’s a fun little stop for film fans and adds a bit of pop culture history to the trip.

Of course, the Valley’s food scene is not to be missed. Casa Vega is one of my go-to spots—an iconic Mexican restaurant that’s been around for decades and has even been featured in movies. For a coffee break, I love taking friends to Red Window Coffee, a no-frills spot that’s all about the coffee experience without the distractions of modern technology. If they’re up for something truly unique, we’ll head to Horror Vibes Coffee Shop. With its spooky decor, including Chucky dolls and possessed babies, it’s one of the most distinctive coffee shops in the area.

Shopping and unique finds are also a big part of the Valley experience. Eclectica Vintage in North Hollywood is a treasure trove of vintage fashion, funky housewares, and antiques, often frequented by motion picture professionals looking for that perfect piece. It’s located on what’s known as “secret antique row,” making it a fantastic spot for anyone who loves digging through history. Another favorite of mine is The Iliad Bookshop, where you can lose yourself for hours amidst the 150,000 titles they have in stock. It’s a literary paradise that’s hard to leave once you start browsing. And they have bookshop cats lounging about that patrons can pet.

To cap off the day, Salsa and Beer are local favorites that offer generous portions of delicious Mexican food inspired by the cuisine of Zacatecas, Mexico. The NoHo location is always a hit with its colorful interior and relaxing patio. And for a nightcap, we’d head to the Tonga Hut, LA’s oldest tiki tavern. Its mid-century decor, original fountains, and a jukebox full of eclectic vintage tunes make it a perfect blend of kitschy fun and classic cocktails. Plus, if my friend is up for a challenge, they could start working their way through the Tonga Hut’s 78-drink Grog Log to earn a spot in the Loyal Order of the Drooling Bastard—a true badge of honor for any tiki enthusiast!

Whether it’s exploring art, savoring local cuisine, or uncovering hidden gems, the San Fernando Valley has a little bit of everything, and I love sharing these experiences with anyone who visits.

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’d like to give a huge shoutout to my partner, James Arrington. It might sound corny, but hear me out—James has been instrumental in shaping the course of my professional journey. When we first started dating, I was working at an agency and running my private practice part-time. I wasn’t finding fulfillment in the agency work, and I had a lot of fear around the idea of transitioning to my private practice full-time. The uncertainty and inconsistency of income were intimidating, especially since I craved stability.

Then the pandemic hit, and I found myself at a crossroads: continue with the agency job, where I was at risk of daily exposure, or take the leap and run my private practice full-time, which was telehealth-based and would significantly reduce my risk. This is where James’s influence became a game-changer. He’s been in the entertainment industry for years and is the epitome of a “gig worker”—someone who embraces the hustle and isn’t afraid of inconsistency. He showed me that not only was it possible to run a successful business, but that I could do it in a way that would be more financially rewarding and mentally fulfilling. He emphasized my skill set and knowledge, never downplaying what I brought to the table.

Thanks to James’s encouragement and guidance, I took the leap. Today, I run a thriving full-time private practice. I have interns who work under me, colleagues who are part of my practice, and most importantly, I have command over my time and energy. I’m grateful every day for his support and for helping me see the opportunities in this new life. Plus, with the telehealth boom, it’s clear that the innovative approach I began part-time in 2016 was the right move, and it’s helped me truly value my skills.

Another shoutout goes to Geek Therapy, a nonprofit that has been pivotal in my professional growth. Geek Therapy taught me how to utilize clients’ passions and fandoms in therapy sessions, a technique I had been intuitively using but have since honed and credentialed through their certification course. Additionally, my passion project, “People of Con,” started as a blog with friends where we reviewed conventions, events, festivals, and pop culture experiences. As a therapist, I naturally integrated mental health and wellness into our content.

When the pandemic paused our activities, I wasn’t sure if we’d ever get back to it. But as things reopened, I reconnected with Josué Cardona, the founder and president of Geek Therapy. We discussed merging “People of Con” with Geek Therapy, and that conversation led to its transformation into one of the nonprofit’s programs. We now explore how people can understand themselves and the world through the lens of their fandom experiences. I’m the Editor-in-Chief of this program, and it’s been amazing to continue this passion project with friends, helping volunteers get press passes to events, interview creators, and so much more. Our hope is to build traction and secure more funding for the nonprofit, allowing us to further our mission and reach more people.

Website: https://www.guidancett.com/

Instagram: Personal: https://www.instagram.com/airyell3000/ Professional: https://www.instagram.com/guidanceteletherapy/ Nonprofit: https://www.instagram.com/geektherapy/ Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/happiestpodgt/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/airyell3000/

Twitter: Personal: https://twitter.com/AirYell3000 Professional: https://x.com/guidancett Nonprofit: https://x.com/GeekTherapy Podcast: https://x.com/HappiestPodGT

Facebook: Nonprofit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GeekTherapy

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Geektherapy