Meet Dr. Molly Burrets | Clinical Psychologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Molly Burrets and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Molly, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
One of the most important lessons my business has taught me, is that despite the well intentioned encouragement of a generation of feminists before me, a working mom in the United States today can’t have it all. I know that sounds disappointing, but it actually can be so freeing to release yourself from the endless pursuit of “having it all”, and to instead relentlessly pursue that which matters most. Determining what matters most has been a deeply personal and essential process that required me to identify my values, do the hard work of setting boundaries to create space for what is aligned with my values, and to unapologetically limit the elements that distract from my purpose.

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?
I’m a clinical psychologist that specializes in couples therapy and women’s health. After I finished my clinical training at Northwestern University School of Medicine, I pursued a career in academia, and spent many years teaching doctoral students and conducting research on relationships. A lot of people told me that “Los Angeles is a saturated market for therapists”, or “You can’t throw a stone without hitting a therapist in L.A.” But when I took the leap to open my private practice, I bet on my years of training and expertise. It turns out that one of the biggest complaints I hear from clients is how hard it has been for them to find a couples therapist that is really good. A saturated market does not necessarily mean a satisfied market. When you pursue your passion and cultivate excellence in your profession, I believe a path inevitably opens for you.

In the beginning I had concerns about getting started because I didn’t grow up in California, and so I don’t have a lifetime’s network of connections here. But I kept my focus on excellence in delivery of care, and a focus on my niche area and identity as a relationship expert. About half of my therapy practice is composed of couples, and the other half is high achieving women struggling with some kind of relational issue, whether it be pain from a past relationship, a current relationship, or struggle to find the relationship they want. The biggest source of referrals for me comes not from friends, family, or professional connections. It comes from clients that I have worked with in the past who recommend me to people they know. This is the biggest compliment to me, because therapy is a deeply personal experience, and to know that I’m being recommended by someone who went through that experience with me shows a tremendous amount of trust.

One of the most challenging things about my business is that my profession is personal. My clients explore some of the most complicated and painful subject matter in the safe confines of my space. They bring with them conflict, betrayal, commitment, trauma, confusion, and curiosity. My charge is to provide care for my clients in ways that allow me to deeply connect, but require me to maintain firm boundaries. This is the balance that allows me to take care of them, but have enough left to care for myself and my family. At the end of the day, when I walk into the home to greet my babies and my husband, I often feel like I’ve lived multiple lives, carrying these sacred stories that I keep secret. It is always a full day. I can’t imagine doing any other career. This is my life’s work.

When I’m not with clients, I teach Couples Therapy to therapists-in-training in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at USC. I also do quite a bit of media work, and have recently been featured in magazines like SELF, Women’s Health, Brides, and Prevention – as well as many online outlets.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m an Eastsider all the way, so Northeast LA and Pasadena are my favorite stomping grounds. After breakfast burritos at BBAD, I’d give my guests a dose of Vitamin D and take them on one of the walks featured in Secret Stairs in the San Rafael Hills. From there we would stop at the Langham Hotel for lunch, then check out Huntington Gardens (never miss the koi pond!). Afterward, we’d pop over to Old Town for a little shopping, then fill up on the best Italian food in Pasadena at Union. Finally, we’d head north right to the foothills and hit up Bulgarini in Altadena for gelato.

The next day, we’d grab breakfast at Heirloom in South Pasadena, and take a bike ride down the Arroyo for amazing views right past the famous Colorado Bridge and straight to the Rose Bowl. By then, we’d really be craving some R&R, and the rooftop pool at the Pasadena Hotel is perfect for that. By afternoon, we’d be ready to hit up the Farmers Market in South Pasadena – which is a total delight with amazing food, cool vendors, live music, and great people watching – plus our kids would have a great time eating elote and playing outside on the lawn in front of the public library.

Let’s face it, I don’t make it out at night much these days, but on rare occasions that I dare to venture out past the kids’ bedtime, I can have a great time anywhere in Highland Park – being terrible at bowling at Highland Park Bowl, sipping my fave Cabernet at the wine bar Holcomb, or listening to the DJ at Good Housekeeping. And of course, nothing beats a night game at Dodger Stadium.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Both of my parents were teachers when I was growing up, and I’ve always had amazing teachers in my formal education – so, shout out to my parents and my teachers. In terms of personal support, I am deeply connected to my friends – each of whom I consider a soulmate in some way. The most important person in my life is my husband. We’ve been together 17 years; he knew me before I was a psychologist, trusted me enough to follow me all the way to California to build this life together, and we share a profound connection from doing the most intense and difficult job in the world together – parenting. My two kiddos have taught me the most about myself and challenged me in ways I never could have expected. But many of the most meaningful experiences I have had in my life have happened right in the therapy room with my clients. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for each client that has chosen me to be a witness or a guide on whatever path they’re forging. My clients are incredible, resilient, and courageous people. I’m so lucky to do this work.

Website: https://www.drmollyburrets.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmollyburrets

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-burrets-phd-342b5411

Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/molly-burrets-south-pasadena-ca/707096

Image Credits
Molly Burrets
Dawn Bowery Photography