Meet Gavin Cross | Marriage and Family Therapist

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

Hi Gavin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

I started my therapy practice with the intention of creating a space where people whose experiences often fall outside the mainstream narrative could feel truly seen. I work primarily with men navigating the unspoken or internalized struggles of masculinity and anxiety, and with queer individuals and couples whose relationships don’t always follow heteronormative templates. I wanted a space where vulnerability wasn’t just allowed—it was invited. Starting my own business gave me the freedom to tailor my practice in a way that aligned with those values.

Sunset Therapy Spaces was born from the recognition that many therapists in LA were working in isolation—beautiful work happening behind closed doors, but very little community to hold it. I wanted to create more than just office space. I envisioned a place that felt elevated, welcoming, and designed with therapists in mind, where camaraderie and professional connection could happen organically. I wanted to change the norm of solo private practice into something more collaborative.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My therapy practice centers on creating space for the kinds of conversations that don’t always fit into traditional frameworks—especially around masculinity, identity, and relationships that look different from the cultural default. I work with men who are struggling in silence, and with queer individuals and couples who want to build lives on their own terms, not ones shaped by heteronormative expectations. What sets my practice apart is how deeply it’s tailored to those lived experiences. It’s not just about symptom relief—it’s about real, internal change, and learning to live more truthfully and fully.

Getting to this point wasn’t easy. Like many therapists starting out, I had to build my practice from scratch. There were moments of doubt, seasons where I questioned whether I was doing it “right”—but leaning into clarity about who I wanted to serve and how I wanted to show up was the game-changer. Once I gave myself permission to speak directly to the clients I felt most aligned with, things started to click. I’ve learned that specificity is a strength in this work, not a liability.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it’s grounded in compassion, honesty, and a deep belief in the power of difference. The world doesn’t need more one-size-fits-all therapy. It needs care that sees people in their full complexity. That’s what I aim to offer every client who walks through my (literal or virtual) door.

Sunset Therapy Spaces is a coworking community for therapists in Los Angeles, but it’s more than just beautifully designed offices. It’s a space intentionally created to support the people who support others. I wanted to design something that felt elevated and inspiring—but also deeply practical. From natural light to thoughtful soundproofing to shared resources, everything is built with the therapist experience in mind. But what really sets us apart is the sense of community we foster. Private practice can be isolating, and I believe therapists do their best work when they feel seen, connected, and not alone in the process.

This business came out of a personal need—I wanted a space that felt good to work in, and that also came with a sense of camaraderie. It definitely wasn’t easy. Real estate in LA is complex, and the logistics of outfitting and maintaining a multi-office collective can be intense. But I stayed anchored to the vision. The biggest challenge was trusting that others would see and value what I was trying to build. They did—and the feedback from members is what keeps me going.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that beauty and functionality don’t have to compete. You can create spaces that feel like home and also support the hard work of therapy. What I want the world to know about Sunset Therapy Spaces is that it’s more than a lease—it’s a place to belong. It’s proof that even in solo practice, you don’t have to go it alone.

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 was visiting for a week, I’d want to give them the full L.A. experience—the kind that mixes beauty, heart, and the kind of weirdness that makes this city what it is.

We’d start strong with dinner at The Girl and The Goat—it’s my go-to. The vibe is lively but still intimate, and the food is absolutely unreal. Afterwards, we’d walk around the Arts District a bit or grab a drink at Death & Co for a cozy, elevated cocktail moment.

One night would be reserved for UCB (Upright Citizens Brigade)—watching improv with a drink in hand is my idea of joy. It’s unhinged in the best way and always manages to be surprisingly smart and human.

We’d definitely carve out a whole afternoon for LACMA, specifically to hang out in the Ancient Egypt exhibit. I could get lost in that room. It’s grounding and mysterious in a way that makes you feel both small and totally connected to something ancient. We’d follow it with an early dinner at Republique, or even something casual like a sidewalk table at Jon & Vinny’s depending on the mood.

For a slower day, we’d take a morning hike up Runyon or Griffith, then maybe float around Silver Lake or Los Feliz—maybe coffee at Maru, people-watching at Sqirl, and a stop at Stories Books & Cafe. In the evening, Bar Flores in Echo Park would be the perfect place for a laid-back atmosphere.

We’d also do a beach day—but make it extra. Think Malibu, with a stop at Malibu Farm or Lily’s for burritos, and a wine-sunset situation back in Topanga. We’d wrap that night up with a home-cooked dinner or something outdoorsy, like a firepit with friends.

At least one night would be spent somewhere queer—Precinct for something gritty and loud, or Akbar for something a little older and more community-based. And if it’s Sunday, Hot Dog Sunday in Silverlake obviously.

By the end of the week, I’d want them to feel like they’d seen the full spectrum: a little indulgence, a little weirdness, a little soul, and a lot of fun. Because that’s what L.A. is when it’s done right.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without question, my shoutout goes to Mady Snyder—my best friend, my creative counterpart, and a fellow therapist whose presence has been one of the most grounding forces in both my personal life and professional growth. Mady and I have walked parallel paths in this field, and she’s someone who understands the nuances, the emotional toll, and the beauty of this work in a way very few people can.

She has a way of holding space that’s both fierce and soft—she’s the person who challenges me to think deeper, trust myself more, and never compromise the heart of the work. Whether we’re bouncing ideas for our websites, unpacking the emotional aftermath of a tough session, or just being ridiculous over coffee, Mady has been there. Her support isn’t just encouragement—it’s co-visioning. And that’s rare.

She’s doing her own beautiful, impactful work at madysnyder.com, and I feel lucky every day to have her as a friend, colleague, and sounding board. A lot of what I’ve built, and the confidence I’ve had to do it, is thanks to the kind of friendship and collaboration we share.

Website: gavincross.com sunsettherapyspaces.com

Instagram: @sunsetwellness.la (my therapy practice doesn’t have an IG)