Meet Naomi Lutz | Marriage and Family Therapist

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

Hi Naomi, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Once I decided I wanted to become a therapist, I knew early on that I wanted to eventually run my own private practice. Of course, becoming a therapist takes time—you spend four years in undergrad, two to three years in your master’s program, around three years completing your required 3,000 clinical hours, and then you take your licensing exam. By the time I became a fully licensed therapist, I still wanted to continue working in my current job to gain more experience and learn about how private practices are run.

However, as an associate therapist, industry standard often requires giving 40–60% of your income to your supervisor. My position followed this structure, and while it could feel limiting at times, I now fully understand why it’s set up that way. This experience, though, also gave me the push I needed to explore what it would take to open my own private practice. It motivated me to learn the ins and outs of running a business, and ultimately, I’m so grateful I took the leap to start my own practice.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’ve always been a people person, deeply curious about others’ thoughts, ideas, and connections. Growing up across multiple cultures—my dad is French and my mom is German, and I’ve lived in Germany and the U.S.—helped me develop an openness and adaptability to different perspectives. Moving to the U.S. at 16 was a huge challenge, but it shaped me into someone who can connect with a wide variety of people and understand their experiences.

This ability to meet people where they are is central to my work as a therapist. What sets my practice apart is my focus on providing therapy in German for expats, helping clients navigate the complexities of living abroad, and my work with couples. I take the time to understand both individuals and how they interact, helping them improve communication and deepen their connection.

Building my private practice wasn’t easy—it required patience, learning, and stepping into unfamiliar territory—but every experience led me to this point. I’m proud to have created a space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported, and I’m excited about the impact my work has on people’s lives. My goal is to help others connect—with themselves and with the people they love—while honoring their unique backgrounds and stories.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I don’t consider myself a big planner—I love going with the flow and seeing where the vibes take me—but I’d definitely want to show my friend some of my favorite spots in and around LA.

For food, I’d start with Vin Folk in Hermosa, where the Japanese and Russian chefs create an amazing fusion menu that celebrates different cultures coming together. Felix in Venice is a fabulous Italian spot, staying very authentic to the cuisine, which is a rare find outside Italy. For something fun and immersive, Little Fatty, a Taiwanese restaurant, is perfect—sitting at the bar and chatting with the bartenders adds so much to the experience. Night Market is a must for spicy Thai cuisine, and Sugarfish is ideal for a relaxed sushi tasting menu where you can focus on great conversation.

For activities, I’d take them hiking in Topanga, playing beach tennis with Ola Beach Tennis in Santa Monica, enjoying the beaches in Manhattan Beach, and maybe even catching some waves in Malibu. We could join a pickup volleyball game, surf, or just soak in the sun.

For creative experiences, we could design our own rings at Plato Studio or try pottery at a local studio. I’d also love to stop for tea at Shiloh, which has live music and cozy nooks perfect for conversation. And of course, we’d hit some fun flea markets, like the Long Beach Flea Market or the Rose Bowl Flea Market, to explore treasures and soak up the local energy.

Ultimately, it would be a mix of great food, outdoor fun, and creative adventures—enough to really experience the culture and energy of LA while keeping it spontaneous and fun.

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 big shoutout to my father, Fabrice Dechoux. When I was applying to colleges, he encouraged me to study business, and I was adamant that it wasn’t for me. Fast forward to today, and I ended up running my own private practice—so in a way, I did end up in business after all!

My dad has been an incredible source of support, always encouraging me to try things, make mistakes, and keep learning. He’s the person I can call for an open ear, guidance, and practical advice—from marketing strategies to fee structuring to client communication. As an entrepreneur himself, he’s started, sold, and now consults for small businesses, so I’ve been lucky to have him as both a mentor and a resource throughout my journey.

Website: https://www.therapuretherapy.com/

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