an image of Ruth Sze smiling at the camera

Ruth Sze, AMFT, ATR

Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
Registered California Board of Behavioral Sciences Number: AMFT 140393
Supervised by Yasuno Yoshizawa, LMFT 112040, ATR-BC 19-154
Adult, Teen, & Couple Therapist

Location: Manhattan Beach, Online
Language: English
Fee: Sliding Scale
Sliding Scale: Available
Insurance: Cigna, Aetna, UHC/Optum, Anthem, & can provide a superbill for PPO plans
Accepting New Clients: Yes


Populations: Couples, Parents, Adults, and Teens navigating life transitions
Specialties: Anxiety/Depression, Relational Conflict, Pregnancy & Postpartum, Life Transitions, Burnout, Cross-Cultural and Third Culture Kid Experiences

Hi! I'm Ruth. Let's create space for healing, connection, and growth together.

I believe that when we feel safe enough to share the fullness of our story, including our pain, worries, and hopes, something powerful begins to shift. My work centers on helping individuals, couples, and families find relief and build the kind of lives they actually want to be present for.

With a background in Marital and Family Therapy and a specialization in Art Therapy, I bring a creative, integrative lens to the therapeutic process. I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples, and Art Therapy to meet each person and relationship where they are. Whether we're exploring what's underneath anxiety and depression, strengthening the bond between partners, or navigating the tender shifts of new parenthood, my approach is collaborative, warm, and rooted in your values.

Having lived abroad and among different cultures has shaped the way I show up in the therapy room. I deeply value understanding each client's unique way of seeing and experiencing the world. There is no one-size-fits-all path to healing, and I honor the cultural, relational, and personal context you carry with you.

Working With Me

Therapy with me is a space to slow down, get curious, and take meaningful steps toward the life you want. I support clients in building self-compassion, reconnecting with what matters most, and breaking free from patterns that no longer serve them or their families. When one person begins to heal, the ripple effects can be felt throughout the whole family system.

I especially enjoy working with couples who want to deepen their emotional connection and strengthen their communication. I also hold a close understanding of the challenges new parents face as they navigate shifts in identity, responsibility, and daily life. And for those moving through life transitions, burnout, or cross-cultural experiences, I offer a grounding, nonjudgmental space to process and grow.

Cross-Cultural Understanding

Having lived abroad and among different cultures has deeply shaped the way I approach the therapeutic relationship. I know what it feels like to move between worlds, to carry more than one cultural lens, and to navigate the complexity of belonging in spaces that don't always make room for every part of who you are. This lived experience informs how I listen, connect, and hold space. I deeply value understanding each client's unique way of seeing and experiencing the world, and I believe that honoring your cultural context is an essential part of the healing process. Whether you identify as a Third Culture Kid, are navigating cross-cultural dynamics in your relationships, or are simply trying to make sense of where you fit, I meet you with curiosity and care.

Support for New Parents

Becoming a parent is one of life's most profound shifts, and it touches every part of who you are. As a parent myself, I understand firsthand the joy, exhaustion, and vulnerability that come with welcoming a child. The adjustment can bring unexpected emotions, including grief for the life you had before, pressure to do everything right, and a changing sense of self that can feel disorienting. I offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental space for new and expectant parents to process these shifts, reconnect with their own needs, and build confidence in their evolving role. I have also facilitated groups supporting pregnant and postpartum mothers, and I bring that experience into my work with individuals and couples navigating this season of life.

Couples Connection

Relationships take intention, and even the strongest partnerships can hit moments where communication breaks down or emotional distance creeps in. I enjoy working with couples who want to feel closer, more understood, and more connected to one another. Using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), I help partners identify the patterns that keep them stuck in cycles of conflict or withdrawal, and guide them toward more open, vulnerable ways of reaching each other. When couples begin to heal together, the positive effects ripple outward, strengthening not just their relationship but the entire family system around them. Whether you're navigating a rough patch, adjusting to a major life change, or simply wanting to deepen what you already have, I'm here to support you both.

I enjoy collaborating with clients to develop strategies that support healing and progress!