Tuul Gantogtokh, AMFT
Tuul Gantogtokh (she/her), Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (CA#152168)
Hi, I’m Tuul (Joy) Gantogtokh, currently based in Los Angeles, CA.
Eleven years ago, I made the big decision to study abroad. Moving from Mongolia to the U.S. and starting over on my own was scary and challenging, and I understand how isolating and overwhelming changes can be. I know what it’s like to be in constant survival mode, stressed by uncertainty, and how those challenges can make us feel powerless and minimized at times.
My life experiences have taught me to truly listen and understand those who feel isolated or unheard, even in their silence. Having faced uncertainty, marginalization, and a lack of resources, I’ve come to value the importance of nurturing a calm mind, a connected body, and trusting the process—these are the foundations that allow me to offer meaningful support to others during their most vulnerable times.
It is vital to seek help and support, especially when doing so feels vulnerable. It’s in these moments of vulnerability that we find the power to grow. I offer a compassionate, open space where you can reconnect with your feelings, work through the challenges that feel too overwhelming to face alone.
*Tuul is an associate marriage and family therapist (CA #152168) supervised by Matthew Shima, LMFT (CA#113018, HI#718).
Approach to Therapy
I offer a warm, non-judgmental space where you can slow down, tune in, and begin making sense of what feels painful, stuck, or unspoken. I work with adults and couples navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, personality disorders, relationship concerns, and life transitions.
My approach integrates psychodynamic and mindfulness-based therapy. Many of the difficulties we face today are rooted in past experiences, unprocessed emotions, or patterns that once served a purpose but no longer support us. In our work together, we gently explore these layers with curiosity and care, allowing insight and growth to emerge over time.
With individuals, I focus on helping you better understand yourself—your personality, emotional world, and how you relate to others. Through thoughtful reflection, deep exploration, and containing space, we work toward greater clarity, self-awareness, and a deeper connection to yourself.
With couples, I support partners in navigating disconnection, resentment, and challenges in expressing needs. We work on strengthening communication, understanding each other’s ways of giving and receiving love, and learning how to listen with intention. As you gain insight into your patterns and dynamics, I help you build compassion, respect differences, and collaborate more effectively as a team.
Throughout the process, I offer feedback, practical tools, and homework to support continued growth. This may include somatic and mindfulness-based practices to help you reconnect with yourself, process what has been held inside, and move toward a greater sense of clarity and balance.
Special Focus
Life Transitions
Coping Skills
Anxiety, Panic Attacks
Depression
Self-Esteem
Spirituality
LGBTQ+
Relationships, Couples
Immigration Trauma
Stress
Select Education and Certifications
M.A., Clinical Psychology, Antioch University, Los Angeles
Certificate in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT)
Certificate in Cognitively-Based Compassion Training, Emory University
Services
Individual Therapy
Relationship Therapy
Locations
Online therapy serving residents of California.
Languages
Mongolian (native/bilingual)
English (native/bilingual)
When I’m Not Doing Therapy…
I enjoy yoga and Vipassana meditation, and I'm an outdoors enthusiast—whether it’s camping, hiking somewhere or climbing the iconic rocks of Joshua Tree. You’ll also find me unwinding at the beach, visiting cake shops, cooking, or diving into a good book or podcast.
Movies and music are a big part of my life, and my taste spans from legends like Little Milton, Johnny Cash, Van Morrison, Fiona Apple, Norah Jones, and Pink Floyd to modern DJ sets, pop, and hip hop.
Enjoying the serene Huntington Japanese Garden
Soaking up the sun, which always makes me smile big
Exploring the magical Joshua Tree