Audrey Gruen, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Audrey!

Life can feel unpredictable, overwhelming, and painful, leaving us anxious, stuck, or disconnected. While we can't always change circumstances, we can shift how we respond. Through reflection and practice, we can build resilience and tap into the strength within us.

My focus

I work with adults navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, grief, and self-worth issues. Many clients feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected. I'm especially comfortable exploring how early relationships and family dynamics impact current emotional patterns.

My approach

My approach is warm, supportive, and personalized. Drawing from attachment theory, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, and spirituality, we'll access your inner resources to support lasting change. We'll explore how your past has shaped your present to better understand yourself.

My communication style

I create a calm, deeply supportive space where you can show up without judgment. My tone is warm, attuned, and collaborative. Clients describe our work as both grounding and gently challenging. I bring clinical expertise and respect for your experience as we explore at your pace.

My journey to mental healthcare

What drew me to this work was curiosity about human experience and a desire to help people feel seen and less alone. What drives me is walking alongside people as they explore their pain, resilience, and capacity for growth. I'm inspired by the courage it takes to face difficulty and lean into change.

My goals for you

Goal setting is collaborative and evolving. We'll explore what brought you to therapy and what you hope to gain—whether relief from pain, improving relationships, building self-worth, or gaining clarity. As you grow, your needs may shift, and so will our focus.

Our first session

In our first session, I'll create a welcoming space where you feel heard. We'll discuss what brought you to therapy and your hopes. There's no pressure to have everything figured out. I'll ask about your background, challenges, and goals to build a relationship rooted in trust.

I identify as...

Female
Caucasian or White

Expertise

Specialties

+ 12 more

Treatment approaches

Attachment-based

Psychoanalytic

Compassion Focused

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

+ 5 more

Focus populations

Educators

First Generation American/Immigrant Parents

Gay

LGBTQIA+

Single Mother

+ 5 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 58 more

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from Wurzweiler School of Social Work.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Audrey Gruen