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Hi. I'm Lisa Bove, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Christian minister living in Southern California. I have been practicing as an LCSW for 29 years and have been an ordained minister for longer. In my practice, I work with people of all religious backgrounds and have been an active participant in many LGBTQI+ religious congregations. I approach therapy from a holistic and client-centered perspective. I love speaking with people, getting to know them, and helping them realize their strengths and work through their challenges. I work with those living with grief, stress, depression, anxiety, chronic/acute health issues, and relationship struggles. I have experience working with children as young as five years old and seeing people through older adulthood.
My approach
My therapeutic approach is eclectic, based on my client's strengths and needs. I assess the biological, social/environmental, psychological, and spiritual attributes of the issues for and with my client. Together we combine information from several sources, using the strength of the client-therapist relationship to help my client move forward in their healing and functioning.
My focus
I work with clients of all ages and from all walks of life. I work with those who live with chronic and acute illnesses. I have professional and lived experience within the LGBTQI+ community. I am a certified grief counselor and I work with many people experiencing loss, depression, anxiety, and stress. Many of my clients have backgrounds that include trauma and abuse. I strive to help my clients live life joyfully and meaningfully. I speak to those who speak Spanish and English.
My communication style
I am generally friendly and affirming! I strive to create a therapeutic atmosphere that is calm, open-minded, client-directed, and trusting. I use active listening, mindfulness, and strength-based problem-solving to help my clients move forward.
My journey to mental healthcare
I became a therapist while being a spiritual guide within a religious system that didn’t accept me or my lifestyle. Becoming a therapist allowed me to continue helping people while following the spiritual guide that lives within me and still being present as my authentic self. I absolutely love being a therapist!
My goals for you
I support clients to determine and express their goals with fully accepting non-judgmental guidance provided through our relationship and open communication. I help my clients break down goals that seem overwhelming and unreachable, to more manageable goals, moving them closer to what they ultimately want.
My first session with you
During our first session will we get to know one another, have the opportunity to ask each other questions and see how we will work together. The first session is an opportunity to open oneself up to a therapeutic relationship. We will discuss what brought you to seek guidance and therapy at this time, the things that are working for you in your life now, and what changes you would like to make. The first session will set us on the track for a strong and open therapeutic relationship
