Lorena Gonzalez

Hello, my name is Lorena I Gonzalez! I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor and a licensed clinical addictions specialist. I use an eclectic, holistic, person-centered approach to therapy in order to treat the whole person and create balance, health, and growth in all areas of life.

My approach

My approach to therapy is empathically driven, with an emphasis on creating a safe and comfortable space for clients to open their minds and hearts to change and a healthier way of life. I wholeheartedly believe in meeting each client where they are in their process and walking alongside them to help guide their healing. The most common theoretical approaches I use in sessions are cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, existential/experiential therapy, and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy.

My focus

I have a long history in the mental health and addictions field, dating back to 2005, when I worked with male juvenile offenders. As a therapist, I am comfortable treating a wide variety of mental health and addiction concerns, including forensic populations, marginalized and impoverished populations, undocumented immigrants, and persons with personality disorders. I enjoy working with trauma clients, grief and complicated grief clients, and clients struggling with stress, anger issues, anxiety disorders, depression, and addiction.

My communication style

Working with me is a tranquil and mind-opening experience. I am certified in guided meditation and am working on a 500-hour yoga certification. Both have helped me to gain a calm, compassionate, and genuine understanding of how stress and other mental and emotional concerns affect the balance and wholeness of the human being. I walk alongside clients to help them understand that therapy is not a race and I am not in a hurry. I am a guide in the dark to teach clients how to help themselves and improve the overall quality of their lives.

My journey to mental healthcare

Therapy has been a love of mine since I went for the first time 23 years ago. I fell in love with the gift of sitting with another human in a safe space and opening myself up in a vulnerable and real way. I felt so grateful to have had that healing experience and have since engaged in helping others experience the magic of healing the mind and Soul.

My goals for you

Goal setting is always person-centered, thus engaging the client in creating goals that are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-Bound) in nature. Client are part of the process because it is invaluable for them to know that they are setting themselves up for success in ways they envision for themselves.

My first session with you

The first session will be geared toward gathering information about their psychosocial history in order for me to gain a clear understanding of what is creating disharmony in their lives. We will briefly discuss many areas of life that will guide more in-depth exploration for the remaining sessions.