LCSW, 7 years of experience
"Healing may not be so much about getting better, as about letting go of everything that isn't you – all of the expectations, all of the beliefs – and becoming who you are." - Rachel Naomi Remen Are you having challenges with finding the courage to seek healing that may keep you from becoming the best version of yourself? Hello! I am Lauresha Zinatae Hawkins, LCSW, MSW, MPH. I am independently contracted with Grow Therapy, while operating my private practice, Mental Wellness University, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Inc., in California. I am licensed in the state of California and Alaska. I recently received my Master of Public Health degree in 2025. With an acquired passion for serving and inspiring people from all walks of life, I assist with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and trauma. I also serve the perinatal population, addressing perinatal mental health diagnoses, such as postpartum depression. Utilizing trust and rapport as the foundation of our therapeutic alliance, my approach to therapy comes with an eclectic style based on meeting the unique needs of who it is that I serve. I have 14 years of experience as a mental health professional in residential therapeutic treatment facilities, behavioral health outpatient clinic, as well as in psychiatric inpatient hospital setting, where trauma-informed care and advocacy is utilized to exemplify my passionate commitment to serving disadvantaged youth, adults, and elderly, including other vulnerable and at-risk populations such as dual-diagnoses.
During our initial session, clients can anticipate concise introductions. Recognizing the profound positive impact of laughter, clients may also encounter moments of levity, contingent upon the appropriateness of the situation. Furthermore, clients can anticipate a comprehensive clinical assessment that will facilitate the customization of their treatment plan. Additionally, a discussion regarding the potential compatibility between the provider and client will be conducted.
I strive to be authentic and dedicated to my practice, making every effort to create a safe and supportive environment for my clients to express themselves freely. I emphasize that therapy is a collaborative process based on our therapeutic relationship, fostered through meaningful conversations. My communication style is characterized by personability, adaptability, and charisma. While I prioritize non-judgment and active listening, I also make a conscious effort to monitor my clients’ feelings of safety and comfort, ensuring that they feel at ease expressing themselves authentically. Despite my kindness, politeness, and well-intentioned nature, I recognize the delicate balance between teaching and modeling appropriate communication. As a provider, I believe that my greatest strength lies in my assertiveness, honesty, and accountability, which enable my clients to continue growing and thriving beyond the termination of therapy.
I derive great satisfaction from working with adolescents and transitional age youth or adults (16-25) because I take pride in assisting them with their needs during a critical developmental transitional stage where they have the opportunity to make significant changes that can lead to a more fulfilling life. Recognizing that mental health recovery is a continuous process, I am fully committed to collaborating with individuals who are willing to actively participate in their treatment. This commitment allows me to provide the best possible care and support to each client.
Working in a many settings within the behavioral health and healthcare sector, I am able to utilize this therapy approach to focus on the most relevant techniques from a plethora of evidence-based therapy modalities together or interchangeably in order to promote an effective, individualized treatment plan over the course of treatment.
I am a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, who utilizes this treatment to assist clients in changing their thinking patterns. As a means to help clients identify their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, CBT also allows providers to guide in dissecting dysfunctional thoughts and reframing, to make the dysfunctional thoughts more accurate.
I am a certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapist, who utilizes this treatment to assist clients in understanding and accepting their emotions, learning to manage them, and to make positive changes in their lives. Homework is often given as a tool to practice these skills in-between sessions.