LICSW, 12 years of experience
I’m Lyla Schwartz, a psychotherapist and clinical researcher with over a decade of experience supporting individuals, families, and communities through trauma, stress, and life transitions. My approach combines evidence-based therapies—including Internal Family Systems (IFS), CBT, and DBT—with a deep commitment to compassion, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration. I’ve worked across the U.S. and internationally, helping clients navigate challenges, build resilience, and reconnect with their strengths in a safe, supportive environment.
In our first session, my goal is to get to know you and understand what brings you to therapy. We’ll talk about your current concerns, your hopes for therapy, and any questions you may have. I’ll also ask some background questions to get a fuller picture of your experiences, strengths, and challenges. Together, we’ll begin to set goals and outline a path that feels supportive and manageable for you. Most importantly, the first session is about creating a safe, welcoming space where you feel comfortable and heard—there’s no pressure to share more than you’re ready to.
What stands out about my approach is the way I combine evidence-based methods—like Internal Family Systems (IFS), CBT, and DBT—with a deep respect for each client’s story and pace. I focus not only on reducing symptoms but also on helping clients build resilience, strengthen relationships, and reconnect with their sense of self. Clients often tell me they appreciate how our work feels both structured and flexible: they leave with practical tools for daily life while also experiencing meaningful emotional shifts. My goal is to create lasting change that supports healing, balance, and growth long after therapy ends.
I work best with individuals who are navigating trauma, high stress, or major life transitions and are looking for a safe, structured space to heal and grow. Many of my clients come with experiences of loss, displacement, or cultural adjustment, and they value an approach that blends evidence-based tools with deep compassion and respect for their unique story. I am especially positioned to support those struggling with PTSD, anxiety, relationship difficulties, or patterns of self-criticism, as well as professionals and caregivers facing burnout. Whether your goal is to reduce symptoms, build resilience, or reconnect with your sense of self, I work collaboratively to help you move toward greater clarity, balance, and well-being.
In my clinical practice, I utilize a diverse approach incorporating Attachment Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods. This versatility allows me to tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual and the specific circumstances of the community in which I engage. By integrating these varied therapeutic frameworks, I can address a wide range of psychological issues, promote healing, and support personal growth effectively.
In my clinical practice, I utilize a diverse approach incorporating Attachment Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods. This versatility allows me to tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual and the specific circumstances of the community in which I engage. By integrating these varied therapeutic frameworks, I can address a wide range of psychological issues, promote healing, and support personal growth effectively.
In my clinical practice, I utilize a diverse approach incorporating Attachment Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods. This versatility allows me to tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual and the specific circumstances of the community in which I engage. By integrating these varied therapeutic frameworks, I can address a wide range of psychological issues, promote healing, and support personal growth effectively.
In my clinical practice, I utilize a diverse approach incorporating Attachment Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods. This versatility allows me to tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual and the specific circumstances of the community in which I engage. By integrating these varied therapeutic frameworks, I can address a wide range of psychological issues, promote healing, and support personal growth effectively.
In my practice, Internal Family Systems (IFS) has become a transformative approach for helping clients understand and heal the different “parts” of themselves that carry emotions, beliefs, and protective strategies. IFS provides a framework for exploring these parts with curiosity and compassion, rather than judgment. My experience with IFS has shown me how powerful it is in creating lasting change—especially for clients navigating complex trauma, self-criticism, or patterns that feel difficult to shift. By guiding clients to connect with their core Self, IFS opens the door to greater balance, clarity, and self-leadership. I often integrate IFS with other evidence-based modalities, such as CBT and DBT, tailoring the process to meet each client where they are. This allows us to address symptoms and functional challenges while also working on deeper emotional healing. Clients learn to listen to their inner experiences, negotiate with protective parts, and release burdens carried from past wounds. In sessions, I create a safe, collaborative environment where clients can slow down, notice the parts of themselves that arise, and develop new ways of relating to those parts. Over time, this approach fosters resilience, reduces distress, and supports authentic growth.