David Raya, LCSW - Therapist at Grow Therapy

David Raya

David Raya

LCSW
6 years of experience
Virtual

Hi there! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Southern California, and I’m excited to share a bit about myself. I studied at California State University, Los Angeles, and have been practicing for nearly seven years now. I have worked with people of all ages—children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. My passion lies in helping individuals, especially adults and older adults, find healing and discover their inner strengths. I’m here to support you as you navigate life’s challenges, heal from past pain, and move toward the future you envision. Let’s work together to help you thrive!

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Setting goals at the start of therapy is a great way to keep you engaged and help shape our future sessions. It allows you to think about and share what you hope to achieve. Let’s start with a simple question: “Imagine you go to sleep and, when you wake up, all your problems are resolved. How will you know things are better? What changes will you notice? How will those changes show up in your life? What will be different?” These questions can help spark specific ideas about how you’d like to improve your life. I’m excited to hear your thoughts!

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

Every person's journey is unique, and I'm here to create a warm and welcoming space where you can comfortably share your feelings and face any challenges you might be experiencing. My passion is to make a positive difference in your life! I focus on ensuring you feel safe and at ease through friendly and empathetic communication. I believe in building strong, trusting relationships filled with compassion and understanding while creating a supportive and judgment-free environment.

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Christian Counseling

We all go through tough times, and some challenges can feel overwhelming. But remember, you don’t have to face them alone! Every problem has a solution, and with a bit of help from God’s grace and a thoughtful look at our beliefs, we can heal together. I’m here to provide a warm and welcoming space for you to share your experiences. Together, we can explore solutions and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. This journey can help you accept yourself more fully and build relationships that feel truly meaningful. By identifying patterns like procrastination and self-sabotage, we can discover our purpose and find clarity in our lives. I genuinely believe we’re all meant for something special, and it’s our job to chase after it. It can be challenging to figure that out when dealing with a whirlwind of emotions, but that’s where I come in! I really admire your courage in taking this step toward becoming the best version of yourself. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together!

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Throughout my career as a clinician, I've had the pleasure of using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with many individuals. CBT is all about the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and actions. When something happens in our lives—big or small—our minds automatically interpret that event, leading to specific thoughts. These thoughts then shape our emotions and influence how we react. With the help of the cognitive model, you’ll have the opportunity to discover your patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It’s a journey of understanding how your thoughts can impact your emotions and, ultimately, your life. As you become more aware of your unhelpful thoughts, you’ll find ways to change them into healthier ones. Those thoughts that used to lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, or anger can be replaced, giving you the power to take control over how you feel. It’s all about empowering you to feel better and live a more fulfilling life!