LMFT, 14 years of experience
Hi! I'm a Licensed Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I enjoy working with clients struggling with various common mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. I also enjoy supporting clients experiencing grief and loss, substance use, reproductive challenges, and trauma. I believe everyone can benefit from therapy, and I use a holistic approach in my treatment as I believe many factors influence our experience as human beings.
In our first session together, we'll start by getting to know each other, then dive into the specific challenges you're facing and what you hope to gain from therapy. This will help me create a unique and specialized plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.
Having worked with many diverse populations for the past 14 years, one of the truths I've learned is that we are all doing our best at any given time with the information we have. I will meet you where you are with compassion and non-judgment, while supporting you in realizing your inherent value and limitless potential. Using my clinical experience, I will also create a tailored plan that leads to measurable progress.
I enjoy working with clients of all ages who are open-minded, curious, and ready to grow. My clients are eager to learn more about themselves, but possibly don't have the skills needed to make this goal a reality. They often feel stuck, overwhelmed and anxious about their personal circumstances and the state of the world. I enjoy clients who are willing to be vulnerable and brave in their treatment, and who understand we are all a work-in-progress.
Alina Aweau offers therapy covered by Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Health Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal) and San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) in California.
I utilize CBT to support clients address underlying beliefs, patterns, and behaviors that may be keeping them stuck. I have utilized CBT with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, grief and loss, and trauma.
I grew up in a multicultural family and community that valued diversity. I have lived outside of the U.S. and grew up speaking two languages. I understand the beauty and complexity of culture, as well as the role it plays in our lives and mental health. I take into account one's cultural/ racial background and use a holistic approach in my treatment. I will value and recognize one's cultural and racial identity, as well as unique life experiences in treatment.
I have over a decade of experience working with individuals struggling with substance use. This is an area where therapists typically see a high level of many types of trauma. I will provide resources and support to ensure my clients struggling with trauma feel safe and heard.
I am trained in both levels (1 & 2) of EMDR, which can be a very powerful and effective tool for addressing trauma and painful life experiences. I utilize it for clients who are appropriate candidates and are interested in exploring EMDR.
I worked as a hospice therapist for several years where I supported individuals who were terminally ill, as well as clients who had lost loved ones. I understand the complexity of grief, and I support my clients in navigating their personal journey through psycho-education and compassion.