I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California, and I work with people who are thoughtful, caring, and often hard on themselves. Many of my clients are used to showing up for others but aren’t always sure how to show up for themselves. I help adults explore how past relationships, anxiety, and self-doubt have shaped the way they move through the world, so they can feel more solid in who they are and what they need. My style is warm, honest, and grounded—I’m not here to “fix” you, but to support the version of you that’s been waiting for a little more space to breathe.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, we'll spend time simply getting to know each other and talking about what brings you here. There’s no pressure to say more than you feel ready to. My priority is creating a safe, welcoming environment where your experiences are validated, and your questions are honored.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My background in medical social work shaped my ability to stay present in emotionally intense moments and hold space for the parts of us that feel scared, overwhelmed, or stuck. I bring a calm, steady presence to therapy and help clients slow down enough to hear the parts of themselves they’ve learned to ignore or avoid. I’m attuned to nuance and sensitive to the ways early relational experiences can shape how we show up in adulthood—with others and with ourselves.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I work best with adults in caregiving or high-responsibility roles who are used to keeping it together for others, even when they feel overwhelmed or disconnected inside. I also support those recovering from emotionally unhealthy relationships and those drawn to mindfulness, parts work, or inner child healing.
About Lainie Popp
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Strength-Based
As a strength-based therapist, I focus on what’s already working—your resilience, values, and inner resources—even if they’re hard to see at first. I help you build on those strengths to move toward the life you want
Trauma Informed Care
I take a trauma-informed approach to therapy, recognizing how past experiences shape emotions, relationships, and coping patterns. I believe healing isn’t always about changing or fixing—it’s about letting go of what no longer serves you and reconnecting with your most authentic self. My role is to walk alongside you in this process, helping you recognize your own strength, wisdom, and capacity for growth so that you can move forward with a greater sense of trust in yourself.
EMDR
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based therapy that helps process distressing experiences and reduce the emotional intensity of past trauma. EMDR is a type of therapy that works both the mind and the body, helping you to tap into your brain’s natural ability to heal.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT in a flexible, integrated way—drawing on its core ideas to help clients notice patterns in their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, but not in a rigid or manualized format. I don’t follow it by the book or assign standard homework; instead, I weave it in along with approaches rooted in somatic therapy, mindfulness, and parts work.
Supportive
My approach is centered on meeting you where you are, offering guidance, reflection, and practical tools without pressure or judgment.