LCSW, 8 years of experience
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my master’s degree from Humboldt State University, and I've been working in the mental health field for the last 8 1/2 years. As a trauma informed clinician, I'm committed to helping create a positive therapeutic environment that allows my clients to receive psychoeducation, harm reduction, and tailored coping skills to foster a better quality of life.
In our first session together we'll start with introductions, discuss specific reasons that you chose to attend therapy, and discuss challenges or struggles that you’re facing. Then together we’ll create a tailored plan which allows us to help you meet your identified therapeutic goals.
My lived experience has been my most valuable asset as a clinician. Having navigated my own challenges and struggles, I bring a depth of understanding and empathy to my clients. My authenticity and relatability help create a safe and nonjudgmental space for clients to share their own stories and work through their struggles. My lived experience has also given me a unique perspective and insight into the human experience. I've learned to approach challenges with creativity, resilience and compassion. This enables me to connect with clients on a deeper level, understand their complexities and develop personalized strategies to support their growth and healing journey.
Throughout my career in the mental health field, I have served a variety of clients, each coming from different backgrounds and cultures. I primarily work with individuals who have extensive unresolved trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, mood and manic disorders.
Angelina Torres 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), San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) and Santa Clara Family Health Plan - Medi-Cal in California.
Being a trauma informed clinician ensures that during our therapeutic journey together, I'm not re-traumatizing you, which allows you to focus on empowerment and taking your control back.
The therapy modality of CBT allows you to identify and change negative thought patterns, as a result this allows you to develop healthier coping mechanism to improve and manage your overall mental and emotional wellbeing.
The benefit of using the Strength-Based approach is to help you foster a more balanced improved well-being. Using this approach, we will target and focus on your current strengths, self-esteem, and resilience to help you continue to navigate your current life challenges.
As a therapist who comes from a background of the underprivileged and underserved populations, I ensure that I'm not dismissive of cultural norms, reframe from making assumptions, and hold respect and space for all cultural backgrounds. This allows me to respond in a respectful and appropriate manner leaving you to feel seen, heard and supported.
As a social worker I believe in meeting people where they are and taking a harm reduction approach. This approach allows me to help my clients foster a sense of belonging, personal reasonability and a better sense one's own beliefs and values.