Lan Nguyen LCSW

I approach therapy session with a person-centered lens, starting with the client's present experience and validating the client's truths. I use a trauma-informed approach to help clients overcome the burden of intergenerational trauma and painful pasts. I am not opposed to assigning homework, practicing with role plays, and expecting client participation and effort. I am honest and direct with my feedback while still remaining compassionate and gracious.

My path to becoming a mental health professional started before I was born and likely started with my parents and my parents' parents and ancestors. My experience of growing up in confusion, fear, and self-loathing prompted me to embark on a journey of self-healing to discover my authentic self. By investing in therapy, navigating the mental health system, becoming fascinated by why people do what they do and think what they think, and wrestling with my faith, I miraculously regained my voice! I set (and enforced) boundaries, I learned new ways of communicating, and I did the very hard work to recover, heal, and find wholeness and peace. My passions ultimately culminated in me becoming a licensed psychotherapist, trauma recovery facilitator, mental health coach, and a prayerful guide to share the hope for restoration that I never quite had as a kid. Healing is possible: I'm living proof of that!

I hope to equip each of my clients with tools and strategies so that, each time we meet, they can leave feeling heard, seen, and empowered. An ideal client will be curious and committed to the process of growth, healing, and recovery; they will be willing to invest time, energy, and effort despite inevitable struggles and setbacks. I function in a lot of ways like a coach: I'll teach skills, provide feedback, and guide clients on how to incorporate and internalize what they've been learning. Together, we can uncover key insights and learn tools to overcome nagging doubts and fears. We can revisit past hurts with curiosity and compassion. I am ready to journey alongside you with humor, grace, and empathy. Sessions often begin with a check-in on how you've felt since our last session. My approach is strengths-based and person-centered, so I am ready to start where you want and discuss the issues you want to unpack. Together, we craft our goals for therapy and then explore the ways we are going to achieve those goals. Sessions are often a mix of back-and-forth sharing (insights), education, and skill-building or guidance through exercises. Most often, I will leave you with considerations to make, practices to try, or exercises to incorporate so you can be active in the therapeutic process between now and the next time we meet. Therapy is a collaboration between us, and the best results often come as a result of the work you put in between our appointments. In all, clients should leave sessions feeling seen, heard, and empowered.

• California, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 112499

I create a space for you to finally feel seen and heard. Whether you believe you are worthy of it, I hope you can finally feel like you belong. Maybe therapy is what it will take for you to finally feel peace, joy, and contentment. — As a professional therapist, I specialize in listening and responding with humor, grace, and empathy. I hope journey with you on your path towards healing and wholeness. If you value direct feedback, wholehearted encouragement, and compassionate challenges from an honest coach, then we may be a good fit. use a collaborative, trauma-informed, strengths-based, & person-centered approach, so I will integrate different types of therapies to meet you where you are and to help you get where you want to go. I frequently utilize CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, mindfulness, somatic techniques, attachment style work, inner child work, psychoeducation, grounding techniques, breath work, and motivational interviewing. — Liking yourself and feeling comfortable in your skin is not too tall of an order. There is more to life than your current existence. There is hope beyond the burden of intergenerational trauma. Email me and let’s schedule a FREE 15-minute phone consultation today!