More About Linda
"I'm here to help you dig deep into your roots and help make sense of your life".
My Story
Hello, my name is Linda Lara, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Southern California. I identify as Mexican-American with lived experiences as a first and second generation individual. I became a therapist because the inner-city I grew up in influenced me to help those who could not help themselves due to systemic barriers. Many individuals in East Los Angeles feel they do not have a voice and I became passionate about helping people in my community with their confidence to speak up for themselves- in relationships, family, work, school, community, law, children services, foster care, probation, and many other systems.
I particularly developed an interest in mental health because everything I was learning in school helped me make sense of my own personal life and this helped strengthen my self-awareness and perception of human behavior. I was able to heal my wombs and I discovered that my purpose in this world is to spread the knowledge I have received to help heal broken hearts, broken homes, and help end the stigma towards mental illness. My healing journey never ends and it continues as I experience life.
I attended Mount St. Mary's University and earned my bachelor's degree in Social Worker (BSW). I attended University of Southern California and earned my Master's degree in Social Worker (MSW). I completed my school internships/practicums at A Place Called Home, Human Services Association, and Children's Hospital of Los Angeles- Adolescent Medicine. I have been employed by community mental health agencies, private practices, and hospitals that had contracts with Department of Mental Health, Victims of Crime, Child Protective Services (DCFS/SSA), Probation Department, schools, and medical facilities. My experience includes working with children, adolescents, families, and groups but I now solely work with adults individually.
My Approach
One of the most important things to work on in therapy is finding the root of the problem, where everything is steaming from. Sitting together, we will discover the root of what is causing an imbalance in your life. We will safely uncover masked emotions, explore your attachment style, connect with your inner-child, explore for any trauma you may have experienced and possible destructive behavioral patterns.
Your current situation may be causing you to have high stress, sleepless nights, difficulty focusing, worrying all the time, feeling hopeless for change, suicidal ideation or chronic pain. You may also be coming home wanting to punch walls, scream, cry, and isolate because no one seems to understand. I get it, I’ve been there. The sadness, self-doubt, and insecurities are too overwhelming sometimes.
It's time to get up and make a change. Let me guide you to find the light in times of darkness. There's a reason why life sent you here to read this. I'm here to help you dig deep into your roots and help make sense of your life. This can lead you to feeling at peace, having an increase in your self-esteem, and being able to manage your emotions by developing new healthy ways to cope with life when shit hits the fan.
Theoretical Orientation
I utilize an integrated approach- including the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual self. At intake, I will explore your foundation in these areas. The traditional psychotherapy modalities I use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), Mindfulness and Psychodynamic Therapy. For trauma, I utilize Brainspotting which focuses on the parts of the brain where your memories and emotions are stored. This approach is somatic in which we focus on your body sensation as we access your subconscious and process experiences that may be influencing trauma symptoms. I am also currently being trained in treating complex trauma with Internal Family Systems (IFS) in which we focus on the different parts of you that create your whole self, explore and process their purpose for showing up, integrate them and rehabilitate. As you can see, I use theories that are deeply rooted into your inner-self rather than what we see on the surface. I tailor treatment interventions based on individual needs because everyone's story and response to trauma is different. I am client centered with a gentle push for accountability..
Affiliations
My values in life include having community, connectedness, and belonging. I have chosen to join 2 companies as a Trauma Therapist to provide my services to their clientele. These companies align with my values and I am honored to be a part of their team.
Matters of the Heart Counseling Centers is a woman, BIPOC owned group practice in Northern California that predominantly serves the Bay Area. You can learn more here- Mattersoftheheartcounselingcenters.com
Menda Health provides online evidence-based treatment for chronic pain using Pain Reprocessing Therapy, via-live groups and phone app. You can learn more here- menda.health
What else?
I dedicate my time into personal and professional development to continuously work on being the best version of myself.
The more I focus on my growth the better I can serve my community and future generations.
I promote self-care, self-advocacy, and self-determination.
Aside from being a therapist, I am wife and dog-mom to Boston Terriers. I am an LA native and found home in Orange County, CA. I'm a millennial and find the music to be the best part of this generation.
