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Lilian Zelaya-Coria

Holistic Jungian therapist specializing in trauma and relationships

About

Hello!

I look forward to working with your child and/or teenager.
I acknowledge that taking the first step to commit to therapy can take courage, and I recognize that it may feel challenging to open up. Many people reach out during the most vulnerable moments of their lives. I hope to help you in learning to manage current symptoms, create a sustainable, healthy, and grounded future filled with hope and tools to add to your toolbox. I consider this profession a responsibility and a gift and look forward to being a witness to your healing journey. 🙂
I am a Latinx, multicultural, and bilingual (Spanish/English) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. I enjoy getting to know my clients and taking the time to hear their experiences, explore their emotions, examine past experiences —both positive and negative —and understand their impact on their lives and work towards healing.
I have provided mental health services for over fifteen years to at-risk children and adolescents who they or their families have experienced trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), abuse, anger, conflict resolution, anxiety, depression, anger management, generational trauma, juvenile delinquency, gang activity, drug/alcohol abuse, family violence, divorce, grief and loss, crisis intervention, and others Life, at times, can be hard, but this does not mean that an individual must manage it alone in this journey of life!

I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology (2006) from Sonoma State University. As well as a Master’s in Social Work from San Jose State University (2008). I obtained my LCSW in 2019. I have been privileged to work with a diverse group of clients in early childhood mental health. I have worked in the non-profit sector, with Child Protective Services, and most recently at a K-12 school providing mental health services as a school therapist to all students and, in particular, students receiving special education services.

A bit about my approach to therapy:

There is no cookie-cutter approach or “one size fits all” when it comes to dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and/or grief and loss. As an LCSW, I approach therapy with a trauma-informed and strengths-based lens to ensure my clients feel heard and learn the appropriate coping skills that are right for THEM to feel empowered. I work collaboratively with clients and integrate creative strategies through journaling, music, guided imagery, and expressive arts to process and express emotions, to increase mood regulation, and emotional resilience. In addition, I am my client’s sounding board to assist them in getting to a place of reflection and exploring solution-focused strategies.

My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and other modalities as therapeutically appropriate. I strive to create a non-judgmental environment, meeting clients where they are while holding space to ensure that clients feel safe and heard. I provide a client-centered therapeutic approach where you are the expert of your own life. You do not have to tell me your story unless you want to. If you get stuck, I can provide guidance to reach your full potential. Respecting your boundaries and pace is meeting you where you are. I use a somatic approach through mindfulness, meditation exercises, to facilitate self-love, self-understanding, clarity, progressive muscle relaxation to foster a holistic approach mind-body connection and letting go of unhelpful patterns held in your body and mind.

What you can expect from our first session:

Our first several sessions will be getting to know each other, and you decide if we are good fit. I do not provide couples’ therapy. We will then check the best available times through consistent weekly or bi-weekly appointments for you virtually. After this, we will continue to collaborate, where I will ask questions designed to better understand what you are struggling with, what your goals are for treatment, and what you would most like to get out of therapy. Our sessions will always be within 30-45 minutes.

Spanish Translation

¡Hola!

¡Espero trabajar con su hijo/a o adolescente! Soy una trabajadora social clínica licenciada (LCSW) latina, multicultural y bilingüe (español/inglés) en California. Disfruto conocer a mis clientes y tomarme el tiempo para escuchar sus experiencias, explorar sus emociones, examinar experiencias pasadas, tanto positivas como negativas, comprender el impacto en sus vidas y trabajar hacia la sanación.
Llevo más de quince años brindando servicios de salud mental. He brindado consejería a niños, adolescentes y familias en riesgo que enfrentan trauma, trastorno de estrés postraumático (TEPT), abuso, ira, resolución de conflictos, ansiedad, depresión, manejo de la ira, trauma generacional, delincuencia juvenil, pandillas, abuso de drogas y alcohol, violencia familiar, divorcio, duelo y pérdida, e intervención en crisis. La vida, a veces, puede ser difícil, pero esto no significa que una persona deba afrontarla sola en este camino.

Tengo una licenciatura en Psicología (2006) de la Universidad Estatal de Sonoma y una maestría en Trabajo Social de la Universidad Estatal de San José (2008). Obtuve mi título de Trabajador Social Certificado (LCSW) en 2019. He tenido el privilegio de trabajar con un grupo diverso de clientes en el área de la salud mental infantil. He trabajado en el sector sin fines de lucro, con los Servicios de Protección Infantil y, más recientemente, en una escuela primaria y secundaria, brindando servicios de salud mental como terapeuta escolar a todos los estudiantes, en particular a los que reciben servicios de educación especial.

Un poco sobre mi enfoque terapéutico:

No existe un enfoque universal para abordar la ansiedad, la depresión, el trauma y/o el duelo y la pérdida. Como Trabajador Social Certificado (LCSW), abordo la terapia desde una perspectiva centrada en el trauma y en las fortalezas para asegurar que mis clientes se sientan escuchados y aprendan las habilidades de afrontamiento adecuadas para que se sientan empoderados. Trabajo en colaboración con mis clientes e integro estrategias creativas mediante un diario, música, imágenes guiadas y artes expresivas para procesar y expresar emociones, mejorar la regulación del estado de ánimo y la resiliencia emocional. Además, soy su caja de resonancia para ayudarles a reflexionar y explorar estrategias centradas en soluciones.
Mi enfoque terapéutico es cálido, colaborativo y se basa en prácticas basadas en la evidencia, como la terapia cognitivo-conductual centrada en el trauma (TF-CBT), la terapia cognitivo-conductual (TCC), la terapia centrada en soluciones, la terapia de sistemas familiares, la terapia dialéctica conductual y otras modalidades según sea terapéuticamente apropiado. Me esfuerzo por crear un entorno sin prejuicios, encontrándome con los clientes donde estén y manteniendo el espacio para asegurar que los clientes se sientan seguros y escuchados. Ofrezco un enfoque terapéutico centrado en el cliente donde usted es el experto de su propia vida. No tiene que contarme su historia a menos que lo desee. Si se estanca, puedo brindarle orientación para alcanzar su máximo potencial. Respetar sus límites y su ritmo es encontrarme con usted donde esté. Utilizo un enfoque somático a través de la atención plena, ejercicios de meditación, para facilitar el amor propio, la autocomprensión, la claridad y la relajación muscular progresiva para fomentar un enfoque holístico de conexión mente-cuerpo y dejar ir los patrones inútiles que se mantienen en su cuerpo y mente.

Qué puedes esperar de nuestra primera sesión:

Nuestras primeras sesiones serán para conocernos y tú decidirás si somos compatibles. No ofrezco terapia de pareja. Después, buscaremos los mejores horarios disponibles mediante citas virtuales semanales o quincenales. Después, seguiremos colaborando, donde te haré preguntas para comprender mejor tus dificultades, tus objetivos de tratamiento y qué te gustaría obtener de la terapia. Nuestras sesiones siempre duran entre 45 y 50 minutos. Reconozco que dar el primer paso para comprometerte con la terapia requiere valentía y que abrirse puede ser difícil. Muchas personas buscan ayuda en los momentos más vulnerables de sus vidas. Espero ayudarte a aprender a manejar los síntomas actuales y a crear un futuro sostenible, saludable y con fundamento, lleno de esperanza y herramientas que puedas añadir a tu arsenal terapéutico. Considero esta profesión una responsabilidad y un don, y espero ser testigo de tu proceso de sanación. 🙂

Years Experience: 9
Location: California, United States
Accepting New Clients: No
Gender: Female
Accepting international clients: No
NPI Number: 1447543897
Credentials: CA LCSW 88659
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Licenses: LCSW (California) #88659 exp 2027-04-30
List of Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger, Self esteem, Coping with life changes, Spanish, Black therapist, Therapist of color, Female therapist, Liberal therapist
Where Can You Work With This Therapist: BetterHelp
Therapist of color: Yes
Communication options: Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging

Lilian Zelaya-Coria

Bilingual LCSW for children and teens
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Spanish and English
  • School-based experience

Licensed · Professional · Cancel Anytime

About

Lilian Zelaya-Coria welcomes families seeking support for children and adolescents and recognizes that beginning therapy often takes courage. She aims to help young people manage current symptoms and develop practical tools for a healthier, more grounded future, viewing the work as both a responsibility and a gift and serving as a witness to each client’s healing journey.

A Latinx, multicultural, bilingual clinician, Lilian is a California LCSW (CA LCSW 88659) – a Licensed Clinical Social Worker – who takes time to learn each client’s experiences, explore emotions, and examine past events to understand their impact and move toward healing. She works in both Spanish and English.

She has provided mental health services to at-risk children and adolescents who have experienced trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), abuse, anger and conflict, anxiety, depression, generational trauma, juvenile delinquency, gang involvement, substance use, family violence, divorce, grief and loss, crisis situations, and related challenges. Lilian brings nine years of professional experience to her clinical practice.

Lilian holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Sonoma State University (2006) and a Master of Social Work from San Jose State University (2008). She obtained her LCSW credential in 2019. Her professional background includes work in the non-profit sector, with Child Protective Services, and most recently within a K-12 school setting providing mental health services to all students and particularly to those receiving special education supports.

Her therapeutic approach rejects one-size-fits-all solutions and is trauma-informed and strengths-based. Lilian collaborates with clients to identify coping skills that fit their needs and integrates creative strategies such as journaling, music, guided imagery, and expressive arts to help process feelings, improve mood regulation, and build emotional resilience. She also serves as a sounding board for reflection and explores solution-focused strategies when appropriate.

Lilian incorporates evidence-based modalities including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), along with somatic methods like mindfulness, meditation exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation to support mind-body connection and release unhelpful patterns. She respects each person’s boundaries and pace and prioritizes a non-judgmental, client-centered environment.

During the first several sessions she focuses on getting to know the child or adolescent and determining whether the therapeutic relationship is a good fit. She does not provide couples therapy. Scheduling typically moves toward consistent weekly or bi-weekly appointments.

Location: California, United States
Years Experience: 9
Gender: Female
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Therapist of Color: Yes
Communication Options: Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging
Ready To Start Your Journey?

Therapist Available Through: BetterHelp
Currently Accepting New Clients: No
Accepting International Clients: No

Credentials & Verification

  • Credentials: CA LCSW 88659
  • NPI Number: 1447543897
  • License: LCSW (California) #88659 exp 2027-04-30

How to Know If Online Therapy Is Right for You

Many people wonder whether online therapy can produce meaningful results. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or adjusting to life changes, research and clinical experience indicate that remote therapy can be comparable in effectiveness to traditional in-person sessions. A key benefit of online therapy is flexibility – clients can choose the format that fits their life and comfort level, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging. This adaptability makes it easier to maintain regular care. All participating clinicians are licensed professionals, and clients have the option to change therapists if they feel another fit would be better. Online therapy can be a practical, accessible way to receive professional support while balancing other commitments.

How much experience does Lilian Zelaya-Coria have?

Lilian Zelaya-Coria has 9 years of experience in providing therapy services.

Is Lilian Zelaya-Coria a licensed therapist?

Yes, Lilian Zelaya-Coria is a licensed therapist with CA LCSW 88659.

In which languages does Lilian Zelaya-Coria provide therapy?

Lilian Zelaya-Coria provides therapy in English, Spanish.

Where is Lilian Zelaya-Coria located?

Lilian Zelaya-Coria is located in California.

How can I work with Lilian Zelaya-Coria as my therapist?

You can work with Lilian Zelaya-Coria through Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging.

How much does therapy with Lilian Zelaya-Coria cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist’s availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the ‘Start Therapy’ button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the ‘Start Therapy’ button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

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