Lilian Zelaya-Coria

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.