Lina Benavides

Clients often tell me they feel safe, understood, and supported in our work together. My approach is compassionate, trauma-informed, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I believe healing happens when you feel both emotionally safe and empowered with practical tools for change.

I view therapy as a process of restoring the parts of yourself that may have felt lost, silenced, or overwhelmed by difficult experiences. Trauma, anxiety, and depression can dim your inner light — but healing can help you reconnect with your strength, resilience, and identity.

With over 9 years of experience treating anxiety and depression and 8 years specializing in PTSD, trauma, and sexual abuse in children and adults, I bring both clinical expertise and deep compassion to my work. I also have extensive experience leading groups for teen and adult survivors of sexual abuse, helping foster empowerment and connection.

As a qualified clinical supervisor, I maintain high professional standards and remain committed to ongoing learning and growth. Whether you are seeking support for yourself or your child, my goal is to create a space where you feel respected, heard, and supported as you move toward healing🌷

My work is trauma-informed and grounded in evidence-based practices tailored to each client’s needs. I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), which helps children, teens, and adults process trauma, reduce symptoms, and build healthy coping skills in a structured and supportive way.

I also integrate Solution-Focused Therapy to help clients identify strengths and move toward meaningful goals, as well as Acceptance-based approaches to support emotional flexibility and self-compassion. Motivational Interviewing helps clients strengthen their confidence and commitment to change.

When working with children, I incorporate Play Therapy techniques to create a safe and developmentally appropriate space for expression and healing.

Together, these approaches allow me to provide care that is both structured and compassionate, focused on lasting growth and resilience.

Your first session is a safe and supportive starting point. We’ll talk about what brings you to therapy, your current concerns, and what you hope to gain from our work together. I may ask some background questions to better understand your experiences, but you are always in control of how much you share.

If trauma is part of your story, we focus first on building safety and coping skills before exploring difficult memories. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, understood, and supported, with a clear sense of next steps.