Lina El-Mahmoud

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 152100 in California, USA. I specialize in helping teens, young adults, individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges with curiosity and creativity. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and informed by a deep understanding of the unique experiences of multiracial individuals particularly Muslims navigating mental health. I use metaphors and imaginative techniques to make therapy engaging, empowering, and effective. Areas of focus include anxiety, relationship dynamics, meaning-making, and the impact of life experiences on personal growth and well-being.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and client-centered. I believe in meeting clients where they are and using curiosity and creativity to guide the process of self-discovery and healing. I draw from a variety of trauma-informed therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address thoughts and behaviors, Narrative Therapy to help clients reshape their personal stories, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to support meaningful change, and Family Systems Therapy to explore the dynamics that influence the health of relationships. I also integrate creative techniques such as metaphors, storytelling, and imaginative exercises to make therapy both engaging and transformative. My work is informed by a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by multiracial individuals. I have the privilege of working with teens, parents, college students, neurodivergent individuals, and BIPOC and Muslim communities navigating mental health. My goal is to create a culturally sensitive, inclusive, and empowering environment where all individuals can thrive.

In our first session, clients can expect a welcoming and nonjudgmental space where we’ll take the time to build a solid foundation for our work together. We’ll start with introductions and rapport-building, as I believe establishing a comfortable connection is key. I will be attentive as you share your goals, feelings, and any struggles you’re currently facing, and I’ll listen carefully to understand your perspective as you share your story. I may use a bit of creative language and humor when appropriate to ease toward the more challenging work, and I love using vivid imagery to help clarify concepts and make our work feel more tangible. By the end of our first session, you should feel a sense of relief—knowing you’ve found a safe, supportive space to begin your journey of self-discovery and growth.

I approach goal-setting in a collaborative and client-centered way, meaning that we work together to define what success looks like for you. We’ll start by identifying your immediate concerns and long-term aspirations, breaking them down into manageable steps. I believe in setting realistic and achievable goals, but also in making space for growth and flexibility, as life can shift unexpectedly. Throughout our work, I encourage reflection on progress, adjusting goals as needed, and celebrating even the smallest victories along the way. My aim is to help you build the tools and mindset to not only reach your goals but also maintain and build on them long after our time together.

I'd love to help you write a narrative for your life where you, the protagonist, succeed in finding what you’re truly looking for.