Lynn Varela

I’m a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC/LPC) with over a decade of experience specializing in trauma, Complex PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder, and long-standing relational patterns that stem from difficult or invalidating childhood experiences. I hold a PhD in Psychology and am licensed in both Florida and Oregon, offering bilingual services in English and Spanish. My background includes extensive training in trauma-informed care, Schema Therapy, DBT, psychodynamic approaches, and nervous-system regulation.

I primarily work with adult women (21+) who are navigating trauma, attachment wounds, dissociation, postpartum challenges, and the emotional impact of growing up with narcissistic or emotionally immature caregivers. Clients who work with me can expect a warm but direct therapeutic style, clear guidance, and a treatment approach tailored to their specific needs and goals. Above all, I strive to create a safe, grounded, and empowering environment where meaningful, lasting change is possible.

My approach to therapy is compassionate, trauma-informed, and grounded in evidence-based treatment. I specialize in helping adults heal from Complex PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder, and difficult family or relationship dynamics. In our work together, we move at a pace that feels safe for your nervous system while also staying focused on real change. I integrate Schema Therapy, EMDR-informed strategies, DBT skills, and somatic regulation to support both emotional healing and lasting behavior shifts. My goal is to help you feel understood, empowered, and capable of creating a life that isn’t ruled by past experiences.

In your first session, you can expect a calm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where we move at a pace that feels safe for your nervous system. We’ll explore what brings you to therapy, your current symptoms, and what you’re hoping to change. I’ll also help you understand how trauma, stress, or long-standing patterns may be impacting your wellbeing. You won’t be expected to disclose everything at once — we build trust gradually. My goal is for you to leave the session feeling heard, grounded, and with a clear sense of what our work together can look like.