Lorena Arrarte
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
“Helping children, teens, adults, and parents to become the best version of themselves.”

I provide counseling in Spanish and English for people across the lifespan. I work with children, teens, adults, and families experiencing a variety of struggles. I'm also deeply passionate about helping individuals that identify in the LGBTQIA+ and Latinx community.

Here are a few of my therapy services: 

Counseling for Children & Teens:

Is your child or teen experiencing any difficulties with attention, school performance, anxiety, social pressures, grief/loss, low motivation and/or difficulty adjusting to new transitions and/or life experiences? If so, I would be happy to help! 

I work with children age 5 on up to 18 through a variety of methods such as play therapy or talk therapy depending on their unique needs, goals, and personality. Through a validating, open and fun environment, I can help your child learn how to better express themselves, feel more confident with who they are, and learn healthier way to cope with life.

My approach to working with children and teens is collaborative, fun, and engaging! Kids tend to open up to me easily and find it comforting to work with me. 

Family Counseling:

If you find yourself feeling stuck or lost about how to best support your kiddos, you’re not alone. Parenting is continued journey about discovering the best way to help your child navigate this world. 

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Whether your family is struggling with parenting or co-parenting challenges such as not being on the same page with parenting styles, having trouble getting your child to follow the rules at home or school, having frequent household stress or arguments, experiencing a lack of respect, or difficulty teaching family values, then family therapy could be a huge resource. 

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Family therapy creates a safe space where multiple voices, points of view, experiences, hopes, and dreams can be shared between family members. The role of a family therapist is to facilitate the flow of communication by asking questions and empowering the family to work toward shared goals and aspirations. 

The goal of family counseling is to promote family cohesion and healthier communication amongst every member. During our sessions with your family, we can work on helping you and your child build a healthier and ever-lasting connection. 

Adult Counseling:

Everyone goes through difficult situations in life and there is nothing wrong with seeking additional support when needed by working with an expert therapist. As adults, we might face many challenges that can prevent us from being our real selves. This is the time to explore and learn more about yourself and the struggles you might be facing.

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Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, trauma/PTSD, low self-esteem, family discord, or just feeling lost in life, I can help. 

I offer adults a safe and empowering space to start their healing journey. During our time, you will grow more self-awareness about those thoughts and behaviors interfering with your ability to stay grounded, connected, and fulfilled. You will also grow your coping toolkit by learning new strategies that can help you manage any life stressors that come your way.

EMDR & Trauma Counseling:

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, mostly known as EMDR Therapy, is a specialized psychotherapy technique that assists individuals in alleviate stress associated with any traumatic events or adverse experiences.

Through EMDR, you can be able to gain understanding about how your brain has stored these experiences.  Once you gain the necessary skills, you will be able to process these experiences with a lessen emotional response and develop more adaptive self-beliefs and ways to see life.

Believe it or not, EMDR is also helpful for teens and children when appropriate. If you're wondering whether EMDR may be helpful for you or your child, I invite you to ask me about it. Call 954-391-5305 for your complimentary consultation. I'd be happy to answer your questions about whether EMDR is the best approach. 

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Play Therapy: 

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Play therapy is a widely used approach that helps promote socio-emotional development in children. Play time can offer a variety of opportunities for your child to express and share their internal processes and experiences.

Through a safe therapeutic relationship and inviting environment, children can enhance their problem-solving, emotional identification, and communication skills. Play therapy can also help to reinforce boundaries, learn new coping strategies, and develop healthier behaviors. 

LGBTQ+ & Latinx Communities:

As a first generation immigrant from Peru and straight cis-gender female, I am mindful that I am not representative of all marginalized social groups. However, my hope is to provide clients with a culturally-affirming and trauma informed approach to specific issues related to the LGTBQIA+ and Latinx population.

It is my goal to provide you with a safe, supportive, and affirmative environment so you can feel free to show up as who you are. We can discuss topics not limited to issues associated with sexual, romantic and gender identity.

In addition, we will explore your experience with adjusting to a new culture and "minority stress" such as possible racial discrimination, prejudice, bias, harassment, exclusion, rejection, violence and social stigma. My goal is to help you live your best life. Let me help you get there.