I grew up in Southern California and received my BA from California State University, San Marcos in Sociology and Liberal Arts. I obtained my MSW from the University of Southern California in 2002 and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2008. I have over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families in a variety of settings. My experience includes working with individuals, couples, and families. I have a strong foundation in working with depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, and substance use disorders.
I have extensive training in trauma informed treatment, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavioral therapy, as well as Solution Focused therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Over my career, I have worked in adolescent and adult residential treatment centers, forensic settings, behavioral health and with legal and court settings.
I enjoy watching clients as they evolve through therapy as they begin to learn about themselves and begin to become more authentic and wholehearted.
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Antisocial Personality, Attachment issues, Blended Family Issues, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain illness and disability, Codependency, Commitment Issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Dependent Personality, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Dissociation, Divorce and separation, Domestic Violence, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Emptiness, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, Fatherhood Issues, First Responder Issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Military and Veterans Issues, Mood disorders , Narcissism, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Personality Disorders, Postpartum Depression, Pregnancy and childbirth, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-Harm, Self-love, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Traumatic Brain Injury, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
CA LCSW 24675
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Lena Allen . We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Lena is so easy to talk to and open up to, and she always makes me laugh. I actually look forward to my sessions, whereas only a few months ago the thought of seeing a therapist was far too daunting to even consider.
Written on Feb 17, 2021 after therapy with Lena for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Lena has been a great help and great person to talk to and work out my problems with. She was a great support when I was going through something really difficult. She was available through chat and gave me great advice and helped me work out my situation. I look forward to my sessions with her.
Written on Feb 15, 2021 after therapy with Lena for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, career difficulties, and coaching
Honestly,.. it took me years to find someone like Lena Allen .. she keeps it real.. she relates.. and she listens.
Written on Feb 12, 2021 after therapy with Lena for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coaching, and adhd
She is a very good counsellor, even though I have had only one call with her. She really gave me great advice that I had never heard of. I highly recommend her, she is very nice and understanding. She is very patient as well
Written on Feb 11, 2021 after therapy with Lena for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching