- Client-Centered Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
About Teresa
Teresa Lakin is a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 17 years of clinical experience. She helps people dealing with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, and adjusting to major life changes. Teresa also works with concerns such as attachment issues, codependency, family of origin problems, and questions about life purpose.
Her approach centers on listening and responding to what each person brings to the room. She uses client-centered methods to prioritize the client’s perspective and psychodynamic ideas to look at patterns that repeat over time. Trauma-focused techniques are part of her work when past events are interfering with present life.
Sessions are conversational and aim to identify patterns that cause pain or hold people back. Teresa helps clients name difficult feelings and track how those feelings affect decisions and relationships. She often looks at how early family experiences shape current behavior and relationships.
For people struggling with addiction or co-occurring issues, she combines understanding of underlying emotional dynamics with practical steps for managing cravings and reducing harm. When someone feels stuck after a job change, breakup, health shift, or at midlife, Teresa explores values and small changes that fit everyday life.
Teresa’s style is direct and grounded. She asks clarifying questions, reflects what she hears, and works with clients to set realistic, short-term goals. To begin, clients are invited to select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Teresa draws on client-centered therapy to follow what the client says and prioritize their concerns. That approach focuses on listening closely, reflecting back what emerges, and helping people notice what matters most. It is helpful for people who feel stuck and need to sort priorities or regain motivation.She also uses psychodynamic ideas to look at recurring patterns and early family influences. This approach helps uncover why certain reactions keep showing up in relationships and daily choices. Trauma-focused therapy is brought in when past events are clearly affecting day-to-day functioning, offering practical strategies to reduce the intensity of traumatic memories.
Finding the right combination of methods is part of the work. Teresa will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most useful, and together they decide which approach to focus on. That collaborative planning can change as progress is made or new issues appear.
The practical benefits of online sessions include fitting therapy into a busy week and reducing travel time. Specific session formats are not listed here, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to check in between appointments, have shorter follow-ups, or arrange a session during a work break when that helps daily life.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
17+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas include attachment issues, codependency, family problems, and life purpose.
How does she approach feeling stuck or directionless?
She uses client-centered conversations and psychodynamic ideas to identify repeating patterns. Trauma-focused methods are used when past events are contributing to current difficulties.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 17 years of professional experience working with a range of concerns including addiction, trauma, anxiety, and midlife transitions.
What credential does she hold and where does she practice?
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensed in California and practices there.
Does she work in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the US work with her?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are sessions scheduled and what does it cost?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button and completing a short matching questionnaire, then schedule your first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.