Luz Lavado, LCSW

Luz Lavado is a licensed clinical social worker who brings a warm, respectful approach to therapy. She speaks English and Spanish and works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief, self-esteem struggles, eating concerns, ADHD, and trauma and abuse. Luz centers conversations on each person's needs and goals so sessions feel relevant and practical.

She combines practical skills with listening. Sessions focus on what is happening now and on small steps that help people feel steadier. Luz draws on techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mindfulness, and client-centered work to shape those steps.

Over nine years of experience informs how she adapts her style to each person. She aims to be sensitive to background and culture while keeping therapy straightforward. People can expect a focus on concrete tools for mood, coping, and relationships alongside space to process losses and difficult feelings.

Luz pays attention to patterns that keep people stuck, such as avoidance, control issues, or problems with communication. She also addresses concerns that often overlap with mental health, like chronic pain, body image, caregiving and aging issues, and the stresses of blended families.

Her way of working emphasizes collaboration and practical planning. She helps clarify values, set manageable goals, and practice skills between sessions. Those who want to begin are asked to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a time that fits their needs.

Approaches that guide online sessions

Luz uses several evidence-informed approaches that lend themselves well to online work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on clarifying personal values and committing to small actions that move someone toward those values even when emotions are difficult. It can help with anxiety, depression, and coping with chronic illness.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact. It teaches concrete strategies to test unhelpful thoughts and build healthier habits for mood and stress. Mindfulness-based techniques are also used to increase present-moment awareness and reduce reactivity in everyday situations.

Choosing the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work collaboratively to see which methods fit a person's goals and preferences, and will adjust strategies over time based on what is helpful.

If you are considering remote work, confirm the session formats offered before booking since current session options are not specified here. Online care can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, shorten travel time, and allow check-ins during a lunch break or between appointments. It can also make some sessions less focused on being on camera, or allow a shorter phone-based check-in when needed.