Lorene, Queer Therapist in San Francisco

Pronouns: She/Her

License: AMFT

Education: California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; The Wright Institute, Berkeley, CA, Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology

I am passionate about helping people become comfortable with their emotions and more authentic in their relationships and with themselves. With a background in yoga instruction, I can help you learn how to use your body to introspectively explore the feelings you experience. I teach clients how to be more grounded, feel more centered and be less reactive and anxious.

I approach therapy from an attachment perspective, working with clients to discover how our childhood relationships impact our adult connections. I’m sensitive to the role of individual, collective and cultural trauma and how it has shaped our life’s experiences.

One of my specialties is working with those who are taking a look at sex and gender beyond heteronormative culture. I am sex-positive and kink-aware, with a focus on helping individuals navigate non-monogamy, polyamory and unique intimate relationships of all kinds.

I am deeply committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. I’ve worked with suicidal youth at the Trevor Project and have guided many young queer people in exploring their sexual attraction, gender, and identity.

I worked for a decade in the mental health field in Southern California before receiving my MA in Clinical Psychology from The Wright Institute in Berkeley. I am a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, supervised by the Gay Therapy Center Founder Adam D. Blum, MFT, Lic. #44892. My rate is $125 per 50-minute individual therapy session and $150 per 50-minute couples session.

In my spare time I can be found in my art studio creating ceramic sculptures or designing floral arrangements. I enjoy walking my dog in nature, and I maintain balance in my life by practicing restorative yoga and mindfulness meditation.

I look forward to the opportunity of working with you and supporting you in reaching your full potential.

Meet Lorene, LGBTQ Therapist in San Francisco, California

What’s your go-to coping skill when you’re overwhelmed?
I try to let go of the expectations I have for myself. Usually the overwhelm is self-inflicted. You can avoid unhelpful thoughts like unrealistic standards or perfectionism and shift your mindset to consider what’s truly important and make conscious choices.

What is your favorite coping skill to work on with clients?
I enjoy working with clients on improving nervous system regulation. There are a variety of ways to move flexibly between different states of emotional and physical arousal. These include somatic practices to feel the feelings in your body to find a more balanced, relaxed and grounded state of being.

What is your greatest strength as a therapist?
My empathic intuition. This is something I describe as an innate ability to attune to my client’s emotional landscape.

What’s a small, daily habit that you recommend for improving mental well-being?
Any length of guided meditation, even just 2 minutes, can create change if done consistently. My favorite app is called Insight Timer but there are so many free apps with thousands of different guided meditations for sleep, anxiety, self compassion, gratitude, mindfulness etc.

How do you balance the role of being a therapist and nurturing your own mental health?
The most valuable skills I’ve cultivated have been self care and boundaries. Knowing myself and what I need to be regulated and grounded is imperative in holding a safe space for others. 

How do you practice self-care after a challenging therapy session as a therapist?
I have an evening restorative yoga practice that allows me the time and introspection I need to process the day’s feelings.

What is a helpful coping skill for dealing with shame?
It’s time to normalize that feeling shame is to be human. Everyone, except psychopaths, experience shame. Rejoice that you aren’t a psychopath and start talking about the shameful material. Toxic shame thrives when hidden. Acknowledging shame and sharing that with an empathetic non-judgemental therapist gives it less power.

“Fantastic, Lorene has been amazing. I feel better after each session”

“I’m very pleased with the services received by Lorene. She is an outstanding couples therapist and I leave the sessions feeling validated and heard. My partner and I are working through some difficult matters and we have been making some progress after starting with her.”

Lorene, Queer Therapist in San Francisco

“Fantastic, Lorene has been amazing. I feel better after each session”

“I’m very pleased with the services received by Lorene. She is an outstanding couples therapist and I leave the sessions feeling validated and heard. My partner and I are working through some difficult matters and we have been making some progress after starting with her.”

“Love the GTC! I feel connected with my provider and feel seen, understood, and respected in my queerness.”

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