Lauren Pena

We all need help sometimes. That being said, it takes a lot of strength and courage to admit that we need help, let alone ask for it. We all get stuck from time to time. We want to get “back on track” but we’ve lost our way and don’t know how we got here. We all experience times like these. I am here to listen to your story and support you to where you want to go. Talking about our thoughts and feelings can be difficult, even overwhelming.

Art therapy can offer a path to expressing those thoughts and feelings. I am passionate about using art therapy in conjunction with the therapeutic relationship to create a safe space to achieve your goals. Art therapy is not limited to children or crayons, it is a modality that invites all ages, struggles, and experiences. Art therapy can offer insight and self-reflection to achieve growth. I work with your comfort level to integrate materials and interventions that support your individual needs.

My experience includes providing individual and group services for children, teens and adults facing depression, anxiety, abuse, teen pregnancy, terminal and life limiting illnesses and trauma. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art from the University of Mary Washington in Virginia and my Master’s in Fine Arts from the Academy of Art in San Francisco. I received my Master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy and Clinical Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University. I am a member of the California Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT), American Art Therapy Association (AATA), and a member of the local chapter Southern California Art Therapy Association (SoCalATA).