Meet Lorena!

Lorena Malave, M.A., LAPC

Bilingual Psychotherapist

Pronouns: She/Her/Ella

Positionality:
I identify as Latina/Puerto Rican demi-pansexual cis-woman. I was raised in a bilingual household where we spoke both English and Spanish, and I can provide therapy in either or both languages based on the needs of my clients.
 
My Background & Approach:

I am incredibly passionate about helping individuals, particularly women and BIPOCs, grow into the person they want to be and create the lives they were meant to live.

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You deserve a therapeutic relationship in which you feel empowered, truly seen and deeply understood. My culturally-affirming approach is guided by a sense of compassion, genuine curiosity, and social justice values. I use warmth, humor, and authenticity to build relationships with my clients where they feel comfortable to express their most vulnerable thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement or criticism. I offer support and encouragement balanced with the opportunity to look at things that may be difficult or challenging to confront. Together, we will co-create a safe, affirming and inclusive space for you to explore, heal and grow. 

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If you decide to work with me, you can expect an honest, non-judgmental, and compassionate therapeutic space where we can collaboratively work to:

• Gain a deeper understanding of your authentic self

• Replace fear & shame with self-acceptance & compassion

• Establish healthy boundaries that honor your needs and wants

• Address barriers that are keeping you from establishing healthier, deeper relationships

• Replace feelings of inadequacy with a sense of confidence and self-worth

• Explore your intersectional identities & heal the wounds of oppression and racial trauma 

• Clarify your values and create more meaningful, purposeful life
   

My hope is that the culmination of our work will lead to a deeper sense of connection with yourself and others and with more choice and freedom in how you live your life.  

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Theoretical & Clinical Orientation:

My theoretical orientation is integrative and influenced by Psychodynamic, Humanistic/Client-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approaches informed by a multicultural and culturally-responsive lens. As a client-centered therapist, we will work collaboratively to set the goals for our work together.  As a strength-based therapist, I help you utilize your strengths and reconnect with your intuition and inner wisdom. Utilizing an insight-oriented/psychodynamic approach, I will help you increase an awareness of how your past (personal, familial and socio-cultural) experiences have shaped your current life experience. 

 

My clinical work has been heavily influenced by Social Justice Theory and Feminist Therapy values, and I support my clients in understanding how external social-cultural influences impact their lives: their identities, their relationships, their work, and beyond. I seek to empower my clients by exploring how dynamics of power, privilege, and oppression have shaped their lives and/or resulted in racial trauma.

Credentials

• Licensed Associate Professional Counselor:  Georgia #APC007050

• Working under the direction of Dr. Sophia Aguirre Ph.D., CGP, FAGPA and the supervision of Anne Marie Dine, LPC in pursuit of licensure as Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia

 

Academic Training

• M.A. in Clinical Mental Health, University of the Cumberlands and Texas Women's University

• ​B.A. in Anthropology, University of North Texas

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Professional Service & Membership

• Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia

• American Counseling Association

• Chi Sigma  Iota - Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society

 

Outside of Work:

Lorena is an avid music and art lover who loves watching true crime docuseries as she cuddles with her 3 fur children.  On weekends she can be found eating ramen or visiting local museums.