I believe that we all deserve a space to feel understood and supported.

Lisa Serrano, MS, LMFT 128552

Hi, I'm Lisa (she/her), a client-centered therapist providing telehealth services to clients in California. I believe that all of us can benefit from being able to share, reflect, and challenge ourselves in a safe therapeutic environment. I know that it is possible to create sustainable change and self-acceptance in your life, because I have been on that journey myself. At times, I have struggled with feeling as though I am not “enough” or did not have space to just "be me" in this world. As a result, I know that it is hard to be vulnerable enough to accept both your strengths and flaws. My goal is to empower you to feel as though you have autonomy over your actions and the right to live with authentic thoughts and feelings.

When I'm not seeing clients, I try to spend as much time as possible enjoying life in San Francisco with my wife and our calico cat (who may pop up during sessions from time to time). I really value time to relax, so I enjoy self-indulgent activities including massage, acupuncture, restorative yoga, and naps. I also love exploring and experiencing color, evidenced by my bouncing between various creative endeavors and the joy I take in viewing art and nature. I love to travel and always look forward to adventures that are fueled by trying new foods. I watch a variety of television genres (comedy, drama, and reality) and am a WNBA fanatic.

My Values

I feel that being a therapist a values-driven profession. A key value of mine is transparency, and in light of that value it is important that I be upfront about my identity and intentions. I identify as a White queer woman who grew up in a middle class, suburban environment. I aim to provide inclusive mental health care that appreciates and supports my clients. I am a lifelong learner and dedicate consistent effort towards addressing cultural humility and oppression in both my personal and professional life. I am open to working with clients from all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. I am trans-allied, poly-allied, and social justice-allied. I respect that some clients might be seeking a cultural match when searching for a clinician while also acknowledging that similarity in cultural background does not automatically lead to therapeutic attunement. As we work together, we will discuss how these similarities and differences impact the therapeutic work and your process.

My Approach

Together, you and I will gradually ease through the inherent discomfort of the therapeutic process. I support my clients by utilizing a trauma informed, harm reduction approach. This means that I will meet you exactly where you are in your life, will integrate the approach of taking small steps over time, and will allow you to share your story with me as you feel more comfortable. I do not think that therapy has to be a place to spill out all of your darkest stories at once. Rather I will encourage you to move at a pace that feels comfortable for you, and to use sessions for the support that you need that day. I aim to be a non-judgmental professional with whom no topic is off limits. I will provide psychoeducation to help you better understand your role in social contexts, behavioral/thought patterns, and how your history impacts you today. I will be collaborative in both offering techniques and brainstorming around your own inner resources that can help you through difficult processes. I will encourage you to use your own emotional language to support me in understanding how you are experiencing the world - if there is a Reddit post, TikTok, or meme that encompasses how you are feeling, please share it with me! I believe that you are the expert on your life and that my job is to offer a helping hand of encouragement and support.

Modalities Used

I draw from a variety of theoretical approaches based on your needs in treatment, as I don’t believe that every modality is right for every person. I have training and experience utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, and Solutions Focused Therapy.

I also incorporate client-centered principles and consider the cultural appropriateness of interventions when working with clients. I believe in approaching all situations from a humanistic framework and will often point out how systemic inequalities can impact our mental health. I am regularly engaged in trainings and consultation to expand my professional skills. Currently, I seek out consultation and training for promoting positive embodiment and working with high sensitivity. I am participating in the Center for Body Trust’s 2024 provider certification cohort.

Education and Professional Experience

I hold a Masters of Science in Counseling with a specialization in Couples, Child and Family Counseling from San Francisco State University. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (LMFT #125882). Before graduate school I entered this field via volunteering for local crisis hotlines and providing drop in peer counseling support. During my graduate studies I gained extensive experience working with adults and children in outpatient mental health and substance use clinics. Following my graduation, I have worked at several community based mental health agencies in San Francisco and most recently, a tech startup aimed at making mental health more accessible for those using insurance. I have experience working with folks from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and across the lifespan, from elementary-aged children and families to seniors.

Recently completed certifications:

Be Body Positive - Facilitator Certification
Big Hearted Embodiment - Certification Program
The Embody Lab - Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Certificate Program