top of page

About

What is counseling all about? 

What is a therapy session like? 

Every counseling experience is different because every client is different, with a unique story to tell.  The counseling relationship is a meeting of minds and spirits, where I make a space for you to tell your story and we work together to find meaning and understanding and freedom, through your story.

 

Are you nervous about seeing a therapist, thinking “I don’t want anyone telling me what to do”?  Or maybe, “I don’t want anyone seeing the secret, painful memories I have hidden away.”  All of us have painful memories; things we have said, or done, or things that were done to us.  And we’re afraid that if those thoughts or feelings or memories come to light, we will drown in our shame or sorrow.  Let me put you at ease.

 

To borrow some imagery from the movie, Shrek, therapy is like “peeling an onion.”  Working together, we will peel back the layers that are getting in the way of you living the authentic, brave, fulfilling life you want to be living; and removing things like habitual thoughts or behaviors that are holding you back. Maybe you don't even remember decisions that you made way back when, to keep yourself safe, but now those decisions are getting in your way.

 

It's time to revisit those layers where old memories, thoughts, and decisions are hidden away, and maybe it's time to let some things go.  But don't worry. We don’t slice into the onion, or chop it in half to expose vulnerable places. No, we carefully and thoughtfully peel back the layers, at a pace that falls within your window of tolerance, to expose the parts that need attention, with kindness, and compassion.  Yes, there may be tears; peeling onions can be like that.  But opening up the hidden places, exposing them to the light, and giving them the kind attention they need, allows us to BREATHE, and sets us free.

If that sounds good to you, click on the link, or call me, to set up a free consultation, and decide if we should take this journey together.

I'm Lina Lewis-Arévalo, a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Telehealth Provider.  My therapeutic approach incorporates Mindfulness practices such as Meditation and Yoga, and I encourage all of my clients to have a daily Gratitude practice.  We will also look at your sleep, nutrition, and activity, in addition to your inner world.  My approach to counseling focuses on helping you to feel your best: body, soul, and mind, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, culture, or religion.

I believe that people flourish when they believe in themselves, and I love to help them do that.

When I’m not working with clients, you might find me trying out new recipes, knitting a sweater, taking a Yoga or Aquacize class, traveling to a new destination, or taking photos of nature, like the ones on this site.

 

My credentials:  Master’s Degree in Counseling (The College of New Jersey); National Certified Counselor (National Board for Certified Counselors); Licensed Professional Counselor (New Jersey); Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (New Jersey); Foundational Training in Comprehensive Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (CONCEPT); Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Insomnia (CBT-I) Certified.

 

800 Denow Road, Suite C-361, Pennington NJ 08534

Lina at Giverny
bottom of page