Welcome! I’m Lena Tran.

I collaborate with adults, older adults, couples, and families who are navigating life’s challenges, including addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship struggles. My approach is simple yet powerful: “You take the first step, and I’ll follow.” I believe in meeting you exactly where you are in your journey, honoring your experiences, and working together at a pace that feels right for you. My goal is to empower you with the tools and insights that resonate with your personal experience, helping you feel confident and self-sufficient in navigating your mental health moving forward.

My Journey into Therapy

As a Vietnamese immigrant, I witnessed firsthand the challenges of navigating mental health within my own family. My single mother cared for my aunt, who had schizophrenia, while also struggling with PTSD. I saw how overwhelming it was for her to provide care without proper support or guidance. The social worker assigned to my aunt’s case only checked in occasionally, never addressing the root of our family’s struggles. My mother carried the burden alone, and while my aunt improved, my mother suffered from burnout.

These experiences fueled my passion for social work. I saw the gaps in accessible mental health care, especially for caregivers like my mother, and I wanted to be part of the solution. My goal is to provide compassionate, culturally informed, and accessible care for those who need it most.

Working With Me

My biggest strengths as a therapist lie in my adaptability and advocacy. I understand that each client comes from unique circumstances and is at a different stage in their life. I consider systemic, social, and cultural barriers when working with clients, always striving to meet them where they are.

I am also a strong advocate for my clients. My background in Adult Protective Services has equipped me with the knowledge to connect clients with essential resources, whether for basic needs, legal support, medical care, or addiction recovery. If I don’t have the answer, I make it a priority to find the right support for my clients.

Clients often describe me as motivating, compassionate, supportive, fun, and someone with a big heart. I strive to be a great listener and a source of encouragement in their healing journey.

Addiction & Mental Health

Many of my clients struggle with addiction alongside mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Substance use can deeply impact relationships, self-esteem, and daily functioning. Clients often come to me feeling lost, ashamed, or stuck in survival mode, believing that they have to fight their battles alone.

I help clients understand their patterns, develop coping skills, and build resilience using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Whether you’re seeking to regain control over your life or working through past trauma, I offer a safe space to support your healing and recovery.

Navigating Life Transitions & Trauma

Life changes—whether career shifts, relationship changes, or personal growth—can feel overwhelming. Many of my clients struggle with processing past traumas, feeling stuck in cycles of fear and self-doubt.

I use a strength-based psychodynamic approach to help clients explore how past experiences influence their present. With EMDR therapy, I guide clients in reprocessing distressing memories, helping them heal from negative self-perceptions and build confidence in their ability to move forward. My approach is collaborative, goal-oriented, and tailored to your needs, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.

Couples & Relationships

Relationships can be both fulfilling and challenging. Couples often come to therapy struggling with communication, trust issues, or navigating major life changes together. I utilize the Gottman Method to help couples understand their unhealthy communication patterns, rebuild intimacy, and set goals for a stronger partnership.

In sessions, I emphasize real-time practice of coping skills so that couples can apply them in their daily lives. My goal is to create a space where both partners feel heard and valued while working toward a healthier, more fulfilling relationship.

Cultural Identity & Personal Growth

Growing up as a Vietnamese American, I understand the complexities of navigating cultural identity, family expectations, and personal values. Many clients feel caught between societal pressures and their own aspirations, struggling to find a balance that feels authentic.

Therapy can be a space to unpack generational narratives, explore cultural expectations, and build confidence in your identity. Whether you’re exploring your heritage, working through family dynamics, or redefining your path, I offer a supportive environment to help you find clarity and self-acceptance.

About Me

Outside of being a therapist, I enjoy yoga, running, and occasionally painting. I also love discovering new and upcoming Vietnamese R&B and pop artists, as part of my journey in reconnecting with my cultural identity.

I am fluent in English and have an intermediate proficiency in Vietnamese, which allows me to engage in basic conversations and express complex ideas. I am also currently taking Vietnamese language classes to further my fluency.

Rooted in Buddhist philosophy and mindfulness, I incorporate a holistic approach to healing. If you are looking for a therapist who is warm, empathetic, and committed to your growth, I would love to support you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery.

Registered California Board of Behavioral Sciences Number: ACSW 123482
Supervised by Phuong Tang, LCSW 27966