Get to know me
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C) provider, I offer inclusive, compassionate, and culturally responsive care. My work is rooted in social justice, lived experience, and a deep respect for each person's story. I am easy to talk to. Therapy with me is warm, collaborative and empowering.
You’ll often hear me say: “You’re the boss.” as I wholeheartedly believe you are the expert in your own life. My role is to walk alongside you, offering insight, support, and tools as you define what healing looks like for you and move toward change at your own pace.
I build lasting, trusted relationships with my clients and offer consistent support through every season of healing. Many clients have chosen to work with me long-term, adjusting the frequency of sessions as life evolves. I honor the natural rhythm of healing—trusting that growth takes time, space, and a relationship built on mutual respect.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C) provider, I offer inclusive, compassionate, and culturally responsive care. My work is rooted in social justice, lived experience, and a deep respect for each person's story. I am easy to talk to. Therapy with me is warm, collaborative and empowering.
You’ll often hear me say: “You’re the boss.” as I wholeheartedly believe you are the expert in your own life. My role is to walk alongside you, offering insight, support, and tools as you define what healing looks like for you and move toward change at your own pace.
I build lasting, trusted relationships with my clients and offer consistent support through every season of healing. Many clients have chosen to work with me long-term, adjusting the frequency of sessions as life evolves. I honor the natural rhythm of healing—trusting that growth takes time, space, and a relationship built on mutual respect.
My approach
In our work together, we’ll go beyond just managing symptoms. I help you:
My approach is integrative, drawing from a blend of evidence-based and relational approaches. Below, you'll find a few of the modalities I often incorporate into therapy.
Relational & Psychodynamic Therapy
We explore how your early relationships and past experiences shape your current patterns, self-perception, and emotional world. This approach supports deeper insight, healing, and long-term transformation.
Culturally Responsive & Anti-Oppressive Practice
I center your lived experience and the impact of culture, systemic oppression, and generational dynamics—especially for BIPOC, first-generation, and multicultural clients navigating identity, belonging, and resilience.
Perinatal, Maternal & Reproductive Mental Health
With advanced training and certification in perinatal mental health, I specialize in supporting individuals through pregnancy, postpartum, fertility journeys, loss, and the complex transitions of parenthood.
LGBTQ+ Affirming & Inclusive Care
I am an affirming ally to the LGBTQ+ community. I create a supportive space for individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities, including those exploring family planning, parenthood, identity, or navigating systemic and relational stress.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Whether related to personal, intergenerational, or systemic trauma, I prioritize emotional safety, agency, and honoring your nervous system. We move at your pace, with care and intention.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)-Informed
This approach helps us explore the different “parts” of yourself—such as protectors, critics, or wounded younger parts—so we can bring compassion, understanding, and inner balance.
Mindfulness & Somatic Awareness
I integrate body-based tools to help you stay grounded, manage stress, and reconnect with your internal cues—particularly helpful for anxiety, emotional regulation, and identity work.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
We identify patterns in thoughts and behaviors that may be contributing to distress and develop practical skills to help shift those patterns, while still holding space for deeper reflection.
Solution-Focused Therapy
A strength-based approach that emphasizes what’s already working and builds on your existing skills. Together, we identify clear goals and focus on small, achievable steps toward meaningful change.
Narrative Therapy
We work together to challenge and reshape internalized stories—those shaped by culture, family, trauma, or systems—so you can live from a place of agency, strength, and self-defined meaning.
- Understand the why behind your emotions and patterns
- Build tools to manage stress, relationships, parenthood, and self-doubt
- Slow down and tune into your thoughts and feelings
- Respond to life with greater clarity, calm, and confidence
My approach is integrative, drawing from a blend of evidence-based and relational approaches. Below, you'll find a few of the modalities I often incorporate into therapy.
Relational & Psychodynamic Therapy
We explore how your early relationships and past experiences shape your current patterns, self-perception, and emotional world. This approach supports deeper insight, healing, and long-term transformation.
Culturally Responsive & Anti-Oppressive Practice
I center your lived experience and the impact of culture, systemic oppression, and generational dynamics—especially for BIPOC, first-generation, and multicultural clients navigating identity, belonging, and resilience.
Perinatal, Maternal & Reproductive Mental Health
With advanced training and certification in perinatal mental health, I specialize in supporting individuals through pregnancy, postpartum, fertility journeys, loss, and the complex transitions of parenthood.
LGBTQ+ Affirming & Inclusive Care
I am an affirming ally to the LGBTQ+ community. I create a supportive space for individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities, including those exploring family planning, parenthood, identity, or navigating systemic and relational stress.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Whether related to personal, intergenerational, or systemic trauma, I prioritize emotional safety, agency, and honoring your nervous system. We move at your pace, with care and intention.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)-Informed
This approach helps us explore the different “parts” of yourself—such as protectors, critics, or wounded younger parts—so we can bring compassion, understanding, and inner balance.
Mindfulness & Somatic Awareness
I integrate body-based tools to help you stay grounded, manage stress, and reconnect with your internal cues—particularly helpful for anxiety, emotional regulation, and identity work.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
We identify patterns in thoughts and behaviors that may be contributing to distress and develop practical skills to help shift those patterns, while still holding space for deeper reflection.
Solution-Focused Therapy
A strength-based approach that emphasizes what’s already working and builds on your existing skills. Together, we identify clear goals and focus on small, achievable steps toward meaningful change.
Narrative Therapy
We work together to challenge and reshape internalized stories—those shaped by culture, family, trauma, or systems—so you can live from a place of agency, strength, and self-defined meaning.
my experience
- B.A. in Psychology – Cal State Northridge, 2004
- Master of Social Work – University of Hawaii at Mānoa, 2007
- Board Certified Clinical Social Worker state of Hawaii, 2009
- Board Certified Clinical Social Worker state of California, 2010
- Owner of Lorena Aynalem Therapy Private Practice, est.2016
- Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C), 2019
- Postpartum Support International (PSI) former Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Chair, 2020
- Postpartum Support International (PSI) Board Chair for the California Chapter, 2022
- Postpartum Support International (PSI) Local Coordinator, current
Lorena Aynalem, LCSW, PMH-C LCSW27407 (CA), LCSW3617 (HI), PSI4819