Helena Lorenz, M.S.W., LMSW
The decision to pursue therapy can be informed by a limitless variety of factors, but however someone reaches that conclusion, I have come to realize that we all come to it seeking the same two things: acceptance and care for who we are in the moment, and nurturance and guidance for who we want to become. We all have things about ourselves and about our lives that we want to change, but perhaps feel as if we don't have the tools or knowledge to go about that change in a healthy, productive way. It is my job as a therapist to show you that you already have all the necessary knowledge and tools within you to create beneficial, lasting change; you simply need someone equipped with the right flashlight to uncover and illuminate them for you.
In my practice, I specialize in working with teens, adults, and couples from an empowerment-based perspective, meaning that I focus on building up your existing strengths and providing vital education on things like boundary-setting, communication, and self-care. I also put an emphasis on psychological education because I believe that change can be achieved quicker, and be more lasting, when you have a better understanding of the underlying principles that govern your brain and body. In prioritizing the interconnectedness between the brain and the body, I also incorporate many research-backed deep-breathing and mindfulness techniques that can help you in healthfully navigating life's many stressors and can even assist in processing and moving through deep, long-held trauma.
It's so important to me that my clients feel informed and empowered by the work of therapy, and that starts with being transparent about my methods and the theories I pull from. You will find that I blend techniques from a variety of useful theories, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solutions-Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. For my couples clients, I incorporate more specific techniques and teachings from the likes of John Gottman, Terry Real, and Gary Chapman, to help couples in all stages of relationships. In this work, we focus on building connection, improving communication, increasing intimacy, and nurturing each partner's own sense of self within the relationship. Feel free to click on the embedded links to read more about these approaches if you are curious!
All that said, I realize that these therapeutic techniques amount to very little if you don't have a sense of connection and trust with your therapist. I recognize that coming to therapy can be a difficult and sometimes scary endeavor, and I attempt to never lose sight of the bravery it takes to bring one's issues into the light in this way. I know that many years ago, I had my entire life changed by a positive therapy experience, and now I have the privilege of being on the other end of the equation, seeing again what life-changing impact this work can have for any and every kind of person. You are doing an incredibly courageous thing by choosing vulnerability and growth in this moment, and I would be honored to walk alongside you on this path.
Though I have worked in and been passionate about therapy for many years, it only encompasses one slice of my life. When I am not in session, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, listening to story-telling podcasts, cooking and baking recipes from my giant cookbook collection, and taking care of my mind and body through hiking, power-lifting, and yoga.
Helena Lorenz, M.S.W., LMSW has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Southwestern University and a Masters in Clinical Social Work from the University of Houston. She is an active member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). She is under the clinical supervision of Dr. Dwan Milam-Reed, PhD, LCSW-S. Dr. Reed provides supervision and private practice counseling services through Elysian Counseling & Education LLC
Helena Lorenz, M.S.W., LMSW
LMSW License # License 105368
$150 Individual Counseling Appointment
$165 Couple and Family Counseling Appointment
