Lisa Rakusin , LCSW

Lisa Rakusin is a licensed clinical social worker in California who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, and big life changes. She writes plainly and listens closely so clients can name what matters to them and take real steps forward. Her approach centers on the person in front of her, not a one-size-fits-all plan.

With 11 years of experience, Lisa draws on approaches that focus on relationships, emotions, and thinking patterns. Sessions are conversational and practical. She helps people notice how past relationships shape current responses and then practices new ways of relating and coping.

Clients can expect work that combines attention to feelings with concrete tools. Lisa uses ideas from cognitive behavioral work to identify unhelpful thoughts and from attachment and emotionally focused methods to strengthen emotional awareness. She also brings techniques aimed at processing trauma when that is needed.

Lisa supports people dealing with relationship strains, parenting stress, self-esteem struggles, career decisions, and the specific concerns many women face. She also addresses addiction, anger, compassion fatigue, ADHD, and aging-related issues in individual sessions. The focus is on practical changes that fit daily life.

Her style is respectful and collaborative. She treats clients as the central experts on their lives and helps them build on existing strengths. Getting started begins with a short intake and a conversation about goals and priorities.

Approach and online care that fits your life

Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early relationships shape current bonds and reactions. Online sessions can help people notice patterns in close relationships, strengthen emotional connection to themselves, and practice new ways of relating when stress or loss feels overwhelming.

Client-Centered Therapy centers on listening and acceptance. The therapist follows the client's pace, reflecting feelings and priorities so people feel understood and can make their own choices about change. This approach suits people who need a calm space to sort through decisions or grief.

Finding the right approach is a shared process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, symptoms, and day-to-day limits to decide which methods to try first. That plan can change over time based on what works and what feels useful.

Online therapy offers several flexible ways to connect. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can be a good option when bandwidth is limited or a brief check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging work well for shorter updates, scheduling, or when writing through feelings feels easier. These options make it simpler to fit therapy around work, family, and travel while keeping the focus on practical progress.