About
Lily Rodriguez, MS, LMFT, MFA
I graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a BA in psychology & sociology, Master of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy and School Counseling/PPS Credential from Cal State University Northridge, and a Master of Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute.
In addition to my private practice, I am currently a therapist at California Institute of the Arts working with undergraduate and graduate students in the visual, performing, media and literary arts. I also continue to publish & exhibit photo-based work as a practicing artist. My artistic training, artwork and clinical practice with creatives has deeply shaped my work as a clinician, as art becomes both a possible framework, bridge and practice in working with clients.
I invite you to join me in co-creating a safe, nonjudgmental & dynamic space; where your voice, personal truths, beliefs & assumptions can be heard, & your insights utilized to encourage movement toward a preferred & empowered relationship to self and others.
Headshot Photo Credit: Lyn Ursini
My Philosophy
As a 1.5 Generation Immigrant I have come to understand and embrace the gifts and challenges of living in the in-between - realizing that many of life's challenges encourage and give us an opportunity to reflect on where we draw strength and courage and where we belong. In my life I embody multiple cultures and communities and navigate within and between them. This informs my understanding and fuels my passion for creating an explicitly safe sanctuary for LGBTQIA+ individuals, people of color and diverse cultural backgrounds.
My hope as a therapist is to empower individuals in the process of becoming more of who they are. Through unwavering support, I encourage my clients to discover & cultivate their inner strength and beauty, and I support them in developing a stronger sense of self-worth by living authentically, and in close connection to their practices, people & passions.
Throughout my experiences as a therapist, I have consistently incorporated the core practices of mindfulness, creativity, humor & hope to encourage healing and empowerment. I am trained in various modalities, however, I use an eclectic, strength-based approach to meet each client where they find themselves in the present moment.