Lilian Alfaro Cavlan, LMFT
My name is Lilian, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#85353), mental health therapist, clinical director and owner of Mindful Practices. I obtained my master’s degree in counseling psychology from Santa Clara University, with a double emphasis on Health Psychology and Latino Counseling. I am bicultural and bilingual in English and Spanish and I work with teens, adults and older adults providing individual therapy and mental performance.
As a former high school and collegiate athlete, participating in sports and being an athlete has always been a part of my life. I believe sports can be a source of confidence, growth and connection. As a marathon runner, I have had the personal experience as an athlete to push the limits, physically and mentally. I understand the pressure and anxiety felt when competing and I believe that mindfulness and mental conditioning can help overcome such feelings in order to perform at our best. As a therapist, I have been inspired by the mental fortitude of clients and supporting them with mental performance. I am passionate about supporting people overcome any challenges they face, whether they are related to their sport or in life.
I believe that life gets hard sometimes, and we are all susceptible to suffering in silence, particularly when facing a mental challenge. Facing adversity has served me to see others when they need help. I am able to hold space for people to work through their struggle while bearing witness to their journey towards healing. It takes bravery to let people see us in the darkest moments of struggling, yet this vulnerability helps improve our connection and relationships.
There is so much power in asking for help and talking to a therapist. I do believe that we don’t have to navigate difficulties alone and receiving professional help is the most important thing we can do when our mental health is struggling. When we face difficulties, it forces us to find our strength and it provides us with an opportunity to access our power to learn and grow.
I promote a strength-based model to create a safe space for reflection, problem solving and symptom management. I incorporate mindfulness-based therapy practices in my work with clients. I am genuine and compassionate for everyone’s unique experience and personal growth towards healing. I believe that every person is strong enough and brave enough for improved health and worthy of a better quality of life.
For more information about the counseling and therapy services I provide, contact us today to schedule a free, 15-minute, initial phone consultation. I look forward to speaking with you and helping in any way I can.