Profile

Claudia Linares, MSW, MHP, LSWAIC

Description of Counselor/Practice

I am a daughter of immigrants; a daughter of the diaspora; a wounded healer; an intellectual, spiritual, and queer chingon@. These are a few of my identities that influence how I interact and experience the world around me. My therapeutic work is deeply influenced by these identities and the stories attached to them: past and present. My parents are El Salvadoran immigrants. They migrated to the U.S. during the El Salvadoran civil war and made their new home in South Central Los Angeles. I was born and raised in Los Angeles with a large Central American refugee community. My formation there naturally led me to healing work for myself, family, and community. In 2011, I moved to Washington State and I began sprouting roots throughout King and Pierce County. I graduated with an AA in Psychology from Highline College, a BA in Psychology and minor in Law, Societies and Justice from the University of Washington, and a Master’s in Social Work with a Latinx Specialization from the University of Washington. I am an Associate Licensed Clinical Social Worker under the supervision of Diana Mena, LICSW. In 2018 I co-founded COMIDA, a Central American healing and empowerment youth program rooted in connection through traditional foods. In 2021, I founded Girasol Counseling, PLLC where I am committed to the work of decolonizing both myself and my healing practices. I have worked with nonprofit agencies, school systems, and in community mental health for over seven years. I continue to provide case management, family/community advocacy, and therapy for marginalized populations and communities of color. My work aims for the de-stigmatization and decolonization of mental health; and advocates for collective healing practices that are grounded in liberation, culture, and spirituality. I am a firm believer in collective healing: the power of connection, belonging, and love. Like a Girasol, I believe that we must look to each other for our collective liberation.

Ethnicities Counselor Identifies As
(or has Ethnic Minority Mental Health Specialist designation in)

Languages Counseling Provided In
(in addition to English)

Religions
(trained in / integrates into counseling)

Client Types

Client Ages

Insurance Accepted

Locations

First Tower
621 Tacoma Ave S
Tacoma WA 98402

Organization: Girasol Counseling

Offers sliding scale

Offers online counseling

WA approved supervisor

Available for consult

Cost: $135 per session

College: University of Washington

Degree: Master’s in Social Work

Year Graduated: 2020