Claudia Linares, MSW, MHP, LICSW
Description of Counselor/Practice
Girasol Counseling, PLLC is a Latine, queer, daughter of immigrant-owned small group practice.
About Claudia (founder/owner):
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.