Hi, I’m Lielah.

As a first-generation, multiracial woman (Filipino and Jamaican) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to our work together. I approach therapy with a culturally and historically attuned lens, honoring the ways systems of power, cultural roots, and historical forces shape your story.

I believe your identity and experiences are rich and multi-layered, deserving of thoughtful exploration. Guided by liberatory perspectives, I aim to center your lived experiences while creating space for growth and healing. Therapy is a place to reflect, untangle the threads of your story, and navigate the in-between spaces of your journey with intention and care.

Whether you’re moving through grief, working through trauma, or feeling the weight of systemic pressures, I strive to offer a compassionate, grounded presence. Together, we’ll explore what feels most meaningful to you and take steps toward healing and possibility.

Reach out to learn more.

Background

I earned my Master of Social Work with a specialization in Trauma Studies and Disaster Mental Health from Tulane University and am currently pursuing a PhD at Portland State University, where my research emphasizes critical and decolonizing approaches to mental health. My academic work is shaped by over a decade of on-the-ground experience in community mental health and across the continuum of crisis care.

In these roles, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals living with trauma, illness, and grief—pain often compounded by revolving-door systems and one-size-fits-all approaches. These experiences drive my commitment to culturally grounded, relationally attuned, and trauma-informed care.

At Liminal Space Therapy, I draw on these insights to create a sanctuary for those navigating the in-between—whatever that may mean for them. Whether through therapy, supervision, or consultation, my work centers on fostering resilience, embodiment, and meaningful change, while honoring the stories and strengths of those I serve.

Reach out to learn more.

Therapeutic Approach

  • I offer trauma-informed, culturally grounded, and relational therapy rooted in liberatory perspectives. My approach is eclectic, collaborative, and non-hierarchical, adapting to your needs—whether you prefer a solution-focused style, existential exploration, or a blend of both. Together, we’ll work toward greater clarity, resilience, and connection.

  • Life Transitions and "In-Between" Spaces
    Change can feel overwhelming. I support clients through uncertain transitions—exploring new identities, shifting roles, or major milestones. Together, we’ll honor challenges and find meaning in these "in-between" spaces.

    Grief and Loss
    Loss shapes us in profound ways. Whether mourning a loved one, a relationship, or intangible losses like identity or dreams, I provide space to grieve and create meaning in a way that feels right for you.

    Trauma Recovery
    Trauma changes how we see ourselves and the world. I help clients heal from childhood wounds, complex relationships, or generational trauma—rebuilding safety, resilience, and connection.

    Racial Trauma
    Systemic racism often feels isolating. I offer a culturally grounded space to process racialized experiences, navigate identity, and reclaim belonging in interracial relationships, transracial adoption, or cultural alienation.

    Burnout and Work-Related Stress
    Burnout affects professionals, helpers, and caregivers alike. I support those navigating emotional labor or marginalized work to set boundaries, reconnect with purpose, and restore balance.

    Relationship Issues
    Relationships shape us and can be sources of pain or growth. I help clients navigate challenges in romantic, familial, or interpersonal dynamics to deepen connection and understanding.

    Anxiety and Emotional Regulation
    Anxiety can feel all-consuming. I help clients manage overwhelm, develop coping strategies, and build resilience to find greater ease and joy in daily life.

    Mind-Body Approaches
    The body often holds what words cannot. Using mindfulness, breathwork, and somatic practices, I help clients cultivate calm, reconnect with their bodies, and foster healing.

    Weight-Inclusive Care
    Body acceptance is deeply personal. I practice from a Health at Every Size (HAES) lens, offering a compassionate space for self-acceptance and liberation from societal pressures.

  • I work with adults navigating life’s transitions, complexities, and in-between moments. My clients include those grappling with grief, trauma, burnout, or relationship challenges, as well as those seeking clarity and connection amidst uncertainty.

    I am especially passionate about supporting professional helpers, caregivers, and individuals whose work involves marginalized, invisibilized, or emotional labor—whether for survival, purpose, or both. Many of my clients are first-generation individuals, people of color, or those exploring the intersections of identity while navigating systemic pressures.

    I also work with deep thinkers and big feelers—people who carry the weight of the world’s complexity within their inner landscapes. These are individuals seeking grounding and meaning in a world that often feels caught in its own liminal space—shifting, unraveling, and regenerating. In this space of decay and renewal, I help clients explore transformation, embrace uncertainty, and reconnect with the richness of their inner and outer worlds.

    Whether you’re managing the weight of past experiences, balancing the demands of caregiving or helping professions, or searching for space to reflect, recharge, and reimagine, I offer a grounded and compassionate presence to honor your story. Together, we’ll navigate your journey toward healing, renewal, and connection to yourself and the world around you.

  • Every person’s journey is unique, and therapy should reflect that. My approach is collaborative and adaptable, drawing from evidence-based methods like Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to explore patterns, reframe your story, and create space for growth and healing.

    As a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200), I take an integrative approach that incorporates somatic practices such as applied polyvagal theory, mindfulness, and breathwork. These tools help you connect with your body’s wisdom and cultivate greater emotional awareness. Whether you’re addressing trauma, navigating burnout, or seeking support with relationships, our work is always tailored to your needs.

    At the heart of my practice is a liberatory framework—an approach rooted in the belief that healing and growth must account for the ways personal experiences are shaped by larger societal, cultural, and historical forces. In practice, this means understanding how power dynamics—such as privilege, oppression, and systemic inequities—impact your well-being, while honoring your lived experience as a vital source of knowledge.

    This approach centers your expertise in your own life and emphasizes collaboration, rather than imposing solutions or interpretations. Together, we’ll explore how societal pressures intersect with your individual challenges, while creating space to reconnect with your strengths, values, and creative capacity for healing. Ultimately, this process seeks not only to address personal distress but also to empower you to navigate and challenge external forces that constrain your thriving, fostering both personal and collective liberation.

  • In our sessions, you’ll find a warm and grounded presence where your experiences are met with compassion and curiosity. Together, we might untangle old patterns, connect with your body’s wisdom, or simply hold space for the emotions that arise. Whether we’re sitting with deep grief, sharing light-hearted moments, or exploring the richness of the in-between, you’ll have a space to show up fully as yourself.

    This is your journey, and I’m here to walk alongside you—honoring your pace, your strengths, and your story.

  • Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, and I’m honored to join you wherever you are in your process. If you’re curious about working together, let’s start with a conversation about what’s on your mind, what you’re looking for, and how I can support you.

    There’s no right or wrong way to begin—whether you’re ready to dive in or just exploring the idea, I’m here to meet you where you are.

    Reach out if you’d like to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. If you’re ready to schedule your first session click here.