- 20 years experience
- Speaks English and Persian
- Focus on codependency
About Jilla
Jilla Lavian is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in California with 20 years of experience. She helps people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, grief, relationship struggles, or life changes. She often supports those dealing with parenting challenges, self‑esteem issues, career concerns, and feelings linked to family of origin and attachment. Sessions are offered in English and Persian.
Jilla approaches therapy as practical self‑exploration. She listens, reflects, and helps people notice patterns in their thoughts and feelings. That clarity is used to set small, doable goals and build everyday skills for coping and decision making.
Her work blends several methods. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to spot unhelpful thinking and try new behaviors. Mindfulness techniques help people pause and respond rather than react. Psychodynamic ideas are used to look at patterns rooted in family history and relationships.
She also uses motivational interviewing to support people ready to make changes, and solution‑focused practices to map immediate steps forward. Sessions aim to restore direction, creativity, and a kinder inner voice. Jilla frames therapy as a collaborative process where the person’s strengths guide the work.
Jilla trained at the University of Southern California with a dual master’s in Social Work and Jewish Communal Service and also works with life coaching methods. Her practice includes attention to multicultural concerns, immigration issues, caregiver stress, codependency, and commitment or communication struggles.
Approaches and what online work looks like
Jilla frequently uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Therapy in her work. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to reduce anxiety or change patterns. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to help people notice emotions and respond more deliberately.She also draws on Motivational Interviewing to help people clarify their reasons for change and build commitment. That approach is brief and goal oriented, and it can be helpful for making steps on issues like codependency, caregiving overload, and life transitions. Choice of method is collaborative; she will talk with the client about what feels useful and adjust the approach over time.
If you are considering online sessions, confirm the current session options before booking. The practical benefits of remote work include easier scheduling around work or parenting, shorter check‑in conversations when time is tight, and the ability to meet without needing extra travel time. The therapist will discuss which approaches and session arrangements fit a person’s goals and daily routine.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English, Persian
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship struggles, parenting strain, sleep and anger problems, career questions, and issues tied to family of origin.
What is her therapy style like?
Her style is collaborative and practical. She listens, helps identify thought and behavior patterns, and works with clients to set small goals and build coping skills.
What background and experience does she bring?
She has 20 years of clinical experience and blends psychotherapy with life coaching approaches to support lasting change and clearer direction.
What credentials and region apply to her practice?
She is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) practicing in California with a dual master’s from the University of Southern California.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English and Persian.
Can people outside the US work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.