Larisa Blum, MFT #89078

About me...

I am a somatic therapist who focuses on relational, attachment and childhood trauma issues. I work with individuals and couples to address relationship ambivalence, anxiety, major life transition, depression and conflict, among other issues. I help with building awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings and physical sensations to develop greater insight and to uncover new choices in life.

My style is warm and direct. I am nurturing and supportive, yet I also call it as I see it. Together we explore and process what may be inaccessible or overwhelming to do alone.

I utilize trauma and attachment theories frequently as a way to frame issues, I highlight and promote the body-mind connection, working somatically, and reference our therapeutic relationship as a source of information and insight. Certified both as an EMDR and an AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) practitioner, my work is also influenced and informed by --

Dance -- as a life-long dancer, I see the body as a source of information and healing. By accessing the body, we integrate previously hidden parts of ourselves to build resilience and to transform what holds us back into what moves us forward.

Nature -- as a wilderness quest guide, I lead people into nature to reestablish contact with their natural rhythms and with parts of themselves got lost in onslaught of external expectations. We access your inner nature to help you regain sense of self and purpose.

Relationship -- our experience of ourselves is shaped by others. Our organisms are built to continuously attune to one another. This is the ultimate reason why therapy "works"--because, together, we create a new space in which you can experience yourself in a different way.

Skills and Education

PTSD and trauma work
Couples' Therapy
Shame and self-esteem
Anxiety and depression
Attachment issues
Co-dependence
Childhood trauma
Conflict resolution; mediation
Immigration and acculturation
Life purpose / transition

--John F. Kennedy University, 2013, Masters in Counseling Psychology

--New College of California, 2005, Masters in Writing and Consciousness

--University of Virginia, 1997, Juris Doctrate

--Duke University, 1993, Bachelors of Arts in Political Science, Russian