How my pain became my purpose.

 

Hi, I’m Linda

Linda Grove graduated from California Southern University and received her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. Currently practicing as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Linda completed her clinical practicum at the LGBTQ Center of Orange County, CA where she worked with individuals and couples. She completed her clinical internship at College Hospital in Costa Mesa where she gained experience working with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar, and grief.

 
"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change" - Carl Rogers
 

My path to becoming a therapist.

I had anxiety for as long as I could remember, and I thought it was ‘just the way I was’. I was so used to my harsh inner voice that I didn’t even know that there was an option to live life without it. I learned to manage my anxiety most of my life by being an overachiever. I tried to be a supermom of two little boys, a perfect wife, and the best in my career….and I was stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed.

It was when I began to notice my husbands struggle with anxiety and depression that I would begin to take a serious interest in learning more about mental health which led to my years long journey into the field of psychotherapy. My husband was a law enforcement officer and the stigma of mental health prevented him from seeking treatment, and he ultimately lost his battle. It’s become my personal mission to help others find hope, peace, and joy from life.

My journey entailed countless hours of study, training, testing, internships, personal psychotherapy, a Master’s Degree, and then my license in Psychotherapy. I continue to work with an amazing mentor in the field and participate in ongoing trainings. And, I discovered that I. Love. This. Work.

This combination of professional and life experience equips me with a unique set of skills, understanding and know - how, that allows me to be effective with the work that I do. I have lived in the trenches of sadness, anxiety, non acceptance, fear, grief, loss, and struggle. And, I share my personal story for others to know that there is hope and a way out. On the other side of pain, is self love, courage, peace, joy, and growth. I promise you that it is possible and you are worth it. It may not be easy and it will be the greatest gift that you may ever give to yourself. It would be my privilege to walk alongside you as you as you begin your journey to not just survive, but thrive and become your best self. No matter how little or big your challenge, I am here to help. Please reach out if you need to talk to someone.

My treatment modalities

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    Mindfulness Based Cognitive

    this incorporates mindfulness practices that include present moment awareness. This approach teaches clients how to be in the here and now as well as break away from negative thought patterns.

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    Cognitive Behavioral

    The goal of this treatment is to help clients identify, challenge, and change unhelpful thought patterns in order to change a clients responses to difficult situations.

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    Acceptance and Commitment

    Clients learn to stop avoiding, denying, and struggling with their inner emotions and, instead, accept that these deeper feelings are appropriate responses to certain situations that should not prevent them from moving forward in their lives.

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    Somatic

    This therapy looks at the connection of the mind and body and uses psychotherapy and physical therapies for holistic healing. Mind-body exercises help release pent-up tension that negatively affects physical and emotional wellbeing.

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    Gottman

    Focuses on developing the skills to manage conflict and how couples can react and repair relations when they hurt each other.

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    EFT

    Based on the idea that human emotions are connected to human needs and working through them can improve relationships.

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    Relational

    Uses loving confrontation to wake clients up to their negative behaviors in a direct but compassionate way. Explore the harm being done within the relationship.

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    Developmental Model

    Explains the normal and natural stages and struggles that growing couples encounter. It integrates the theories of attachment, differentiation, and neuroscience.