Meet Lucia: Therapist, Grief Counselor, Palliative Care Social Worker, caregiver and Mom
BOOK A CONSULT CALL
licensed therapist in california
My Journey as a Therapist
Lucia Hollowell, LCSW, APHSW-C
I began my social work career in Hospice Care, because I was drawn to supporting patients and families through the important final stages of life. I was inspired that growth can occur at any stage of life, even in the last chapter. Moreover, the experience of dying is very impactful for the family. It can either ease or complicate the grieving processes of a person’s loved ones.
Later, I became a Palliative Care Social Worker, supporting patients/families living with serious illness in the hospital setting. My focus was on promoting a patient’s best quality of life, anticipating their needs, and aiding in complex decision making. I could see the many layers of grief that often begin at time of diagnosis and compound over the course of illness. In the fast paced hospital setting, I often wished there was more time to process a patient’s cumulative losses from illness. I was drawn to provide more on-going support to individuals and their caregivers through what is often the most difficult time of life.
This was the driving force for me to open my private practice, to offer the type of support I felt my patients and their caregivers so desperately needed. I am thrilled to share that I still practice as a Relief Palliative Social Worker in the medical setting. For me it is an enormous privilege to support people during times of distress, letting go, and ultimately making peace.
Credentials
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (license no. LCSW105846)
- Advanced Palliative Hospice Social Worker - Certified
- Prolonged Grief Treatment - Level 1 Certified Provider
- Masters in Social Work, San José State University, 2011
- Bachelor of Arts, Muhlenberg College, 2003
FAVORITE HOBBIES
My favorite way to spend a weekend is relaxing with family and pets. I love being outside, going for walks with friends, gardening, and making succulent arrangements.
FAVORITE BOOKS
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Hard Choices for Loving People, by Frank Dunn
FAVORITE QUOTE
“Tender self-compassion is the ability for us to just be with ourselves as we are – in all our messiness, in all our brokenness, in all our imperfection – and also be open to the pain of life.”
-Kristin Neff
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
-Plato
my practice and approach to therapy
I practice therapy in a way that offers a non-judgmental space for clients to examine their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I believe that when we are safe enough to explore the parts of ourselves we feel we can’t discuss - this sacred space can lead to profound insights and healing. Ultimately, the work of therapy often helps us lighten our load and live more fully. I am trained in Ecological Systems Theory, which places value on the social, cultural, political, and physical systems that may be affecting individuals.
I also incorporate a Strengths-Based approach and utilize Mindfulness Meditation techniques into my therapy practice. I take into account your history of loss, help you identify coping skills, and will work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your unique needs.
The vision for my private practice to serve individuals facing various forms of grief, change, or adjustment in their lives. Their losses may be caused by the death of a loved one, or non-death related loss (serious illness diagnosis, the process of aging, job loss, pet loss, divorce, moving, or life transitions, etc). Changes in our lives can disrupt our sense of well-being, and contribute to symptoms of anxiety and depression. I personally have benefitted from the support of therapy, and I feel called to being a therapist to use my innate qualities and clinical skills to pay that gift forward to others. I am passionate about helping people navigate difficult times in their lives. The therapeutic process is often transformative. It is truly an honor and privilege for me to walk alongside people on their journeys towards healing and wholeness.
