About Me
Lily Tsutsumida, LMFT, ATR-BC
I was inspired to become a therapist because I believe in the transformative power of one-on-one authentic communication about emotions and life experiences. Being a therapist is work that I find rewarding and meaningful, and I continuously learn from my clients.
I was an artist long before I became a therapist. During difficult times in my life, art has given me a place to let out emotion, kept my hands and my mind occupied, and helped me feel capable. During good times, it has expanded my passion and joy. It was these parts of being an artist that drew me to art therapy.
I hold a B.A. in Art from Pomona College and an M.A. in Marital & Family Therapy with Specialized Training in Clinical Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University.
My work experience includes eight years in private practice providing therapy to children, teens and adults in the South Bay and Orange County areas of California. I’ve also held multiple positions working with substance use treatment and co-occurring disorders, both as a primary therapist and as an art therapy group facilitator.
My own identity as an artist informs my work as a therapist. I credit my creative side with the ability to be process-oriented, unconventional, open-minded and playful. In the spirit of multidimensionality and authenticity, two principles I strive to embody so that my clients might do the same, my personal artwork can be viewed here.
LMFT #106288 ATR-BC #16-384