Bilingual Therapist · Los Angeles, California

Therapy for Adoptees
& Foster Youth

Trauma-informed support for identity, healing, and life transitions

Support for children, teens, and adults navigating foster care, adoption, family separation, and the lasting effects of displacement. Sessions are grounded in compassion, cultural awareness, and practical care.

I work with clients who want a therapist who understands the layered realities of adoption, attachment, and identity development, and who can offer a steady, affirming space to heal.

L. Patty Flores, MSW, ASW126834

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Therapy for Adoptees and Foster Youth

APPROACH

My Approach

My style is relational, intersectional, and rooted in social justice. I consider your identity, culture, and lived realities, and provide a space where all parts of you are welcome. Whether you are navigating foster care, adoption, immigration, LGBTQ+ identity, or family relational struggle, I meet you with empathy, honesty, and practical guidance.

If you've been searching for a therapist in Los Angeles who understands these experiences, I offer support in person and online across California.

Therapy focuses on what sits underneath behavior. Whether reactions show up outwardly or as shutdown, we explore the patterns and how they formed through lived experience.

We work on recognizing emotions earlier and responding in ways that reduce overwhelm, disconnection, or emotional flooding.

Therapy creates room to name difficult feelings clearly and communicate needs in ways that are safer for you and your relationships.

Support is tailored for foster and adoption histories, family strain, school/work pressure, and the transitions that continue to impact wellbeing over time.
Approach and support
Areas of specialization

Areas of Specialization

  • Depression, anger, anxiety, and trauma
  • Foster care and adoption therapy
  • Parent and child relational struggles
  • LGBTQ+ identity support
  • Self-esteem and emotional resilience
  • Educational challenges and support

¡Hablo español. Haz tu cita hoy y da el primer paso hacia tu bienestar!

Professional Background & Experience

I am also a researcher, speaker, and advocate. Throughout my work in education and administration, I have supported diverse and marginalized communities, including foster youth, homeless and probation youth, LGBTQ+ communities, immigrants, and undocumented people.

I hold an A.S. in Criminal Justice, an A.A. in Social and Behavioral Sciences, a Bachelor's in Sociology from the University of California, Riverside, and a Master's in Clinical Social Work from Smith College.

Professional experience

"My colleague & friend, Patty, is an inspirational and empowering clinician, as both a professional and an expert with lived experience of the child welfare system. She provides affirming, compassionate care in both English and Spanish."

Dr. Sky Lea Ross, LMFT, PsyD

"Patty brings a rare combination of clinical insight and lived experience that deeply enriches her work. Her commitment to immigrant families and trauma-informed practice is exceptional."

Dr. Cheryl Aguilar, LICSW, Ph.D.

"Patty's lived experience, education, and research background inform her deep commitment to the practice of healing. The ways she holds space invites each client into the room, just as they are."

Sean Sparks, LMFT

Glendale, CA - In-person and online sessions available (California only)

Therapy services supervised by Christina Dixon, LCSW87870. For more info: www.cdixoncounseling.com

Contact

Let's Talk

Reach out for a consultation and we can discuss what support looks like for you.

Email: patty@defyinglabels.com

Call: (213) 222-8794

Location: Glendale, California

SUPPORT

FAQs

I offer sessions Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Sunday appointments are available upon request.

Yes. I offer in-person, online, and phone sessions for clients located in California.

Si, hablo espanol con fluidez y ofrezco sesiones en espanol.

It depends on your goals. Some clients attend weekly, others biweekly. We decide together what supports your progress.

I am currently not in network with insurance. I hope to accept insurance in the future to increase access.

Standard fee is $180. A limited sliding-scale is available for eligible clients.

Payment options can be discussed during consultation, including mobile payment methods such as Ivy Pay.