Lauren Torres Funiestas, LMFT #121004 is the Clinical Supervisor for APA Family Support Services’ Behavioral Health Practicum Training Program. She built her career as a mental health clinician working with children, families, and adults at non-profit organizations and government agencies throughout the Bay Area. She currently owns a boutique telehealth practice working exclusively with the Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Filipino communities.

As the clinical lead of the Behavioral Health Practicum Training Program, Lauren provides comprehensive training in the fields of community mental health and psychotherapy.

Our training protocol includes a focus on teaching therapeutic interventions along with job-related skills that will benefit the trainee post-graduation. Topics Include:

• Law & Ethics (Informed Consent, Dual Relationships, Risk Assessment)

• Clinical Assessment, Treatment Planning & Progress Notes

• Applications of Systems Theory, Cultural Competency, School-Based Counseling, and Telehealth

• Transpersonal Approaches to Relationship Building and Trauma-Informed Care

• Evidence-Based Interventions for Short Term Therapy including Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Family Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing

• Professional Career options post-graduation: academics, private practice, or agency work.

Lauren identifies as a 2nd generation Ilokano American military brat with a love for international travel, a soft spot for local food trucks, and an obsession with indoor plants. She graduated with a B.A. in Criminal Justice Studies and a Master’s in Holistic Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Transpersonal Psychology.