Exploring the Layers of Connection: A Conversation with Lynnea Molina, LCSW

Written by Heather Anderson

Lynnea Molina, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and psychotherapist, brings a unique multicultural and relational approach to her practice. Specializing in working with adolescents, couples, and individuals from diverse backgrounds, Lynnea helps her clients navigate complex emotional landscapes by focusing on attachment theory and systemic influences. In this interview, Lynnea opens up about her work, her passion for helping people understand their relationships, and why therapy is a form of self-care that anyone can benefit from.

What inspired you to become a psychotherapist?

There are two stories that collided for me. First, I grew up in a family that instilled a deep value for helping others. My grandmother adopted eight kids from different countries, so it was normal for me to see a Vietnamese uncle or a Black aunt. That diverse and compassionate environment shaped my understanding of service.

Then, during college, I interned as a mentor for middle school kids who were at risk of going into the juvenile system. I found it easy to connect with them, and I didn't see them as "problems" like society did. That experience opened my eyes to the power of being a consistent, caring presence in someone's life. From that point, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to helping people grow and heal. When I entered the social work field, it reinforced my passion for being of service.

You’ve mentioned you’re an LCSW, and there’s often confusion about what that means. Can you explain how it’s different from other therapy certifications?

LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and while there are many different certifications—like LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) or LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor)—LCSWs tend to take a more holistic, systems-based approach. We look at clients not just as individuals but as part of a larger network of relationships and social structures. We’re trained to consider micro, mezzo, and macro systems: the person, their family and community, and broader societal issues like racism or policy. So when I’m working with someone, I’m always considering how these layers influence their well-being. It’s a core part of our ethics as LCSWs, and that systems lens is often what draws people to seek us out.

You’ve said you specialize in multicultural, multiracial, and multiethnic clients. Can you talk about why that’s important to your practice?

It’s incredibly important because it reflects my own lived experience. I identify as multiracial, and I’ve always felt a deep connection with people who navigate multiple cultural identities. There’s so much nuance in the ways race, ethnicity, and culture intersect with mental health, and I want to create a space where people feel understood in that complexity. Whether I’m working with adolescents or couples, the common thread is that I’m helping them explore their identities, relationships, and the unique challenges that come with being multicultural in a society that often oversimplifies or overlooks those experiences.

“I also encourage people to think of therapy like a gym membership. You don’t have to wait until you’re in crisis to start. Therapy can be part of your overall wellness routine, a space where you take care of your emotional and mental health just like you would your physical health”
— Lynnea Molina

You work with both adolescents and couples, which are very different populations. How do relationships play into the work you do with each?

Relationships are a core part of the work I do with everyone—adolescents and adults alike. With teens, the focus is often on their family relationships, friendships, and peer dynamics. It’s a natural part of their developmental stage, as they’re learning how to navigate relationships and become more independent.

With adults, especially in couples therapy, the focus shifts to romantic relationships. My passion for working with couples came from my individual work with adults, where so much of what we talked about revolved around their relationships—whether it was who they were dating, married to, or living with. I realized I needed both partners in the room to truly help them work through their challenges. That’s when I really fell in love with couples therapy. There’s something incredibly powerful about witnessing two people learn to reconnect, especially in a world where long-term, healthy relationships are not often modeled for us.

You’ve said that you prefer to work with both partners in couples therapy rather than focusing on one. Why is that, and what does it mean to be "relational"?

As humans, we’re wired for connection. We all want to feel seen, safe, and secure in our relationships, and when that’s disrupted, conflict arises. This doesn’t mean the relationship is broken—it’s just part of being in a partnership. But when both people are in the room, you can practice the skills needed to repair those connections in real-time.

Being relational means focusing on how both partners can communicate, understand, and support each other. When you’re working with just one person, you can give them great tips and strategies, but having both partners in the room allows for deeper, experiential learning. It’s about creating an environment where both people feel emotionally safe to work through their issues together.

For someone new to therapy, how do they know when it’s time to delegate certain issues to a professional?

I always suggest starting by listing the tasks or areas of life that drain your energy or feel overwhelming. Those are typically the first things to delegate, whether it’s in your personal or professional life. When it comes to therapy, it’s no different. If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or like you can’t handle certain emotions on your own, it’s a good time to seek help.

I also encourage people to think of therapy like a gym membership. You don’t have to wait until you’re in crisis to start. Therapy can be part of your overall wellness routine, a space where you take care of your emotional and mental health just like you would your physical health. Starting with a small, manageable commitment—like a weekly session for a couple of months—can help you see the benefits without feeling overwhelmed.

What’s a favorite part of your work? What really lights you up about what you do?

What really lights me up is witnessing the moments of growth and self-love in my clients. Whether it’s a couple reconnecting after a difficult time or an individual realizing their worth, those breakthroughs are incredibly rewarding. It’s amazing to help people get to a place where they feel more confident, secure, and connected in their relationships and within themselves.

I also love working with marginalized, non-dominant communities because I feel like I’m providing a space that may not be available to them elsewhere. Helping people feel seen, supported, and understood in all aspects of their identity is what keeps me passionate about this work.

What advice do you have for someone hesitant to start therapy?

Start small. Therapy doesn’t have to be a long-term commitment right off the bat. I suggest trying a few sessions and seeing how it feels. I think people are often surprised by how much they can gain in just a short amount of time. Also, therapy is not just for people in crisis. It’s a form of self-care and can be a consistent space to reflect, grow, and take care of yourself, even when things are going well.

Interested in working with Lynnea?


You can also find Lynnea Molina on The M List, The Mamahood’s searchable database of mom-recommended resources, or connect and collaborate with Lynnea inside The Club membership for women Founders.

Heather Anderson