Vasilina Orlova (She/Her), Graduate Intern

Hello! I’m Vasilina (Lina) Orlova (she/her), a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am pursuing my M.A. at Midwestern State University. I have a background in philosophy and anthropology. My degrees are from Lomonosov Moscow State University (2013) and the University of Texas at Austin (2021). I enjoy the privilege of the expert supervision of Ashley Hubbard, M.S., NCC, LPC, LMHC at Vibrant Journey Counseling, and Dr. Tara Fox, Ph.D., LPC-S., my university supervisor. 

Some of the areas of human troubles that I am particularly drawn to include stress, constraints, burn-out, heartbreak, boredom, existential crisis, and the sense of meaninglessness of life. Warmth and empathy are the key components of what I offer as a counselor. I consider myself an ally for the LGBTQIA+ community, and I am aspiring to be actively anti-racist. I hold deep appreciation for human differences and wealth of experiences, identities, and perspectives.

Establishing rapport and, over time, creating a therapeutic alliance with the person who comes to the sessions is a foundation of successful therapeutic relationship. I aim to offer unconditional positive regard to a person, appreciating individual’s experiences, traumas, and dilemmas. I use cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) that posits that our behavior is connected to our cognitions, and both are related to how we feel. Cognition can be changed, which could pave the way for changes in behavior and emotions. I highlight the strengths of the person, enabling them to find solutions that are working for them in their life situation and directed into the future. I believe that the counselor is in the business of creating a safe and warm space for reflecting and processing experiences. Such a space allows the person to explore their inner world, motivations, automatic thoughts and behaviors, and take control over those aspects of their lives that they can control.

In my free time, I like to read. I like novels, books on decluttering, on home interiors. I enjoy philosophy and poetry. I love hiking in nature and walking around the city. I like spending time with my family and friends. I traveled quite a bit, and now I cherish staying at home. Russian is my native language, and I can provide counseling in English and in Russian.

My fee is $30 per session.