Jared Barrera
See if this provider is a fit
- Licensed in California
- Accepts Aetna, Aetna - ASR Health Benefits, Aetna - Allied Benefits, + 50 more
- Helps with Anxiety, Depression, + 11 more
About
My name is Jared and I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of California. I have 6 years of professional experience as an individual therapist, family therapist and clinical case manager. My expertise is helping reduce maladaptive behaviors, anxiety, stress, depression, family conflict, coaching parents, increasing motivation, building a healthy self-esteem, and being self-efficient. My hope is to build a safe space for you to gain insight, build self-awareness, and provide compassion to feel liberated. Therapy helps individuals recognize the roots of their suffering, let go of unhealthy attachments, and develop mindfulness. Therapy can provide a structured path to an idealized future by helping individuals heal, grow, and act with greater clarity, compassion, and responsibility.
I have a school counseling credential and experience working with middle school through 12th grade students, in public schools and young adults who transition into adulthood (TAY).
First session
In our first meeting, I will listen with curiosity and compassion, seeking to understand the suffering and challenges that brings you here, the paths you have already walked, and the intention you hold for this journey. Together, we will build a therapeutic alliance, setting the ground for trust and positive rapport. In the sessions that follow, we will work on establishing treatment goals and action steps. As insight deepens, I remain open and flexible, adapting the way as conditions change, always returning to the heart of your unfolding liberation.
Strengths
With an open heart and curious mind, I meet each being as they are, honoring the truth of their experiences. I offer structure as a raft upon the waters of change, and accountability as a mirror for one’s own intentions. I utilize evidence-based therapeutic practices, and adapt these creatively to suit each individual’s nature, goals, and unfolding path. Hablo Español tambien, Native Spanish speaker.
Ideal clients
I specialize in working with children, teens, young adults, parents/caregivers and families navigating anxiety, depression, grief, lack of motivation, conflict, identity, romantic challenges, self-esteem/confidence issues, assimilation/acculturation, 1st generation challenges, and life transitions. As one committed to the path of liberation, I walk beside you with empathy, compassion and curiosity. Together, we will create intentional treatment goals. We will also set action steps to support you with reaching your goals. Action steps will be worked on within our sessions, and outside of sessions. Examples include: learning and practicing healthy coping strategies, reflective journaling, participating in prosocial activities, engaging in your passions, increasing quality time with others, etc. Therapy is a collaborative process. I will support you with engaging in your action steps, processing your thoughts and feelings, exploring your successes and also the barriers that get in the way of partaking in action steps, and providing psycho-education along the way. The therapeutic journey becomes not only one of achievement, but of deeper understanding, balance, and freedom from suffering.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT focuses on identifying and changing maladaptive thoughts (e.g., "I'm a failure"). These distorted thoughts are often linked to the persona—the mask or role we play in society. Negative automatic thoughts may arise when the persona becomes rigid or over-identified with societal expectations, leading to a disconnect from the authentic self. CBT helps a person recognize that their self-worth isn't solely tied to external validation or roles, allowing for a healthier persona that aligns more with the Self.
Existential
Existential therapy helps people explore deep questions about life, like purpose, freedom, death, and meaning. Think of it as a way to help face the "big questions" rather than just fix symptoms. It’s not about giving answers but guiding people to find their own truth. Existential therapy helps clients to accept uncertainty, take responsibility for choices, and live more authentically. It’s influenced by philosophers like Sartre and Kierkegaard. It's an opportunity to blend psychology with philosophy, focusing on what it means to be human in a complex, often uncertain world.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a counseling approach that helps people explore and resolve ambivalence about change. Think of it as a collaborative conversation style that strengthens a person’s motivation and commitment. Instead of telling you what to do, the therapist will guide them to find their own reasons for change. It’s client-centered, empathetic, and respectful of autonomy. Key techniques include open-ended questions, reflective listening, affirmations, and summarizing. MI is especially useful in areas like addiction, maladaptive behaviors, and lifestyle change, where people often feel stuck. It’s about helping clients move from “I might” to “I will.”
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Hispanic / Latinx
Man
Top specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Grief
Other specialties
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Licensed in
California