New to Grow
Hi, my name is Sylvia Barra, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Florida. I earned my Master’s degree from Florida International University after spending many years working in the mental health field. I have experience supporting individuals who are navigating addiction, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, life adjustments, school-related stress, self-esteem challenges, and the daily pressures that can feel overwhelming at times. I believe therapy should be a safe and supportive space where you feel heard, validated, and understood. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, compassionate, and client-centered. I incorporate evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to help clients build coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and create lasting change. I also take a strengths-based approach, focusing on what is already within you and helping you reconnect with your inner resilience. My goal with every client is to help you tap into your inner potential, gain clarity and confidence, and take meaningful steps toward becoming the best version of yourself. Together, we will work toward creating measurable progress and a life that feels more balanced, fulfilling, and aligned.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we begin to build the rapport process and I will ask questions to better understand what barriers are taking place in your life to prevent you from getting where you would like to go. I practice active listening and questioning to ensure a clear understanding in order to better serve your therapeutic goals. I provide a safe space where there is no judgment and comfort to allow for a safe feeling in order to openly express your emotions and needs. Once an understanding of needs for services as been identified together I will be able to create a treatment plan to customize continued sessions.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
At the heart of my work is the belief that every client deserves to feel truly heard, supported, and validated. I strive to create a safe and welcoming space where clients can explore their experiences without judgment and feel empowered in their healing process. Together, we work to develop individualized goals that honor each client’s unique strengths, needs, and personal journey, while also creating meaningful and measurable progress over time.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I love working with clients who are ready to invest in themselves, even if they’re not sure where to start. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained after carrying so much for so long. Even in those moments, there is often a part of them that still holds hope and a desire for something better. I enjoy supporting clients who are open to growth and willing to explore what has been holding them back. My clients respond well to a collaborative approach where they feel supported, encouraged, and empowered while also gaining insight and practical tools for change. Together, we work toward creating inner peace, building confidence, and developing healthier ways to cope so they can feel more balanced and fulfilled in their everyday life. If you’re ready to take that first step toward healing and personal growth, I would be honored to support you.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is a proven evidence based practice to assist with addressing and decreasing symptoms of substance use, anxiety and depression symptoms. Much success has been shown throughout sessions with client engagement and commitment to practice. I assist with breaking down distorted and intrusive thoughts and redirect the thought patterns in healthy truthful processes. Once interruption of distorted thoughts improve, mood shifts take place assisting with decreasing undesirable emotional symptoms.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness practice assist with bringing awareness into the present moment which is a struggles in modern day society. The idea is to bring back the mind body connection to create open communication within ourselves. This allows us to slow down and turn inwards to honor what our body and our mind is trying to communicate. Creating the bridge of communication to mind and body allows mindfulness and grounding to decrease strong emotional responses to external factors.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT allows to decrease/interrupt the ability to run and deny internal struggles (emotions) and respect their presence and accept their existence. This assist with removing the "stuck" feeling and gain awareness to move forward. Once acceptance is understood creating a plan of commitment for change that is suitable at the present moment.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT is an evidence based practice for individuals who experience strong emotions and common with personality disorders and substance use. The goal is to understand emotions and learning how to self regulate to come to a calmer state. Work included in DBT is mindfulness, interpersonal relationships, managing stress, emotional regulation, boundaries and decrease in self defeating behaviors.