Raeesha Barnes

(she/her)

LMFT, 5 years of experience
Open-minded
Holistic
VirtualAvailable

Hi, I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I work with teens and young adults who feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or stuck in patterns that keep repeating—especially within family and relationship dynamics. I help clients understand what’s driving their reactions and build practical ways to manage emotions, communicate more effectively, and feel more in control in their daily lives and relationships.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first session, we’ll keep things comfortable and straightforward. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, what’s been going on, and what you’d like to get out of the process. I’ll ask questions to understand your experiences and any patterns that may be contributing to how you’re feeling. You’ll also have space to ask questions and get a sense of how I work. By the end, we’ll begin outlining a clear plan so you know what to expect moving forward.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

One of my greatest strengths is creating a space where clients feel comfortable being real without fear of judgment. I balance empathy with a direct, practical approach—so clients not only feel heard, but also understand what’s driving their reactions and how to change them. I’m especially skilled at identifying patterns within family and relationship dynamics, including communication breakdowns, emotional reactivity, and ongoing conflict. I help clients connect the dots between what they’re experiencing and why it keeps happening, then work with them to build realistic tools they can actually use outside of session. Clients often describe our work as both supportive and productive—they feel understood, challenged in a helpful way, and more confident handling situations that used to feel overwhelming.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I work best with teens and young adults who may feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or stuck in patterns that aren’t working for them. Many of my clients are navigating ongoing stress related to family dynamics, relationships, or major life transitions, and are looking for a space where they can be honest without feeling judged. I’m a strong fit for clients who are dealing with anxiety, irritability, emotional ups and downs, or difficulty expressing themselves. This often includes teens experiencing conflict at home, young adults feeling pressure or uncertainty about their future, or individuals who tend to shut down, overthink, or react quickly in stressful situations. I work best with clients who are open to being challenged in a supportive way and are willing to explore patterns, build new skills, and try different approaches—even if they’re not sure where to start. You don’t have to have everything figured out, but a willingness to engage in the process makes a big difference.

Specialties

Top specialties

Anxiety

Self Esteem

I identify as

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

I use Solution-Focused Therapy to help clients move toward practical, achievable change by focusing on strengths and what is already working. Rather than staying stuck in problems, we identify goals, build on existing skills, and create small, realistic steps forward. This approach helps clients feel more empowered and capable of making meaningful changes in their daily lives.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that impact their emotions and behaviors. We focus on understanding how thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected, and work on developing more balanced thinking and healthier coping strategies. This approach is especially effective for managing anxiety, irritability, and negative self-talk.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

I use DBT-informed skills to help clients better manage intense emotions, reduce reactivity, and handle stressful situations more effectively. We focus on building practical tools for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and communication so clients can respond more thoughtfully instead of reacting in the moment. This approach is especially helpful for clients who feel overwhelmed, easily triggered, or stuck in repeated patterns of conflict.

Strength-Based

I take a trauma-informed approach by being mindful of how past experiences may be influencing current reactions and behaviors. I prioritize creating a space that feels safe, respectful, and at your pace, while helping you build tools to manage emotions and feel more in control.

Trauma Informed Care

I provide trauma-informed care by creating a safe, supportive environment that recognizes how past experiences can impact current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I move at a pace that feels comfortable and focus on building trust, emotional safety, and stability while helping clients develop effective coping strategies. This approach emphasizes empowerment, choice, and avoiding re-traumatization.

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