Dr. Lara Barbir

License No.	State
PSY 31109	California

Research consistently shows that one of the most important factors that predict positive outcomes in therapy is a strong therapeutic relationship. As such, I take an authentic approach, which is best described as compassionate, flexible, and playful. Once I've gotten to know you, your situation and history better, I will be transparent with you about my impressions and recommendations for what we can do together. I take a holistic approach to health, which means I may also recommend other resources that may be of further assistance, depending on your treatment goals. We will then collaboratively decide on a treatment plan, and revisit and revise the plan throughout treatment as needed. This will likely include starting one of the multiple evidence-based treatments I am trained to provide.

I'm so grateful you're taking steps towards treating yourself in kinder ways by seeking therapy, and hope you find the best fit for you. I have been passionately providing psychotherapy to a diverse range of adults since 2013, with specialty training in issues related to trauma/PTSD, depression, women's mental health, sleep, chronic pain/disability, grief, and tobacco addiction. These problems often become especially unmanageable following recent relational and life stressors, which accordingly may be the focus of our initial sessions. My theoretical orientation is integrative, with conceptual influences from cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, and third-wave approaches.

I have received extensive training in evidence-based practices for PTSD, depression, anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and grief, mostly accrued throughout my work experience within multiple Veterans Affairs Health Care Systems. I have received certificates in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), brief Prolonged Exposure (PE-PC), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP). Additionally, I am trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which I especially enjoy implementing in my clinical work. I have some experience in providing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and most especially enjoy integrating DBT emotion regulation skills training into therapy. Finally, I have both participated and trained in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and in general I am a strong proponent of the use of mindfulness to transform and accelerate personal growth and development.

Degrees/Certifications

• Radford University - Doctor of Psychology