Laura Barba

AMFT 159341 | Supervised by Mailyn Avila, LCSW 121052

Verified licensed therapist by Psychology Today

Sometimes you may know that something isn’t working, but not know how to change it. You might feel overwhelmed by anxiety, big emotions, past experiences, relationship patterns, or the pressure to meet expectations at home, school, or work. Children and teens may struggle to communicate what they are feeling, while adults may find themselves carrying the effects of trauma, navigating ADHD or neurodiversity, or trying to understand how family, culture, and identity have shaped who they are.

I believe therapy should be a space where you can feel safe being honest about what you are experiencing without fear of judgment. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive. I work with children, teens, adults, and families navigating trauma and complex trauma, ADHD, Autism and neurodiversity, anxiety, emotional regulation, relationship concerns, life transitions, self-esteem, identity, and cultural or family dynamics.

Using an integrative approach that may include EMDR, CBT, DBT, ACT, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, I tailor therapy to your individual needs, experiences, and goals. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, process difficult experiences, recognize your strengths, and develop tools that support meaningful change. As a bilingual therapist providing therapy in English and Spanish, I also strive to create a culturally responsive space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to move forward in a way that feels authentic to you.

My Specialties

Individual Therapy

EMDR Therapy

Children & Teens Therapy

Family Therapy

ASD / ADHD / AuDHD

Couple Therapy

Terapia en español

Complex Trauma

My Path as a Therapist

My path as a therapist has been shaped by years of working with children, adults, and families from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Before becoming a therapist, I worked closely with individuals and families navigating mental health concerns, housing instability, domestic violence, and other significant life stressors. These experiences taught me that emotional well-being is often connected to many parts of our lives—including our relationships, family, culture, environment, and access to support.

An important part of my journey has also been my work with children on the Autism spectrum. As an ABA Behavioral Therapist, I worked one-on-one with children in their homes and schools, helping them develop skills to navigate everyday life while collaborating closely with parents and other providers. This experience strengthened my interest in supporting neurodivergent children and their families and taught me the importance of understanding each child’s individual strengths, needs, and ways of communicating.

My graduate training in Counseling Psychology further expanded my understanding of individuals, couples, and families. My training has included couples and family counseling, multicultural counseling, crisis and trauma, mental health assessment, substance abuse, and Motivational Interviewing. I approach therapy with compassion and curiosity, taking time to understand each client’s experiences rather than focusing only on symptoms or behaviors.

I believe therapy is a collaborative process that helps you better understand yourself, recognize your strengths, and develop healthier ways of navigating challenges. Whether I am supporting a child struggling with emotions or behaviors, an adult going through a difficult transition, or a family trying to better understand and connect with one another, my goal is to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and supported.

As a bilingual therapist fluent in English and Spanish, I also value the role that culture, family, and lived experiences can have in shaping how we understand ourselves and relate to others. I strive to provide culturally responsive care that respects each client’s background, values, experiences, and individual story.

Top Issues I Work With:

  • Trauma (PTSD)

  • Anxiety and chronic stress

  • Depression and mood disorders

  • Neurodiversity (ASD, ADHD, AuDHD)

  • Family conflict/ divorce / family transitions

  • Parent-child relationship

  • Career Counseling

  • Emotional Regulation

  • Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault

  • Grief and loss

  • Identity & Cultural Issues

  • Couples Issues

  • Children & Teens Concerns

  • LGBTQ+ support

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Therapy Style:

  • Warm

  • Compassionate

  • Non-judgemental

  • Collaborative

  • Culturally sensitive and affirmed

  • Bilingual in Spanish

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Trainings & Approaches

  • EMDR

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

  • Trauma-informd Therapy

  • Motivational Interview (MI)

  • Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) 

  • Psychodynamic Therapy

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Play Therapy

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Education & Credentials

  • Master's in Counseling Psychology

  • Bachelor’s in Psychology

  • Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist 159341

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Availability:

Accepting virtual clients

Accpeting in person clients in Torrance

virtual therapy that offers a flexible appointment time in California

Fee:

$130 for individuals | $180 for couples & Families

Sliding scales may be available

virtual therapy that offers an affordable fee in California

Insurance:

Unitedhealthcare | Aetna | Optum | Blue Shield

Superbill for All PPO

virtual therapy that is covered by insurance in California

Get Started with Laura

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