Laura Barba
AMFT 159341 | Supervised by Mailyn Avila, LCSW 121052
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
Therapy Style:
Warm
Compassionate
Non-judgemental
Collaborative
Culturally sensitive and affirmed
Bilingual in Spanish
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
Education & Credentials
Master's in Counseling Psychology
Bachelor’s in Psychology
Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist 159341
Availability:
Accepting virtual clients
Accpeting in person clients in Torrance
Fee:
$130 for individuals | $180 for couples & Families
Sliding scales may be available
Insurance:
Unitedhealthcare | Aetna | Optum | Blue Shield
Superbill for All PPO
Get Started with Laura
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