Barbara Pulgar

Finding the right support can make a difference when life feels overwhelming. Whether you are navigating trauma, adjusting to a major life transition, managing family challenges, or trying to make sense of difficult experiences, you deserve a space where you feel heard, understood, and accepted without judgment. As a bilingual Spanish- and English-speaking therapist, I understand how culture, family, identity, and life experiences shape the way we see ourselves and the world around us.

I work with children, adults, and families from diverse backgrounds, offering compassionate, culturally responsive support tailored to each person's needs and goals. Originally from Quito, Ecuador, I came to the United States with my family at age six. My own bicultural experience, combined with more than two decades of clinical work, informs my commitment to helping clients feel welcome, respected, and empowered as they work toward meaningful change.

My approach is grounded in trauma-informed care, with a focus on helping individuals and families build resilience, recognize their strengths, strengthen relationships, and work toward healing at their own pace.

With more than two decades of clinical experience, I have supported adults navigating trauma and other complex life challenges, as well as children and families working through emotional and relational difficulties. I draw on evidence-based and strengths-based approaches tailored to each client's needs, experiences, and goals.

My clinical approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps clients recognize connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and develop healthier coping strategies; Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), which helps clients examine beliefs and thought patterns related to trauma; Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), which use structured techniques to help clients process distressing experiences; and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), which supports children and adolescents in processing trauma and developing coping skills. I also have specialized training in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which helps strengthen parent-child relationships and support positive behavior through guided practice and coaching.

A strengths-based approach is woven throughout my work. Rather than focusing only on challenges, we also explore your existing strengths, resources, cultural values, and past experiences of resilience. In our sessions, we will work collaboratively to identify approaches that fit your needs, build on what is already working, and develop practical strategies to support meaningful, lasting change. My priority is to create a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you feel respected and supported.

Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other, discuss what brings you to therapy, and begin identifying what you hope to achieve.

I'll invite you to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable sharing about your experiences, current concerns, and what has led you to seek support. We'll talk about your goals, explore your strengths and existing supports, and discuss how your life experiences, relationships, and cultural background may shape your needs.

I'll also explain how therapy works, answer your questions, and review important information about confidentiality and the therapeutic process. Together, we'll begin considering an approach that feels appropriate for you and your goals.

There is no expectation that you have everything figured out. You can move at your own pace, ask questions, and let me know what feels comfortable. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, respected, and supported as we begin this journey together.