Erica Barraza

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) with several years of experience working in community mental health, trauma-informed care, and substance use treatment. I am currently a doctoral candidate in psychology, further deepening my clinical and research expertise.

I have worked with diverse populations, including individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and relationship challenges. My background also includes leadership roles in clinical settings, which has strengthened my ability to support clients with complex needs.

I specialize in working with individuals navigating emotional distress, trauma, and relational difficulties, including infidelity and attachment-related concerns. I provide services in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility and comfort for my clients.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, supportive, and goal-oriented. I primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns, process past experiences, and develop healthier coping strategies.

I believe that therapy should be a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered. I tailor each session to the individual’s needs, integrating practical tools, emotional processing, and insight-building.

I also incorporate a strengths-based and trauma-informed perspective, helping clients build resilience while addressing the root causes of their struggles. My goal is to not only reduce symptoms but to help clients create meaningful, lasting change in their lives.

During the first session, clients can expect a welcoming and supportive environment where we begin building a strong therapeutic connection. I will take time to understand your concerns, background, and what brought you to therapy.

We will explore your current challenges, discuss your goals, and identify what you would like to gain from the therapeutic process. I will also explain how therapy works, answer any questions you may have, and begin outlining a plan tailored to your needs.

Most importantly, the first session is about helping you feel comfortable and understood. There is no pressure—just a space for you to share at your own pace while we begin working toward meaningful progress.