Amanda "Mandy" Barnes, MA, LMFT

Amanda "Mandy" Barnes, MA, LMFT

Telehealth Available
Professions: Marriage & Family Therapist, Mental Health Counselor, Psychotherapist
License Status: I'm a licensed professional.
Primary Credential: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist - 139812
Billing and Insurance:

I don't currently accept insurance, but I can provide documentation if clients wish to submit to an insurance company for "out of network" benefit coverage

Free Initial Consultation

Offices

Riverside, California 92506
Walnut Creek, California 94596

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My Approach to Helping

My clients report they got into therapy because they wanted relief from suffering. They wanted to stop their minds from racing all the time. They say the had trouble sleeping, concentrating, functioning or just being present in life. They say they felt guilty for not being able to stop overthinking. They say they felt like they were just existing but not really living, let alone thriving. If this sounds familiar to you, I can help! A lot of these symptoms are anxiety or depression based and can be linked to trauma. My treatment could be a good fit for you because I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression and trauma.

You don’t have to suffer in silence anymore. There are ways to get relief & healing that can profoundly change your life. Please know that, with some work, thriving in life is a very real possibility.

About me: I am a collaborative strength-based therapist, meaning we will work as a team to elicit your strengths so you can use them to your advantage.

I use attachment-based compassion focused interpersonal therapy. I also specialize in a somatic (mind and body) trauma treatment model where you will have an opportunity to reparent your wounded inner child and subsequently heal your relationship with yourself.

My style is caring, empathetic and supportive. My clients describe me as down-to-Earth , knowledgeable, engaging, with a good sense of humor they find therapeutic. I’d love to see if my services are a good match for you, so contact me so we can book a free consultation to discuss the possibility of working together.

More Info About My Practice

I offer online telehealth sessions where you can log in from the comfort of your home or office to receive the treatment you are looking for. The personal connection between myself and my clients, often referred to as the therapeutic alliance, is fundamental to the healing process in psychotherapy. This bond creates a safe and trusting environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Such an atmosphere fosters openness, allowing clients to explore vulnerable areas of their lives, which is essential for meaningful growth and healing.

A strong therapeutic alliance enhances the effectiveness of various therapeutic techniques. When clients feel understood and validated, they are more likely to engage fully in the therapeutic process. This connection encourages honesty and deep reflection, enabling clients to confront difficult emotions and experiences. I use empathy and support to help clients feel less isolated, reinforcing the notion that they are not alone in their struggles.

The therapeutic alliance can serve as a corrective emotional experience. Many clients come to therapy with histories of trauma or unmet emotional needs. Through the compassionate and responsive relationship, clients can begin to heal those wounds, fostering a sense of safety and security.

Ultimately, the personal connection between a myself and my clients is a cornerstone of effective therapy. It not only facilitates trust and communication but also empowers clients to confront their challenges and work towards positive change, paving the way for lasting healing and personal growth.

How Psychotherapy Can Help

Psychotherapy is an effective treatment for improving mental health by providing a supportive environment where individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. One of the key benefits of therapy is the development of self-awareness. Clients gain insights into their emotions and underlying issues, such as past traumas or negative thought patterns, enabling them to make informed choices.

Additionally, psychotherapy offers a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals to express their feelings. This connection with a trained professional can reduce feelings of isolation and stigma, promoting a sense of validation and support. I teach practical coping strategies, such as mindfulness and stress management techniques, which help clients manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

Therapy is also adaptable, with various approaches tailored to individual needs. This personalization ensures that treatment addresses specific concerns and goals.

Furthermore, psychotherapy fosters personal growth, helping individuals clarify their values, enhance decision-making skills, and build resilience. For those with chronic mental health conditions, therapy can complement medication by addressing psychological aspects and promoting long-term coping strategies.
Psychotherapy is a valuable resource for improving mental health, offering tools and insights that empower individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Ages I Work With

  • Adults
  • Elders

Languages

  • English

Industries & Communities Served

  • BIPOC
  • Entertainment Industry
  • First Responder/Medical Professionals
  • LGBTQ+
  • Professional Sports
  • Self-Employed and Freelance Professionals

Client Concerns I Treat

  • Abandonment
  • Abortion / Post Abortion Issues
  • Abuse / Abuse Survivor Issues
  • Addictions and Compulsions
  • Adjusting to Change / Life Transitions
  • Aggression and Violence
  • Agoraphobia
  • Anxiety
  • Attachment Issues
  • Body Image
  • Borderline
  • Breakup
  • Career Issues
  • Caregiver Issues / Stress
  • Chronic Illness / Disability
  • Chronic Pain
  • Codependency / Dependency
  • Communication Problems
  • Compulsive Spending / Shopping
  • Control Issues
  • Depression
  • Divorce / Divorce Adjustment
  • Dual Diagnosis
  • Emotional Abuse
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Emotional Overwhelm
  • Emptiness
  • Family of Origin Issues
  • Fear
  • Forgiveness
  • Gender Dysphoria
  • Grief, Loss, and Bereavement
  • Helplessness / Victimhood
  • Hoarding
  • Identity Issues
  • Inadequacy
  • Incest
  • Irritability
  • Isolation
  • Jealousy
  • LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) Issues
  • Life Purpose / Meaning / Inner-Guidance
  • Midlife Crisis / Midlife Transition
  • Mood Swings / Mood Disturbance
  • Multicultural Concerns
  • Narcissism
  • Obsessions and Compulsions (OCD)
  • Panic
  • Parenting
  • Perfectionism
  • Phobias
  • Polyamory / Nonmonogamous Relationships
  • Post Partum Depression
  • Posttraumatic Stress / Trauma
  • Prejudice / Discrimination
  • Racism
  • Rejection
  • Relationships and Marriage
  • Self-Actualization
  • Self-Care
  • Self-Compassion
  • Self-Confidence
  • Self-Criticism
  • Self-Doubt
  • Self-Esteem
  • Self-Love
  • Sensitivity to Criticism
  • Sexual Assault / Abuse
  • Shame
  • Social Anxiety / Phobia
  • Stress
  • Trichotillomania
  • Trust Issues
  • Values Clarification
  • Women's Issues
  • Worry
  • Worthlessness
  • Young Adult Issues
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Types of Therapy

  • Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT)
  • Bibliotherapy
  • Body-Mind Psychotherapy
  • Breathwork
  • Coaching
  • Collaborative Therapy
  • Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
  • Culturally Sensitive Therapy
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Discernment Counseling
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy
  • Family Attachment Narrative Therapy
  • Family Systems Therapy
  • Gestalt Therapy
  • Guided Therapeutic Imagery
  • Humanistic Psychology (humanism)
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Journal Therapy
  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Object Relations
  • Parent Work
  • Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian Therapy)
  • Positive Psychotherapy
  • Psychoanalysis / Modern Psychoanalysis
  • Psychodynamic
  • Schema Therapy
  • Self-Acceptance Training
  • Somatic Psychotherapy
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