Iris Barahona, LICSW

Iris Barahona is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who helps people dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, depression, and life changes. She welcomes questions about parenting, family strain, addiction concerns, self-esteem, and career stress. Iris aims to create a space where people feel heard and understood so they can begin to take small, practical steps forward.

She describes therapy as a team effort. Sessions focus on identifying goals and finding answers that feel right for each person. Iris uses clear, down-to-earth conversation to challenge unhelpful thoughts and reduce patterns that get in the way of daily life.

Her approach blends client-centered work with techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness. She also uses motivational interviewing to help people make changes when they feel stuck. These methods are used to address emotions, coping skills, and behavior in everyday situations.

Iris brings ten years of professional experience in mental health and substance use to her practice in the District of Columbia. Her LICSW credential is noted up front as part of her background. She has supported adults through stressful transitions and crisis moments while focusing on practical recovery steps.

Outside of work she spends time with family and friends, sews, and enjoys being outdoors. Those small pleasures inform her belief that modest changes can lead to greater joy and renewed energy.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online work

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and following each person's pace. The therapist offers empathy and helps people clarify what matters most to them, which can make sessions feel more personal and goal-driven.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It teaches simple tools to test unhelpful thoughts and change behaviors that cause stress or anxiety. This approach is useful for managing symptoms and building everyday coping skills.

Mindfulness work brings attention to the present moment through simple exercises. It can help reduce reactivity, ease anxiety, and improve focus during busy or stressful days.

Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work together. The therapist will collaborate with each person to choose approaches that match their goals, preferences, and what feels most useful in session. That choice can shift over time as needs change.

Confirm current session options before booking, since formats are not specified here. Online sessions can help fit therapy into a busy life by reducing travel time, allowing shorter check-ins when needed, and making it easier to schedule around work or family commitments. A therapist can also suggest ways to structure sessions so they match a person's daily routine and support steady progress.