- Team-based care
- Practical tools
- Mindfulness focus
About Iris
Iris Barahona is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, relationships, depression, and parenting concerns. She speaks English and brings a calm, encouraging presence to sessions. Many people come to her feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start, and she aims to make the first step feel possible.
She offers a supportive space where the client and she work as a team. Sessions focus on identifying goals, noticing patterns that get in the way, and trying practical steps to reduce stress and improve day-to-day functioning. Iris uses straightforward conversations to uncover solutions clients may already carry inside them.
Her approach blends client-centered conversation with practical tools from cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Mindfulness practices are offered to help with grounding and stress regulation. The methods are chosen to match each person's needs and goals rather than following a one-size-fits-all plan.
Iris has ten years of clinical experience focused on mental health and substance use concerns in the District of Columbia. She has worked with adults in crisis and people dealing with substance use related issues, bringing that background into her work with stress and life transitions.
Outside of practice she values time with family and friends and enjoys sewing and being outdoors. She encourages people not to wait until things feel unbearable to reach out, and aims to help clients find clearer direction and greater well-being.
How her approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and following the client's lead. In practice this means the therapist focuses on what matters most to the client and adjusts pace and topics to fit their priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people spot unhelpful thoughts and try small behavioral experiments to change how they feel and act. It is useful for anxiety, depression, and stress management. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to lower reactivity and improve focus, which can help with emotional regulation and coping with cravings.Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist works collaboratively to choose and adapt methods based on each person's goals, current challenges, and preferences. Clients can expect a mix of conversation, practical exercises, and short in-session skills practice as they figure out what helps most.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so please confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into busy days by reducing commute time and allowing check-ins from different locations. It can also support shorter focused sessions, homework between meetings, and consistent scheduling that fits family and work routines.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
District of Columbia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Iris help with?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, relationship strain, depression, parenting challenges, addictions, self-esteem, career worries, and coping with life changes.
What is her therapy style like?
Sessions are collaborative and client-centered, mixing practical problem-solving with supportive conversation to help people reach their goals.
What experience does she bring?
She has ten years of clinical experience working in mental health and substance use settings and has supported adults in crisis and people with substance use related issues.
What credential does she hold and where is she located?
She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) licensed in the District of Columbia.
Which languages are offered in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions based on therapist availability.