Carmen Barcena-Barba

Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (CA #125420)

Let’s work together to create a path toward the future you want.

Are you facing a big life change that has you feeling stuck or uncertain? Whether you're starting a new career, transitioning out of college, or confronting the complexities of identity, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the need to adapt and grow. It’s common to feel like you’re in a fog, where your dreams and goals seem distant, and the weight of expectations is heavy. You know you want to make a change but aren't sure how to start or which direction to take.

Maybe you’re going through life giving more than you’re getting—pouring all your energy into your job, relationships, or family, yet feeling constantly overwhelmed, drained, and unappreciated. These feelings can make it hard to find joy or motivation, leaving you wondering if you’ll ever break free from this exhausting cycle. 

Often my clients are noticing challenges showing up in their relationships: trying to heal their own inner child while nurturing their children, repair ruptures in their family, or reconnect with their partner. Sometimes painful past experiences can intensify these feelings, making it difficult to trust, connect with, or feel safe with others.

If you’re here, it’s likely because you’re recognizing the need to heal and to take steps towards reclaiming your life and your well-being. Embracing the journey to prioritize your mental and emotional health can be daunting, but it’s a courageous step towards finding peace, resilience, and a renewed sense of self-worth. 

In our work together, we will delve into what truly matters to you and identify the steps needed to align your life with those values. Therapy with me is collaborative and constructive, fostering a supportive environment where we can explore and address the things standing in your way. I also recognize how our family and cultural values and expectations can impact both our relationships and our own identities. My culturally responsive approach means we’ll work to find ways to experience healing & wholeness that honor both your personal growth and your heritage.

You don't have to face these challenges alone. I'm here to help you uncover your inner strength and build the confidence to move forward. Together, we will cultivate a mindset that empowers you to live a life that resonates with your true self.

  • without judgment and meet you where you are. I’m direct but compassionate, helping you understand yourself and the context of your experience. I will take the time to understand your story and your goals for therapy. Based on that, we’ll work together to create a plan for our work that will help you get what you want out of life.

    Sessions with me are interactive—you’re not just going to talk while I listen. This is a partnership, one where we work to find solutions together. I believe you are capable of the things you want, you might just need some help getting started. I can give you tools to organize your thoughts, like making lists together or doing art-related activities that allow you to shift your perspective. I’ll also give you things to work on between sessions, so you can start to see the results of our work in your everyday life. Over time, you’ll realize you don’t have to be defined by your mistakes and can write your own story moving forward.

    I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling from John F. Kennedy University and a College Counselor Certification from UC San Diego. Prior to my work as a private practice therapist, I was a school counselor for 15 years. Before that, I worked closely with immigrants in deportation defense for over 2 decades. I’ve supported clients from a variety of backgrounds, am bilingual, and have firsthand experience and understanding of how cultures can coexist. I am passionate about bridging the cultural gap experienced by many when exploring whether to seek help for their mental health. 

    Beyond that, I offer a point of view and a variety of perspectives that can change your perception of yourself and your life, and allow you to grow into who you’re meant to be.

A little More about me…

Favorite trip? Crossing the Mediterranean Sea at night 

Coffee or tea & how do you prepare it? Always a warm latte

Favorite animal? Dogs—they are always happy to see you

    • Trauma

    • Chronic illness

    • Teens

    • College students

    • Young adults

    • Families

    • Adults

    • Midlife & late-life women

    • Immigrants

    • 1st generation Americans

    • Caregivers

    • Anxiety

    • Depression

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    • Solution-Focused therapy

    • Mindfulness

    • Art Therapy-Informed

    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

    • In-person in Los Gatos, CA

    • CA virtual sessions

Book a consultation with Carmen