- Years in practice
- 10
- Credentials
- LICSW
- Licensed in
- District of Columbia
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Stress, Anxiety
- Focus
- Relationship issues
- Focus
- Depression
About Iris
Iris Barahona is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, addiction concerns, and parenting challenges. She speaks directly and with warmth, aiming to make the first step toward help feel manageable. Her goal is to create a space where clients feel heard and supported as they sort out next steps.
Iris offers short-term and longer-term support focused on practical change. She and the client work together to identify goals and try small steps that build confidence.
Background and approach
Conversations often center on reducing stress, shifting unhelpful thoughts, and strengthening everyday coping skills. She uses client-centered methods to follow each person’s lead while offering structured tools from cognitive behavioral therapy to change patterns of thinking and behavior. Mindfulness practices are woven in to help calm the nervous system and increase attention to the present moment.
Motivational interviewing is used when people feel stuck and want to strengthen their own commitment to change. Iris brings ten years of professional experience and prior work supporting adults with mental health and substance use challenges. She values collaboration and practical problem solving over long explanations.
Outside of work she enjoys sewing, spending time with family and friends, and being outdoors when the weather is nice. If parenting stress or life transitions are part of the concern, she helps people sort priorities and reduce overwhelm. The focus in sessions is on real actions and clearer choices that fit each person’s life.
What Iris works with
Everything Iris lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Iris helps people with.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Depression
- Coping with life changes
- Addictions
- Family conflicts
- Parenting issues
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
Approaches Iris lists
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
How her approaches fit into online therapy
Client-centered therapy focuses on following the client’s concerns and building a collaborative plan. In online sessions this looks like starting where the client is, listening closely, and shaping goals that matter to everyday life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, offers clear steps to change thinking and behavior. Online CBT can include worksheets, skill practice, and short experiments to try between sessions to reduce anxiety or depressive patterns.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss options and try techniques that match the client’s goals, preferences, and daily routine. This collaborative process helps decide whether more structured CBT, mindfulness exercises, or motivational interviewing fits best at a given time.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video sessions allow face-to-face interaction and screen sharing for worksheets. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is low or when someone prefers no camera. Live chat or text work well for brief check-ins, ongoing encouragement, or when a shorter touchpoint fits a busy day. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, parenting, or other responsibilities.
Questions people ask about Iris
What concerns does Iris commonly help with?
Iris works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, addictions, family and parenting challenges, self esteem issues, career concerns, and coping with life changes.
What is her therapeutic style like?
She practices in a client-centered way, meaning sessions follow the client’s priorities while adding practical tools and techniques as needed.
What kinds of approaches does she use?
Her work includes cognitive behavioral therapy for changing thought and behavior patterns, mindfulness practices to support presence and calm, and motivational interviewing to strengthen personal motivation for change.
What is her background and experience?
She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with ten years of professional experience and prior roles supporting adults with mental health and substance use concerns.
Where is she based and what languages are offered?
She is located in the District of Columbia and offers sessions in English only. International clients are not currently accepted.
Which session formats are available?
Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different routines and needs.
How does pricing and payment work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working together?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling sessions according to the therapist’s availability.
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