“Kaya ko”

is a Tagalog expression for

“I can. I am able. I am capable.”

It is an expression of empowerment, trust, and hope.

This is the heart of my therapeutic philosophy. Therapy is a safe space to cultivate the courage to cope with and create changes in life. You don’t always feel “ready,” but sometimes that feeling of discomfort is an invitation to step outside of your comfort zone, be brave, and grow.

California-based Virtual Mental Healthcare

Welcome!
I’m Lauren Barretto

ABOUT THE THERAPIST

BIPOC therapist

LMFT

California-based

Accepting New Clients

Grief & Loss
Life Transitions
Stress-Management, Burn-Out, and Compassion Fatigue
Overwhelm from the current sociopolitical climate
Self-Esteem, Identity, and Cultural Exploration- especially of the AAPI population and adult children of immigrants
Trauma: childhood/adolescent, historical, intergenerational
Boundary development through healthy communication of needs
Perinatal Care (family planning, pregnancy, loss, postpartum)

I am a Bay Area born-and-raised Filipina-American, eldest daughter of immigrants and Licensed Marriage Family Therapist.

I provide virtual telehealth therapy sessions for California residents 16-years-old+ of all identities- especially those who identify as BIPOC and AANHPI.

Areas of focus that I enjoy supporting clients through include:

I look forward to connecting with you.

Book a Complimentary connection call

Therapy that makes a difference.

Helping Millennials, Gen-Z, and teens navigate their way through life.

Offering Individual Therapy

Adults & Teens

53 - min / 90 - min / 120 - min sessions

many of my clients are…

students (junior/senior high schoolers, college, higher education)
working professionals (healthcare providers, educators, community workers, creatives)
parents (expectant, new)
adult children of immigrants
first-time therapy goers
BIPOC/AANHPI/Fil-Ams
young adults in transition

Learn more

Therapy with me is

Collaborative & Human-First

You are the expert of your own life. 
I have expertise in clinical skills. We work together.

I don’t simply nod my head, listen,
and only ask you the dreaded,
“How does that make you feel?”

Relationship-building is important to me and we can make space for jokes & chit-chat like a “normal” conversation.

Culturally-responsive

I see you in context of your personal, familial, and cultural background. 
Your traits and behaviors are adaptations- not illnesses, defects, or even "craziness" as some say.
I have compassion and respect for all the ways you show up.
You are a person, not pathology.

Trauma-informed

Understanding the impacts of trauma holistically, meaning, recognizing how it impacts our minds, bodies, relationships, and being in the world, 
means that therapy goes at a pace that you agree to, with tools and resources you are comfortable with,
and in ways that prioritize your sense of safety.

Anti-oppressive


I acknowledge the harm this field has, and continues to, perpetuate onto marginalized communities. I am aware of various systems of oppression that uphold racist, sexist, ableist, and classist ideologies that create inequities and threaten safety. I recognize how such affects you, am mindful of not perpetuating this harm in the work, and do my best to address these issues in systemic contexts.

“Therapy is an act of love. It is bravery. It is revolution. It isn't easy and I’m honored to accompany you along your journey.”

It’s okay to be nervous, apprehensive, or even scared to take this step.
Being scared and doing the thing that you’re scared of is bravery.
I’m ready to be here for you, and with you, when you are.