About me

Hello, and welcome to my site. My goal in working with every client is to create a space where they feel seen, heard, understood and safe to be their authentic self. I have over 25 years of experience assisting people of all ages and all walks of life in finding a sense of contentment and hope for the future even after experiencing trauma, painful childhoods or unhealthy adult relationships.

 

I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, OCD and trauma along with the low self worth that many times accompanies these challenges. I also can help you look at the ways in which your internal challenges impact your present relationships.

 

By offering nurturing support along with concrete tools, my hope is to offer a compassionate perspective to encourage healing, self forgiveness and safer attachments to those you love. I strive to help clients develop more effective strategies to manage stress, increase self-esteem, develop more peaceful relationships and live more in the present.

California Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Education

Masters in Social Work 1989 and Bachelors in Developmental Psychology 1987

Psychology Today Verification

Verification means license is in good standing

Licensed by the State of California

Clinical Social Worker, Lic #17104. Licensed since 1994

My approach

As a therapist, I believe in creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I understand that seeking therapy can be a big step, and I am committed to making you feel heard, valued, and understood every step of the way.

I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities, tailoring my approach to fit your unique needs and goals. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma or OCD or just need a safe space to gain deeper self-awareness, my goal is to provide you with the tools and insight to navigate life’s challenges. I frequently send my client’s materials, video’s  or other resources they can use to continue their therapeutic work on the days we do not see each other.

My focus

I specialize in working with adolescents/teens, adults, older adults, and couples struggling with  anxiety, trust issues, codependency, depression, grief,  obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), relationship issues, self-esteem, life transition difficulties, trauma and PTSD.

My communication style

In our work together, you can expect me to be a compassionate, non-judgmental listener who also will give you her honest opinions and thoughts when asked to. I will provide a safe space for you to process your experiences, develop insight, and build practical coping skills. My communication style is warm, direct, and collaborative.

My journey to mental healthcare

My journey to mental healthcare was motivated by a deep desire to support people in overcoming life’s challenges, healing from painful experiences, and creating more fulfilling lives and relationships. I knew I wanted to be a therapist and social worker by the time I was 14 years old when my mother was diagnosed with a terminal illness. My father offered to find me a therapist. She was an LCSW and I knew right away that I had found my calling.

My goals for you

My goal is to empower you with the self-understanding and tools to break free from unhealthy patterns, enhance your resilience, and cultivate more joy and meaning in your life. I aim to help you develop a stronger sense of self and build healthier, more satisfying connections with others.

My first session with you

In our first session, we will discuss what is bringing you to therapy and collaborate to define your unique treatment goals. I will gather some background information to better understand your current struggles in the context of your life history. From there, we will begin the therapeutic process of helping you heal, grow, and thrive.
Let's talk

My Services

  • Anxiety
  • PTSD/Trauma
  • OCD
  • Depression
  • Life Transitions
  • Couples Therapy
  • Grief
  • Codependency
  • I provide in-person visits as well as tele-health in California

Treatment Approaches

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • EMDR Eye Movement Desensitization and Reproccessing
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
  • Mindfulness Based
  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
  • Emotionally Focused (For Couples)
  • Gottman Method (For Couples)
  • DBT(Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)
  • Trauma Focused
  • Strength Based

Testimonials

The impact Margaret has had on my life

Nothing I can say can truly emphasize the impact Margaret has had on my life. I went to her battered and broken from a 13 year relationship. Her techniques and compassion not only addressed the right now, but also the PTSD and anxiety attacks. Through EMDR (which is magical), I was able to address my past and deep rooted events/emotions. I now have healthy coping mechanisms and boundaries that I teach my four beautiful children.

AC

Margaret is an amazing therapist

Margaret is an amazing therapist. She showed me an extreme amount of patience when all I wanted to do was talk about my ex fiance. She let me rant, cry my eyes out for months on end with no judgement. She made me feel safe. Safe enough to share things I’ve never ever talked about with anyone. Her patience, listening and guidance eventually got me to focus on myself.

Some exercises she gave me helped and some didn’t and if they didn’t work she never took it personally and she found other approaches that I could relate to. My time with her has taught me so much about myself. I now am able to question my feelings and have a better understanding where those thoughts and feelings come from. This has been a true game changer for me. She has made a difference in my life.

MH

Life changing EMDR therapy

I have been attending zoom therapy appointments with Margaret Barry for over two years now, the longest I have stayed consistent with therapy. Margaret is kind, patient, supportive and honest. She’s very relatable and has always asked me where and what I feel comfortable working on. She’s also helped me to do the work on processing traumas that I would have never otherwise faced. We recently started working on EMDR therapy and while it’s not easy work, it’s been life changing for me. Digging into past traumatic experiences has allowed true healing to begin. The journey is slow, painful and hard work but very worth it. My growth is possible because of Margaret, because of her willingness to connect with me. Over the years I have seen many therapists both in person and over zoom but it was just me checking a box that “I was in therapy.” I was only able to share surface level issues and continued to hide the real me and the deep pain I was facing everyday. I thank Margaret so much for seeing me and working hard with me on my healing. She’s the type of therapist that I hope everyone has the ability to find so they can feel seen and heard.

ARS

More than a therapist

Margaret is the type of therapist that makes you feel like she’s more than just a therapist. She doesn’t just listen to you but also helps you understand what is being said. She focuses on what you think is going on. I have been going to therapy on and off for almost 20 years, and it was always so hard to stay committed to it, knowing I needed it. She has made me feel like she is someone I can be honest with because she has the best interest at heart to help me. 🙂

Verified Patient

Incredibly kind, understanding, and patient

Margaret has been incredibly kind, understanding, and patient throughout my journey of managing anxiety. From the very beginning, she asked all the right questions and helped me make sense of what I was going through, even when I couldn’t fully understand it myself. Her comforting presence and professional demeanor created a safe space for me to open up.
What truly sets Margaret apart is her ability to present practical coping strategies that not only address anxiety in the moment but also promote a lasting peace of mind. Thanks to her guidance, I’ve gained tools that are useful even when I’m not feeling anxious. Her support has made a profound difference in my life, and I’m so grateful to have had her help.

LB