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Dr. Jillian Barna

Dr. Jillian Barna

LMFT

California

Practical support for change and recovery

Continue with Jillian

At a glance

Credentials
LMFT
License
LMFT, California / 149545
Experience
19 years
Languages
English
Location
California

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

    • Addiction and recovery
    • Anxiety and stress
    • LGBTQ+ concerns

    About Jillian

    Dr. Jillian Barna is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 19 years of clinical experience based in California. She has spent much of her career helping people through addiction, stress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, and LGBTQ+ issues. Jillian aims to make the first step feel manageable and supportive rather than overwhelming.

    She approaches work by meeting people where they are and respecting their knowledge of their own lives. Sessions focus on building practical skills and small, steady changes rather than quick fixes. Jillian emphasizes compassion and collaboration as clients consider new directions.

    Her experience includes helping people address codependency, attachment concerns, communication problems, and family of origin issues. She also supports people dealing with mood disorders, panic attacks, personality concerns, pregnancy and childbirth challenges, postpartum depression, and issues around sexuality and women’s health.

    Jillian draws on several approaches to tailor sessions to each person. She uses Motivational Interviewing to explore readiness for change, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, and Client-Centered methods that prioritize the client’s goals and pace. Narrative Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy tools are used when they fit the work.

    Her style is straightforward and supportive. She helps people set realistic goals, practice new ways of coping, and notice progress over time. For those looking to start, she guides the first steps so people can move forward with clarity and confidence.

  2. How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

    Motivational Interviewing is a conversational style that helps people weigh options and explore their readiness to change; it suits work on addiction, ambivalence, and starting new habits. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following the client's lead so goals emerge from the person's values and priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical skills to reduce anxiety, depression, and unhelpful behavior.

    Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work together with the client to test methods, adjust what isn't helping, and combine tools that fit the person's goals and daily life. The plan can change as progress unfolds and new needs appear.

    Confirm the current session options before booking since formats were not specified in the original biography. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow brief check-ins when needed. It also opens access to licensed professionals in California for people who find in-person attendance difficult. Practical details and schedule options are discussed during the matching and scheduling steps so sessions can be arranged to fit everyday routines.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression

    Additional focus areas

    Attachment issuesCodependencyCommunication problemsDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPostpartum depressionPregnancy and childbirthSelf-harmSexualityWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

    Therapeutic approaches

    Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Motivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

    Experience

    19+ years

    Listed in

    California

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What concerns does Jillian commonly address?

    She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, relationship issues, and LGBTQ+ concerns, along with related matters like attachment, codependency, and workplace problems.

    What is her therapeutic style like?

    Her approach is collaborative and practical. She focuses on small steps, clear goals, and techniques that fit each person's pace and needs.

    How long has she been practicing?

    Jillian has 19 years of experience working with individuals on a range of mental health and addiction issues.

    What credential does she hold and where does she practice?

    She is a LMFT, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, practicing in California.

    Can sessions be conducted in other languages?

    Sessions are offered in English.

    Does she work with international clients?

    She does not accept international clients at this time.

    How does pricing and payment work?

    Fees vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

    How do I begin working with her?

    Choose the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

  6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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Dr. Jillian Barna Continue with Jillian