Mission Valley, Telehealth
Liz Barajas
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Availability
Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays
License: Associate MFT
License No: 140588
Rate
$165 per 50-minute session
Areas of Interest
- Couples / Interracial Couples
- Families
- Individuals
- Multilingual & MultiCultural
- Queer Identified Couples and Individuals
- Substance Abuse/Addiction
- Decolonial & client-centered
- Communication
- Non-Monogamy/ENM
- Polyaramous
- Kink / BDSM
- Sex Positivity
- Support with coming out
- Teens
Therapist Trainings
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Externship
- Broken Bonds: Restoring the TRUST with EFT After Relational Betrayals
- Spanglish Family Therapy Certification
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Cultural Anthropology from UC Berkeley
- Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from SDSU
Liz Barajas is supervised by Dr. Ida Fariba, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #124097. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Liz, you may do so by calling/texting us at (619) 558-0001
Biography - se habla Español
Hello! I’m Liz, and I am thrilled to join the Estes Therapy team as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I earned a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from SDSU and a Spanglish Family Therapy certification, I also hold an undergraduate degree in Cultural Anthropology from UC Berkeley. My journey in therapy has been focused on supporting couples and individuals navigating the complexities of intimate relationships.
During my graduate training at the Center for Community Counseling and Engagement, I worked extensively with couples, LGBTQ+ adults, and immigrant populations. As a Bilingual Clinician at the Community Research Foundation in San Ysidro, I served the Spanish-speaking community, unhoused individuals, and those facing mid-severe mental health challenges.
My clinical expertise spans a diverse clientele, specifically multi-racial, multi-lingual couples, and those identifying as queer. I work with Emotionally Focused Therapy, Attachment Theory, Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy. Guided by a sex-positive, decolonial, and culturally humble lens, my approach reflects my commitment to creating an inclusive therapeutic space.
Get to know your Therapist, Liz Barajas
When did you decide to go into Marriage and Family Therapy?
I decided to pursue a career in Marriage and Family therapy while living abroad in Spain. I was unhappy in my relationship and had a difficult time transitioning to a new country and culture. I met with a fantastic couples therapist and it was a positively transformational experience for me. It crystalized that I wanted to support individuals and couples in similar ways.
Do you have advice for someone who is considering counseling?
Everyone has their own timeline and that people come to therapy when they’re ready. I’d also advise them to take their time finding a therapist that is a good fit for them. Therapists are not one-size-fits-all and it may take a couple of tries to find someone who is a good match for you.
What would you say to someone who is nervous about setting up their first counseling session with you?
I completely understand that initiating your first counseling session can be a bit nerve-wracking, and I want you to know that your feelings are entirely valid. It’s important to acknowledge that, just like you, I may also experience a touch of excitement and anticipation before our initial meeting! Let’s demystify the therapist-client dynamic for a second – our sessions are essentially two people having a genuine conversation, much like in a kitchen, cafe, or bar. I aim to create a comfortable space where you feel understood and supported throughout our journey together.
How do you pass your time when you are not working with clients?
When I’m not working with clients you’ll find me traveling, eating tacos, playing tennis, dancing to reggaeton, and striking up random conversations with strangers in coffee shops!
If you were not a therapist, what would you be doing?
If I weren’t a therapist, I would probably work as a travel journalist or college professor!
Supporting Teens Through Growth & Change
While Liz’s current caseload focuses on adults and couples, she has a rich background in working with teens and deeply values supporting them through life’s challenges. Her experience spans mentorship, coaching, teaching, and counseling, giving her a well-rounded understanding of adolescent development.
For 12 years, Liz worked as a teen leader and sports coach for the City of Los Angeles, mentoring young people in leadership, teamwork, and emotional resilience within diverse communities, including Spanish-speaking populations. She also spent two years teaching high school in Spain, gaining firsthand insight into the academic and social pressures teens face. Additionally, her time volunteering at the LA LGBTQ Center allowed her to provide support to queer youth exploring their identities and navigating family relationships.
Liz enjoys helping teens strengthen their self-esteem, regulate emotions, and improve family connections. She incorporates Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) and Narrative Therapy to help young people make sense of their experiences and feel more confident in who they are. Whether a teen is struggling with family dynamics, identity, or emotional regulation, Liz creates a supportive space where they can feel understood and empowered.
Inclusive Therapy Services: Where Your Authentic Self Is Welcome
I find immense joy in working with a diverse range of individuals and couples, including those in monogamous and non-monogamous relationships, the LGBTQI+ community, kink-friendly individuals, and couples navigating substance use challenges. As a bilingual therapist (Spanish/English/Spanglish), I bring experience in working with the Spanish-speaking population. My therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in a client-centered holistic perspective, cultural humility, and a commitment to incorporating decolonial approaches. Additionally, I believe in the power of humor to lighten the room when appropriate, creating a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and understood.
