Living room with light gray sofa, throw pillows, a white blanket, two brown wooden tables, potted plants, framed artwork on the wall, a beige area rug, and large curtains by a window.

Lauren Barnes Counseling

Provo • Online

A person writing with a pen on a piece of paper, with a pink book nearby and potted plants and framed pictures in the background.

Meet the Therapist

Close-up of a woman with curly red hair, smiling, wearing a dark floral top, against a blue background.

  • Locations:

    Provo, Online

    Rate:
    $160 / session

    In-Network Insurance:

    DMBA, EMI Health

    Can also provide Out of Network Superbill

Request An Appointment

Background

  • As a master’s and PhD student, I had the privilege of interning at our campus Women’s Services and Resource Center. There, I was able to co-facilitate a mentored eating disorder support group for college-aged women in recovery from eating disorders. I was amazed at their resilience and loved supporting them in their recovery.
    As a PhD student, I was able to co-create a program aimed at assisting individuals improve their body image and find their unique beauty.
    After completing my doctoral coursework, I worked full-time at Center for Change treating girls and women struggling with eating disorders within a residential treatment setting for a few years.
    I maintain a small private practice where I enjoys working with those struggling with body image, eating disorders, and life challenges within their families.
    I grew up in a multicultural multigenerational home with my native Cuban grandparents, mom, dad, and siblings in the Pacific Northwest. During my free time, I love baking (especially cakes and cookies) walking or hiking, playing piano, and I really love socializing with good friends and family. I am married to Aaron and have a son and daughter.
    One of my current passions is speaking at women’s body image retreats because it combines my love of connecting with people, learning, and engaging in fun activities.

Values

  • Systems theory, when applied to individuals, couples, and families views families and marriages as complex, interconnected systems rather than collections of individuals.

    This approach emphasizes understanding the patterns of interactions and relationships within the family unit, recognizing that each member's behavior affects and is affected by the others.

    Therapists using systems theory focus on identifying dysfunctional dynamics and promoting healthier communication and functioning by altering these patterns. This perspective encourages the examination of roles, boundaries, and communication styles to foster a more supportive and balanced family environment.

  • Clinical practice involves integrating the latest scientific research and evidence-based findings into therapeutic interventions and decision-making processes. This approach ensures that therapists use strategies and techniques that have been proven effective through empirical studies, leading to more reliable outcomes for clients.

    By staying updated with current research, therapists can tailor their approaches to meet the specific needs of families and couples, enhancing the efficacy of their treatment plans. This practice emphasizes the importance of ongoing learning and adaptation, allowing therapists to provide the most effective care based on the best available evidence.

  • Treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach where therapists work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to individuals, families, and couples. Communication and cooperation qre emphasized among therapists, physicians, social workers, and other specialists to address the complex needs of clients. By sharing insights and expertise, these professionals can create a more holistic treatment plan that considers the physical, emotional, and social aspects of the clients' lives. Collaborative care enhances the therapeutic process by ensuring that all aspects of a client's well-being are considered, leading to more effective and coordinated interventions.

Professional Affiliations

  • IAEDP logo with stylized blue waves and the letters 'iaedp'

    International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals

    IAEDP provides education and high-level training standards to an international multidisciplinary group of various healthcare treatment providers and helping professions, who treat the full spectrum of eating disorder problems

  • NEDA logo with the words 'Feeding hope' and 'National Eating Disorders Association'

    National Eating Disorders Association

    NEDA works to advance research, build community, and raise awareness to support the nearly 30 million Americans who will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime

  • A line graph showing the percentage of companies adopting remote work over time, with an upward trend.

    Utah Association for Marriage & Family Therapy

    UAMFT is the professional organization for mental health clinicians in Utah that provides resources, continuing education, and advocacy for marriage and family therapists.

  • The logo of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), featuring stylized colorful waves and the acronym AAMVA.

    American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy

    AAMFT leads the way to increasing understanding, research and education in the field of marriage and family therapy, and ensuring that the public's needs are met by trained practitioners. AAMFT provides individuals with the tools and resources they need to succeed as marriage and family therapists.