Ja’Wonna Barnes

Ja’Wonna Barnes

BIPOC Identifying

LPC-A

Gender Identity: female

Short Biography

I’m Ja’Wonna Barnes, MA, LPC-Associate, under the supervision of Judy White-Jackson, MA, LPC-S, and founder of Lean Into Healing Counseling & Wellness, PLLC. I provide compassionate, trauma-informed counseling for teens, adults, and families who are navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, emotional overwhelm, and relationship challenges. With over 8 years of experience in community mental health, school counseling, and behavioral wellness, I create a supportive space where clients can feel safe, empowered, and equipped to heal. My work is rooted in helping people strengthen their emotional resilience, reconnect with themselves, and move forward with confidence.

Therapy Philosophy

I believe healing happens when people feel safe enough to lean into the parts of their story they may have been avoiding. My approach is warm, collaborative, culturally responsive, and client-centered, blending evidence-based strategies with genuine human connection. I believe each client already holds inner strengths and wisdom, and therapy helps uncover those strengths while building practical tools for lasting growth, emotional regulation, and healthier relationships.

Special Training & Certifications

• Trauma-informed therapy • Anxiety and depression treatment • Teens, young adults, and family support • Emotional regulation and coping skills • School-related stress and behavioral concerns • Life transitions and identity development • Play therapy–informed interventions • CBT and strength-based approaches • Somatic and mindfulness-based techniques • Crisis intervention and grief support

Clinical Focus / Specialties

Generalized anxiety Trauma Anxiety Panic attacks Persistent sadness or low motivation Seasonal depression Post-traumatic stress (PTSD) Childhood abuse or neglect Sexual trauma Family conflict Low self-esteem Self-criticism People-pleasing Assertiveness difficulties Stress & Life Adjustment Work-related stress Academic stress Relocation or adjustment difficulties Grief & Loss Pregnancy or infant loss Behavioral & Emotional Regulation Impulsivity Difficulty regulating emotions Loss of meaning or direction “Not feeling like myself”

Therapist Methodology

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Solution-Focused Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Attachment-Based Therapy Jungian / Depth Therapy Person-Centered Therapy Gestalt Therapy Existential Therapy Trauma-Informed Therapy Mindfulness-Based Therapy Narrative Therapy Strengths-Based Therapy Art Therapy Play Therapy Integrative Therapy Holistic Therapy Humanistic Motivational Interviewing

Core Values

Social Justice & Equity Values
Feminist-informed Racial equity-focused Culturally responsive Anti-oppressive practice Community care-oriented
Relational & Healing Philosophy Values
Trauma-informed Strengths-based Client-centered Collaborative Compassion-focused Nonjudgmental Authentic and transparent Boundaried compassion Humor and humanity Centering safety and trust Empowerment through connection Dignity and respect Acceptance and commitment Co-created healing relationship
Identity, Community & Belonging Values
BIPOC-affirming Faith-affirming / spiritually inclusive
Mind & Body Spirit & Holistic Healing Values
Mindfulness-oriented Holistic / integrative healing Creative expression in therapy Movement or art-informed Connection between personal and systemic healing Self-compassion and stillness
Practice Ethics & Professional Integrity Values
Accountability and integrity Client autonomy Cultural humility over competence Informed consent emphasis Transparency in process Professional collaboration Centering client dignity Ongoing education commitment Non-hierarchical relationship Accessibility as ethical practice Therapist as co-learner

Book a Session

No direct booking link available. Please contact using details below. Visit Website ➔

Practice Information

  • Experience: 8 years
  • Availability: Online & In Person
  • Languages: English
  • Session Cost: $100 – $175
  • Accepts Insurance: No
  • Populations Served: 18+,Teens,Parents,Young Adults,BIPOC clients,LGBTQIA+ clients,Couples,Families

Credentials

  • License:
    License verification pending or self-certified

Office & Contact Info