Justin Barrasso, MS, LPC, NCC
Justin has more than 15 years’ experience working with children, adolescents, and families. His experience spans the fields of teaching and counseling in both residential and special education settings as well as private practice psychotherapy. Justin also has experience coaching sports such as football, basketball, baseball, and volleyball.
Justin believes that the most important factor in therapy is the relationship built through the counseling process, which is supported by research. With this tenet in mind, Justin focuses on 3 tasks initially in therapy—1) to create a positive, accepting climate of unconditional positive regard, 2) to understand his clients’ experience in the world and, 3) to be a real person (one with thoughts and feelings).
Justin operates primarily from a person-centered perspective respecting and enabling the autonomy of the individual. He further draws from principles of Acceptance and Commitment therapy, behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, metacognitive therapy, reality therapy, dynamic supportive therapy, solution-oriented therapy, motivational interviewing and mindfulness-based strategies. He customizes treatment flexibly for each of his clients.
Justin targets real life and present-day relationships to help clients make change. He involves family members, teachers, and other relevant participants in the change process. In this regard, Justin considers important systems and cultural factors.
Justin earned his MS in School Counseling as well as a Post-Master’s Certification in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. Justin is a board-certified counselor through the National Board for Certified Counselors and is licensed in Washington D.C. as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Justin is also licensed in Maryland as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.
