"When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” - Viktor Frankl
About Dr. Barek Sharif, Psy.D, LMFT
Helping High-Achievers Navigate the Intersection of Ambition and Intimacy
Most high-achievers are masters at managing their careers, but few were ever taught the emotional mechanics of maintaining a thriving relationship or a sustainable inner life.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Mission Viejo, California, I specialize in working with driven professionals, entrepreneurs, and couples who feel the weight of their own success. Whether you are battling occupational burnout, navigating a relationship disconnect, or seeking clinical supervision founded on the Developmental Narrative Model, my goal is to provide a grounded, evidence-based space for your transformation.
My Philosophy: Therapy isn't just about "fixing what’s broken"—it’s about optimizing your emotional intelligence to match your professional drive.
Services
Individual Therapy
$225 (50 minute session)
Navigating Life with Clarity and Purpose
You’ve spent years building a life that looks great on paper, but internally, you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unfulfilled. Individual therapy at Thrival is a collaborative space designed for high-achievers and driven individuals to slow down, process, and pivot. We combine evidence-based practices with a deep understanding of the unique pressures of modern life in Orange County.
Areas of Focus:
Anxiety & Stress Management: Tools to quiet the "inner critic."
Professional Burnout: Recovering your drive without sacrificing your health.
ADHD & Focus: Strategies for executive functioning and personal clarity.
Start your journey toward a more grounded version of yourself.
Couple’s Therapy
$275 (50 minute session)
$400 (90 minute intensive)
Rediscover Connection
Most couples don't wait too long to seek help—they just wait until they’re exhausted by the same recurring arguments. Whether you are navigating a recent crisis or feeling a slow "drift" into emotional distance, our approach focuses on more than just communication skills. We help you identify the deeper cycles of disconnection and rebuild a foundation of intimacy, trust, and shared meaning.
What we address:
Breaking the "Pursue-Withdraw" conflict cycle.
Healing from infidelity or breaches of trust.
Navigating the transition into parenthood or high-stress career changes.
Revitalizing physical and emotional intimacy.
Ready to move from "co-existing" back to "connected"?
Dr. Barek’s Focus
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Relational health is the foundation of a fulfilling life. Couple’s therapy aids in moving beyond surface-level conflict to address deeper patterns of disconnection, rebuilding a secure and compassionate bond rooted in trust, empathy, and clear communication.
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Individual therapy is a transformative space designed to address the root causes of burnout, stress, and internal negativity. By fostering self-compassion and resilience, we work to navigate life’s complexities to rediscover a sense of authentic balance and purpose.
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Quality clinical supervision is the foundation of growth, offering a secure space to cultivate mastery and refine your therapeutic voice. It fosters ethical excellence and resilience, ensuring you have the support needed to provide high-impact care.
Dr. Barek’s Education
Doctor of Psychology (Alliant University)
Master of Science (Vanguard University)
Bachelor of Arts (Vanguard University)
Approved Supervisor (AAMFT)
FAQs
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There are pros and cons to therapy. If you are seeking support to address your personal or relational challenges, and determine if therapy is a good fit for you, please feel free to contact me for a free 15 minute consultation.
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Individual and couples sessions typically last 50 minutes. If more time is needed 90-minute sessions can be scheduled for couples. I can also accommodate additional time, which can be discussed in advance.
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Dr. Barek provides monthly superbills that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Many PPO and POS plans offer out-of-network benefits that reimburse a significant portion of the session cost once your deductible is met.
The Benefit: Choosing an out-of-network provider allows you the freedom to work with a specialist specifically suited to your needs, rather than being limited to a pre-set list. It also ensures greater privacy and allows Dr. Barek to tailor the frequency and duration of your care without insurance-mandated restrictions.
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Individual Therapy: Standard rate is $225 per 50-minute session.
Couples Therapy: Standard rate is $275 per 50-minute session, or $400 per 90-minute session.
Clinical Supervision: Standard rate is $150 per 1 unit of supervision.
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Cash, check, major credit cards (Amex, Mastercard, Discover, and Visa), and HSA/FSA are accepted forms of payment.
”Good Faith” Estimate
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.
Under California law, health care providers are required to give patients who don’t have insurance (or who are not using insurance) an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.
You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 985-3059.
Resources
What is Depression?
Depression is a clinical term that is used to describe intense negative thoughts and/or feelings.
For more information about depressive disorders visit the National Institute of Mental Health
What is Anxiety?
Characterized by intense worry or fear that negatively impacts functioning in various areas of life.
For more info about anxiety disorders visit the National Institute of Mental Health
What is ADHD?
Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is both an attention difficulty and over/under-stimulation difficulty.
For more information about ADHD visit the National Institute of Mental Health
What is Bipolar?
Bipolar disorders can be experienced as unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.
For more information about bipolar disorders visit the National Institute of Mental Health
What is PTSD?
PTSD can be the result of unresolved (and emotionally intense) experiences. This oftentimes results in intrusive thoughts and unavoidable/unwanted emotional experiences.
For more information about PTSD visit the National Institute of Mental Health
What is BPD?
Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness that severely impacts a person’s ability to manage their emotions.
For more information about borderline personality disorder visit the National Institute of Mental Health
Location
26010 Acero
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Hours (Appointment Only)
Monday–Thursday
4pm–9pm
Phone
(949) 354-3736