About Dr. Barek Sharif, Psy.D, LMFT
I’m Dr. Barek Sharif, and it’s a pleasure to meet you. I work with driven professionals and couples in South Orange County who are navigating the unique pressures that come with a demanding life.
Many of the individuals I see are used to "doing it all," yet they often find themselves struggling with a quiet sense of burnout, anxiety, or disconnection beneath the surface. I provide a grounded space to explore the weight of these responsibilities, helping you move past perfectionism and emotional exhaustion toward a more balanced and authentic way of living.
In my work with couples, I help partners who have slowly drifted apart amidst the busyness of their careers and daily lives. Disconnection rarely happens overnight; it often builds through unspoken expectations and the demands of a high-pressure lifestyle. Together, we work to uncover these patterns, rebuild trust, and re-establish a secure, compassionate bond. Whether you are navigating conflict, distance, or a loss of intimacy, our goal is to help you rediscover empathy and create a relationship that feels supportive and alive.
This journey doesn’t have to be faced alone, and I would be honored to walk alongside you. I offer sessions both in person in Mission Viejo and via telehealth to accommodate busy schedules. You’re welcome to reach out for a brief consultation to see if we’re a good fit.
Dr. Barek’s Focus
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The primary reason couples engage in therapy is due to poor communication. While this may not be your motivation, it’s normal to have relationship challenges. Our work addresses how to navigate misunderstanding, miscommunication, and improve emotional and physical intimacy.
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Being a man in today’s culture can be challenging and confusing. Therapy with men is oftentimes spent on re-discovering a sense of self. This experience varies from person to person and generally combines the masculine aspects of who we are and finding comfortability in our emotional identity.
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As an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, I provide individual,/triadic and group supervision. Our supervision is founded on the Developmental Narrative Model, which takes a collaborative and supportive approach to improving clinical skills and insight.