Check Out Hassan Hercules-Barnett’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hassan Hercules-Barnett.

Hi Hassan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
With respect to my family, I’ve decided to only share the impact of our story on me. I grew up in Los Angeles, in poverty and hardship, exposed to violence, pain, and discrimination, but always had family and community. I initially turned to therapy, because I was hoping to support other children in navigating the pain and hardship that I did – more efficiently. When I realized how little control children had over the world, and surrendered the illusion of control I thought I had over my own, I turned to family systems therapy to join families in establishing the change they hoped to see.

I believe change happens when people are witnessed 3 times: in conflict, in recovery, and in proximity to an ideal version of themself. I believe we move forward after all of the “best and worst parts” of us are seen, and reminded they are capable of being validated, safe, healed, and loved.

We can’t hate ourselves into becoming better people or families, so we might as well disarm ourselves so that we can face the problem as a family, instead of convincing ourselves that our loved ones and families are the problem, or in the way of change.

That can take time, so I make time with therapy.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I use to get in the way of my own progress, trying to force others to change with me, not realizing that systems change and collapse like a domino effect.

I’d stall my own growth by denying myself the opportunity to feel what others had denied me an opportunity to, and then became flooded by the weight of the pain and feelings that I’d suppressed, and the emotional work that I needed to do to heal.

I had to accept that closure, apologies, forgiveness, and insight may never come when I expect it to – if at all, but it’s still my responsibility to heal and grow past the hurt that I’ve encountered in order to experience joy. Spoiler alert: It’s worth it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Quick overview: I’ve always been passionate about discussing love, culture, and relationship dynamics. Some of my favorite experiences, both para-professionally and professionally, include me working for the Attraction and Relationships Research Lab on the UC Davis Campus – exploring how relationship focused therapy can influence peer support and recovery, working as the Office Manager for a Private Practice named Clarity Counseling – connecting therapist with members of our communities (remotely), working as a Data Analyst for a Full Service Partnership named Telecare – facilitating Superhero Therapy Groups, when I wasn’t busy with data entry and analysis, and working as a Marriage and Family Therapy – Trainee (intern) providing low cost-in person and telehealth services to individuals, couples, and families.

Now, the most important thing for you to know about me is that I care about supporting my community(s), and I’ll care about supporting you. I’ll meet you where you’re at, and support you in meeting your goals, as long as you’re committed to meeting them.

I work with groups, couples, families, and individuals ages 13-80.
I’m passionate about:
* being a resource to individuals, regardless of race, class, or creed.
* being a resource to underserved and disenfranchised communities – including BIPOc communities.
* Supporting interracial couples, and multi-ethnic families.

I have an integrative approach, and love to incorporate the following therapy models/modalities in practice: 

* Internal Family Systems 
* Emotion Focused Therapy
* Narrative Therapy
* Motivational Interviewing

I believe change happens when people are witnessed 3 times: in conflict, in recovery, and in proximity to an ideal version of themself. I believe we move forward after all of the “best and worst parts” of us are seen, and reminded they are capable of being validated, safe, healed, and loved. I support those are ready to navigate change with:

* family conflict
* phase of life changes 
* grief
* depression
* anxiety
* conflict with boundaries
* couples and intimacy related issues.
* Cross-cultural relationship issues

If any of this resonates with you, reach out for a consultation: (213) 973-8278. I’m looking forward to connecting with you!

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m constantly looking for resources – for myself and clients, as I work on sustaining the best version of myself, but my wife, my therapist, and my late dog are the biggest contributors to my quality of life. Especially, my wife. I love my wife.

Pricing:

• Private Pay: $125-$160
• Insurance: Aetna, Optum, UMR, United
• Superbills Available (You Pay Now & Insurance Reimburses You)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://therapyforpeaceofmind.clientsecure.me/request/clinician
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassan-barnett-434785160
• Other: https://damian-fowler.clientsecure.me/request/clinician