About Me
Hi! I’m Chalon.
Since I was a freshman in high school, being a therapist is the only career I have ever wanted. I took a class that year called Peer Counseling. My mother insisted I take this one instead of the stained glass class I really wanted to take and, though at the time I was very disappointed, I am so glad that she persisted. This class changed the trajectory of my life. I discovered how much I really loved helping people, listening to their stories and helping them sort things out, helping them improve their lives and find their joy. My first day of summer vacation that year I spent at the library. Over that summer, I read almost the entire psychology section at my local library, mostly college textbooks I later realized. I read them cover to cover, though I did not always understand everything, I read them anyway.
This was only the beginning. I went on to take classes, workshops and read countless books and articles between then and when I returned to college. My plan had been to go to college right after high school, but, as so often happens, life had a different agenda. I did eventually get there, but a lot of life happened along the way. This delay has proven to be a very good thing. A good therapist has lived a life and has been through things. This gives perspective and experience to draw on in my work.
I focus on working with clients specifically dealing with rebuilding their lives after divorce because I walked through that fire myself. When my marriage ended in 2011, I was shattered, but I found a handful of people who had the skills and experience to guide me through the fear and pain and turmoil to establish myself on my own two feet in my new life. That was an amazing experience for me, and I find a tremendous amount of fulfillment in passing that experience on to others. Divorce is devastating, but after a fire, new life emerges, and that new life can be glorious.
I was able to follow my dream, beginning my education at community college, and then transferring to California State University, Los Angeles, where I graduated cum laude with a Bachelors of Social Work degree and then on to University of Southern California where I was accepted into the Accelerated Masters of Social Work program, completing the two year program in one year (and what a year that was!) Then on to licensure, becoming the LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) that I had always wanted to be.
I now am doing the work that I love, being of service to others, listening to their stories, helping them through the difficult times and walking with them on the road to a happier, healthier and more meaningful life.
I would be honored to walk this path with you!
Chalon Barnett, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LCSW #87431
MSW, University of Southern California, Advanced Standing Program
BSW, California State University, Los Angeles, Cum Laude