Welcome to Thrival Therapy!

At Thrival we believe in the transformative power of therapy. Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive space where you can embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth.

  • We understand that seeking therapy can be both courageous and vulnerable. That’s why we take a personalized approach, tailoring our services to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re navigating life transitions, managing anxiety, or seeking couples counseling, we’re here to guide you toward positive change.

  • Evidence-Based Practices: Our therapeutic techniques are grounded in research and proven effectiveness.

    Client-Centered Focus: You are at the heart of everything we do. Your goals, values, and preferences guide our sessions.

    Confidentiality: Your privacy is paramount. Rest assured that your sessions are strictly confidential.

  • Ready to take the next step? Reach out to us for a free 15-minute consultation. Let’s explore how we can support you on your journey toward well-being.

The Thrival Therapy Team

  • Dr. Barek Sharif, Psy.D, LMFT

    FOUNDER & THERAPIST

    Dr. Barek specializes in therapy for men, focusing on intimacy, communication, identity, and reducing unhealthy behaviors. He offers in-person and online sessions in Mission Viejo, California.

    Read Bio

  • Jacquelyn Gurrieri, M.A., AMFT

    ASSOCIATE THERAPIST

    Jacquelyn specializes in topics of gender affirmation, body neutrality, and life transitions. Jacquelyn offers in-person and online sessions in Mission Viejo, California.

    Read Bio

  • Brenton Love, M.A., AMFT

    ASSOCIATE THERAPIST

    Brenton specializes in therapy with men related to masculinity, purpose and meaning, and ADHD. Brenton offers clients in-person and online sessions in Mission Viejo, California.

    Read Bio

“When we are no longer able to change a situation - we are challenged to change ourselves.”

- Viktor Frankl

““Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”

- Carl Jung

Services

In-Person Therapy

  • If you are new to therapy, in-person therapy (aka. “traditional therapy”) involves meeting with a skilled mental health practitioner in one of our private offices. This experience is about you and creating a space where you can feel safe and listened to.

  • Sometimes we need a change of scenery, which is why in-person therapy is often the preferred medium for individuals. Face-to-face sessions allow for a deeper personal connection between the therapist and client. Nonverbal cues, eye contact, and physical presence contribute to this connection.

  • Therapists can provide immediate feedback during in-person sessions, helping clients learn and grow. In-person sessions can also minimize external distractions, provide a dedicated confidential space for discussing sensitive topics, and allows clients to focus solely on therapy.

Telehealth Therapy

  • Telehealth involves therapy sessions conducted via phone, videoconferencing, or designated telehealth platforms.

  • Some individuals face barriers to accessing traditional in-person therapy due to factors like physical disabilities, geographic location, or busy schedules.

    Teletherapy bridges this gap by allowing people to receive therapy remotely, making it more accessible and convenient.

  • Telehealth may not be suitable for some mental health challenges.

    If you are interested in telehealth as an option you can discuss this during your free 15-minute consultation.

FAQs

  • 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 us for a free 15 minute consultation.

  • Individual and couples sessions typically last between 45-50 minutes. If more time is needed this can be accommodated and discussed in advance with your therapist.

  • Therapy is all at your pace. Typically, sessions will be weekly for the first 30 days and shift to every other week thereafter.

  • Thrival Therapy is an insurance friendly practice. We've partnered with Mentaya, a service that streamlines getting reimbursed for your therapy sessions through out-of-network benefits.

    Mentaya is perfect if you have out-of-network benefits, feel overwhelmed by superbills and insurance, have submitted superbills but failed to get any reimbursement, or simply want to skip the hassle of paperwork!

    For more information or to sign up for Mentaya, please visit: www.mentaya.com

  • Costs of therapy ranges between $125 to $200 per session. We offer a sliding scale fee under special circumstances.

  • 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.