Meet the Team
At A Journey to Healing Counseling, PLLC, we believe in healing through connection, empowerment, and evidence-based care.

Tahara DeBarrows, LMFT
Founder & Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
📍 Licensed in Connecticut & Florida
Tahara DeBarrows is the founder of A Journey to Healing Counseling, a virtual therapy practice focused on helping individuals, couples, and families thrive.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, she specializes in theory, assertiveness training, and maternal mental health, using evidence-based practices like CBT and EFT. "My goal is to create a therapeutic space where you feel seen, supported, and empowered to evolve. Healing isn’t just possible—it’s yours to claim."
Therapy services with Tahara are available at a private pay rate of $250 per session.
This premium service reflects her extensive experience and specialized training. Clients working with Tahara receive high-level support informed by clinical expertise, cultural humility, and a strong therapeutic alliance tailored to create real, lasting change.

Melissa Pagan, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | Clinical Leader | Educator
📍 Licensed in Connecticut
Melissa Pagan is a seasoned Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience in clinical care, education, and behavioral health leadership. She holds a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fairfield University and a Bachelor’s in Sociology from Southern Connecticut State University. She is certified in Attachment-Based Family Therapy and CPR.
Melissa’s therapeutic work spans outpatient, residential, and community-based settings, where she supports individuals, couples, and families facing complex emotional and relational challenges. Her approach integrates cognitive-behavioral, narrative, and solution-focused techniques—tailored to support each client’s unique healing journey.
She has a strong passion for helping couples strengthen emotional bonds, improve communication, and heal from infidelity or disconnection. Melissa also brings expertise in adolescent mental health, trauma-informed care, and the development of culturally sensitive youth programming. Beyond therapy, she’s an experienced college instructor who bridges academic knowledge with practical, inclusive learning.
💬 “I believe in the power of compassionate connection, and I’m honored to support clients through life’s most challenging—and transformative—moments.”