Hello. It is so nice to meet you! My name is Barbara and I am so glad you are taking this first step. Do you feel overwhelmed and pulled in a million directions? Do you have difficulty saying "no"? Do you feel like your mind is cluttered with so many thoughts, feelings, and concerns? Life's challenges can be quite overwhelming and may leave you or a family member feeling lost and alone not knowing where to turn. Pause for a moment and know I hear you and I can help!!! By working together, you will learn coping skills and strategies to meet your specific needs. My background includes working with children, adolescents, and adults who are struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, life stressors, grief, self-esteem issues, confidence, symptoms of OCD, anger management, and social anxiety and awkwardness. I draw from evidenced-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, principles of Motivational Interviewing, Meditation, and Mindfulness while also utilizing art and game therapy when working with children. I also use techniques from Parent/Child Interaction Therapy and Intensive Family Coaching when working with parents. I earned my Masters's Degree in Counseling Psychology with a certification in Secondary School Counseling and later became certified in Elementary School Counseling from Immaculata University. I am also a Licensed Behavior Specialist and Nationally Certified Counselor. I look forward to working with you!
In our first session, which is typically called an "intake", my first goal is for you to feel comfortable. During this time, I will have the opportunity to get to know you and the issues you may be dealing with. You will also have the opportunity to ask me any questions you may have. We will work collaboratively to begin to develop a treatment plan that has achievable goals based on what your needs and expectations for therapy are.
I genuinely care about helping you understand that everyone has the ability to heal and that means "you". My goal is for you to regain that feeling of happiness, self-control, inner peace, and HOPE. I am a reliable, empathetic, compassionate, and genuine therapist who is easy to talk to and actively and empathetically listens to what is on your mind and what you are struggling with.
I have used different forms of CBT for many years. I will educate clients on understanding how thoughts, feelings, and actions are interconnected. I will also teach client strategies and coping skills to recognize and challenge their thoughts as well as their thought patterns that are creating problems.
I also use Acceptance and Commitment therapy to help clients view their full experiences and how to face it instead of avoiding thinking about it (sweeping it under the rug) because it's too painful. I will teach client to accept their feelings on a specific situation and still move towards what is truly important to them. Clients learn to take a close look at those thinking patterns and understand how their body is feeling it and how they are interacting with it. Client will learn to pause for a moment and just notice things through mindfulness to bring them into the present moment. I use the GLAD technique to teach client how to think about what they are Grateful for, what I learned, what I accomplished, and what I am delighted about.
I use compassion focused therapy to help clients learn how to learn compassion and self-compassion when they are feeling shame, guilt, or engage in self-criticism.
In working with childlren and families, i pull from PCIT to help young children who are presenting with disruptive behaviors learn how to manage their frustrations in an appropriate manner. I also work with parents to learn how they can enhance their relationship with their child by learning effective emotional communication skills and positive interaction with their child. PCIT has two phases: Child directed interaction and Parent child interaction.
I have used grief therapy for those that have experienced a loss in their life and are struggling with intense feelings of loss that may be having an impact on their daily living. I bring CBT into Grief therapy .