Barbara Thomas, LMSW-C - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Barbara Thomas

Barbara Thomas

(She/Her)

LMSW-C
32 years of experience
Virtual

Over the years, I've worked across diverse community settings, including Home Based Services, hospitals, residential, and virtual environments. My experience spans working with children, teens, adults, and older adults (geriatric population) facing challenges such as homelessness, alcohol and drug addiction, COVID-19, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, depression, and more. I understand that you may be going through a difficult time. Life brings many challenges that can cause one to feel anxiety, stress, worry, and doubt. Does this sound like you? I want you to know that I am able to empower you with the tools of success.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In your first session with me, you can expect a welcoming and supportive environment where we’ll take the time to get to know each other. We’ll begin by discussing your current challenges and goals, exploring the concerns that brought you to therapy, whether it's anxiety, trauma, addiction, or any other life stressors. I’ll work with you to understand your unique experiences and together we’ll determine the best therapeutic approach for your needs, whether it’s CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, EMDR, or another method that aligns with your journey. My goal is to meet you where you are, empower you with coping skills, and start creating a plan for healing and growth—ensuring that you leave the session with a sense of clarity and a path forward.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

One of my greatest strengths as a provider is my ability to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds and adapt my approach to meet their unique needs. With experience in various settings—such as home-based services, hospitals, and virtual environments—I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges clients face, whether it's trauma, addiction, or mental health struggles. I pride myself on being client-centered, meeting individuals where they are in their journey, and empowering them with the tools they need for growth. Additionally, my expertise in multiple therapeutic approaches, such as CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, and Motivational Interviewing, allows me to offer tailored interventions that promote healing, clarity, and resilience.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I am best positioned to serve individuals from diverse backgrounds who are facing a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and relationship struggles. With experience across various community settings—such as home-based services, hospitals, and virtual environments—I work with children, teens, adults, and older adults, helping each client navigate their unique difficulties. Whether you're dealing with the impact of trauma, life transitions, or mental health concerns, I offer tailored therapeutic approaches like CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, and Motivational Interviewing to help you regain balance, find clarity, and build resilience. Your experiences matter, and I am committed to empowering you with the tools to create lasting change and achieve your personal goals.

About Barbara Thomas

Identifies as

Licensed in

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

In my behavioral health practice, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns that influence their emotions and behaviors. Through structured sessions, we work together to develop healthier thinking habits, which can lead to improved emotional well-being and more effective coping strategies. CBT is a goal-oriented approach, focusing on practical skills and techniques to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Clients gain the tools they need to create lasting positive changes in their lives.

Couples Counseling

In Couples Counseling, I help partners improve communication, deepen understanding, and address conflicts in a constructive way. We work together to identify underlying issues that may be affecting the relationship, such as unmet needs or negative patterns of interaction. Using tailored techniques and interventions, the goal is to strengthen the emotional connection and foster healthier ways of resolving disagreements. Couples learn practical skills to enhance their relationship and create a more supportive, loving partnership.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

In my behavioral health practice, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is used to help clients develop skills for managing intense emotions and improving interpersonal relationships. DBT combines mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness to help individuals cope with life's challenges in a healthier way. Through both individual therapy and skills training, clients learn to accept themselves while also making positive changes in their behaviors. The goal is to build a life worth living by balancing acceptance and change in a supportive environment.

EMDR

In my behavioral health practice, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is used to help clients process and heal from past traumatic experiences or distressing memories. Through guided bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, clients are able to reprocess trauma in a way that reduces its emotional charge and helps them integrate these memories more adaptively. EMDR helps clients shift negative beliefs and emotions associated with trauma, promoting healing and a sense of empowerment. The goal is to alleviate the emotional pain tied to traumatic memories, allowing clients to move forward with greater resilience and peace.

Interpersonal

In my behavioral health practice, Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and social functioning to help clients manage mental health concerns like depression and anxiety. We explore how life events, communication patterns, and relationship dynamics may contribute to emotional struggles. By working together, clients gain skills to enhance communication, resolve conflicts, and build stronger connections with others. The goal is to foster healthier relationships, improve emotional well-being, and help clients navigate life’s challenges more effectively.