Life is STRESSFUL !! Are you feeling overwhelmed, alone, and unable to meet all the demands of life? Everyone feels this way at times. But you are not alone and help, care and compassion are only a phone call away. I enjoy assisting people who are dealing with one or more of the stresses life can bring including anxiety, depression, and relationship and parenting issues. I work best with issues of stress and family dysfunction, relationship issues, self-defeating behavior patterns, and parenting issues with teens/oppositional children. Ideally, clients I work with are willing to express their feelings, and explore their situations in a safe, accepting environment to achieve the peace of mind they seek. My specialty is my ability to understand and get to the heart of my client's concerns. I assist clients in sorting through their pain and confusion. Then I present a selection of strategies and pathways to resolve or manage their difficulties. Clients choose the approach that best suits them. I approach therapy as a cooperative partnership in which I work with individuals, couples, and families to reduce pain/stress and increase peace of mind, harmony, and level of functioning.

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

In addition to my extensive and advanced training in psychology, counseling, and marriage and family therapy, I have over 25 years of real-life, clinical experience assisting people to resolve problems, improve functioning, and achieve a higher degree of functioning and satisfaction in life. Clients take away a greater understanding of themselves, others, and coping strategies, after sessions with me.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

My primary treatment method is CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. My focus is on thoughts and actions and the interplay of dynamics between them. After clients have clarified their treatment goals, I work with clients to develop a plan to best reach their goals. This involves the development of more effective habits of thoughts and behaviors to maximize success. I make 'homework' suggestions for clients which are designed to promote healing, learning, and peace of mind.

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

Perhaps my greatest strength is my ability to connect with my clients and get to the heart of their concerns. In addition, I take a holistic view of people and the healing process. In addition to my counseling and psychology abilities, I have a significant science background. I have been certified in 2 sciences through senior high, biology and general science. I taught in the public schools in Connecticut for 6 years. I also had a teaching fellowship in the Biology Department at Springfield College in Massachusetts. I taught the undergraduates, Anatomy and Physiology Labs for 2 years. I am fascinated by the human brain and am constantly learning about the workings of our brains. I am currently a Certified Brain Health Coach. I assist clients in utilizing all angles of healing and growth, including neuroplasticity.

About Barbara J. Varnum, MS, CAGS