In our first session together, here's what you can expect

You can expect me to listen closely to you and ask you questions that help me begin to understand where to begin in our work together. You can expect me to help you feel comfortable, as first meetings aren't always easy. So I'll be weaving in both heart and head. I'll be listening for patterns and also 'light bulbs' that go off in my own mind. I've come to learn these are important to pay attention to. And, I think the most important result of a first session is for you, the client to walk away and say 'I want to continue talking to this counselor and i'm excited to talk with Barb again'.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I am a seasoned, late career therapist. I have worked with hundreds of clients for over 38 years now, so I've seen and heard almost everything! That is a unique advantage I offer you. In addition, I am a down-to-earth person and value engaging fully and authentically with my clients. Because I've successfully 'thought on my feet' in such a wide variety of circumstances, I am very confident I can either help you or direct you to someone who can. If I believe a specialist is best, I enjoy the process of finding a specialist who is closely matched to the needs of my clients. My only goal is getting you better, as soon as we can.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

While I am a generalist, I am passionate about working with clients having these issues... 1) WORK STRESS - WORK/LIFE BALANCE THAT IS CAUSING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES - Individuals who are experiencing stress and anxiety due to the demands of modern life, often on the job to the point they are experiencing mental health symptoms (sleep issues, fatigue, high anxiety and/or worries), weight gain or other health problems such as newly diagnosed pre-diabetes, diabetes, high blood pressure, relationship and/or work stress, performance issues, conflicts etc. FRUSTRATED WITH CHANGES WORKING FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT? Were you laid off during DOGE cuts and you are struggling to find a new job, or have you been traumatized by the impact of the current administration's desire to traumatize and scare you? I am helping lots of federal government employees right now with these very concerns. BURNOUT AND STRESS BROUGH ON BY TECHNOLOGY AND AI...In particular work burnout and stress are huge issues right now. Tech fatigue is real. I've been there/am there too! American companies continue to stretch human capital thinner and thinner, as they expect more and more. Company loyalty no longer exists and companies often hire only per project and/or short term need these days. Are you resilient enough to weather this environment? If not I can help. Are you ready for the changes AI is bringing? I can help. In my own life, I've figured out a great 'work life balance' and I can help you achieve that as well. ARE YOU A HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL OR OTHER CAREGIVER? While I counsel anyone in this situation I am also focusing on...Psychotherapists who are feeling burned out from the mental and physical stress of their work and/or career and know they need a change. NURSES, PHYSICIANS, NURSING AIDES, MASSAGE THERAPISTS, PSYCHOLOGISTS, PHYSICAL THERAPISTS, PSYCHIATRISTS...My ideal clients are conscientious, stressed out healthcare professionals. I intimately understand the toxic workplaces many of us have worked in/work in because I've been there. It is well known that the health care system is broken for patients, and it needs to become better understood how the system harms it's 'golden geese', that is those who provide the care as well as how to help providers become healthier, so that they can continue to take great care in their work in spite of the system's issues. 2) FAMILY STRESS - Individuals in the midst of family estrangement, who are seeking support including reconciliation if possible. Family estrangement is more and more an issue in modern life. Why? Because individualism has become more prominent. It's the natural result of a society that has evolved to a place where individuals can feel safer in being themselves. In my therapist shoes I don't take a side here, but I feel the pain of both sides. I have lived my own set of family issues and am trained to help you cope more effectively with yours. 3) CLIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEALTH ISSUES - such as fatigue, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, Long COVID, diabetes and obesity. Because these issues are often 'invisible', sufferers face push back or judgment from family and workplaces. Sufferers need a safe place to vent and problem solve. I am beset with several chronic health issues and I know how difficult it can be to be understood and to 'keep up' in today's fast-paced work environment. Sufferers need ways to sustain themselves so they can continue to function and support oneself and one's family (if necessary). While most are not totally disabled, many need to re-create their lives and work to better fit their circumstances, so they can take better care of oneself. This is serious business for those who need to work as disability income is not something most can afford to live on. 4) POLITICS/RELIGIOUS TRAUMA - I don't mind talking about it. I was raised in the beat generation of the 60's and 70's where we knew 'the personal IS political'. If you are feeling fed up with today's politics, let's talk about it. You can't avoid it and be a responsible citizen (yes!) so let's get at it. Religious trauma is occurring in America right now, with the takeover of politics by extreme right wingers who are endangering democracy and bullying citizens by attempting to exert control over several areas of society: technology, education, religion, free speech, etc. Basically, endangering the separation between church and state. Many U.S. families are affected by all of this, to greater or lesser stress and trauma. 5) COMMUNICATION/RELATIONSHIPS - I love the study and practice of communication skills. Chances are I can help you improve one or more of your most important relationships. Try me. 6) HIGH PROFILE INDIVIDUALS/BUSINESS LEADERS - I've counseled managers, CEO's and small business owners, politicians, celebrities, professional athletes, and health care professionals facing burnout (doctors, nurses, psychotherapists). As a business owner and former clinical manager/clinic director myself, I bring a wealth of understanding as to your unique concerns.