I am an alternative, openminded, non-judgmental therapist for those folks who have felt marginalized, ostracized, bullied, and judged for expressing parts of themselves that may be deemed "weird" or misunderstood. I am educated and experienced in LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma recovery, grief, relationship issues in unconventional relationships (poly, kink, platonic, etc.) I seek to help clients explore their values that have likely been buried by trauma, shame, and people-pleasing, and help form a structure to living a life that feels more genuine.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In the first session I want to get to know you and what you are struggling with. I don't need you to go in any particular order or timeline. I feel like information is like a jigsaw puzzle, it can come from all over and I will put it together into a picture of you. I would like to then identify what your goals are so I can be sure we stay on track to achieve them.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I bring unique experiences, knowledge, and perspectives best to serve people who feel they don't fit in to the statistical norm of their peers. I am not shocked easily and want clients to feel there's a safe space for the things that make them feel strange and unusual. My method is to always keep you in the driver seat of your life.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I seek to help people who feel like the regular system of care would not understand them. I appreciate unique interests and hobbies and want to help people explore their true values and self expression in order to live a more genuine life outside of what systematic and societal stigma has taught us.
About Kathleen Barker
Identifies as
Specializes in
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Compassion Focused
Shifting past barriers of individual shame or shaming, I bring compassion into the forefront working mind in order to make changes from a place of support and comfort rather than shaming and pain.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Completed ACT training about 5 years ago and find its interventions integral in moving forward towards increased well-being and life satisfaction.
Couples Counseling
Experienced in couples and couples+(throuples, polycules, etc) therapy for 8 years. Understanding of different dynamics and structures as well as able to assist in forming healthier structures if necessary.
Humanistic
Identified early on as a Humanistic therapist- the client is the expert, I am but a guide.
Grief Therapy
Grief is a main focus I work with. I bring understanding and compassion for grief of all kinds- not just loss through death- breakups, friend loss, pet loss, dream loss, loss of abilities, loss of identity, etc.