Barbara Hunter
My practice welcomes individuals from all backgrounds who are seeking compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. My therapeutic approach is grounded in proven clinical practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based interventions tailored to each client's unique needs and goals. Treatment always begins with sound clinical, evidence-based care. When a client identifies their Christian faith as an important part of their life and healing journey, Scripture and faith-based principles may be thoughtfully integrated in a reflective and therapeutic manner to foster insight, hope, emotional regulation, and resilience. Faith is never used as a substitute for clinical intervention but serves as a complementary resource when it is meaningful to the client.
First session
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Christian counselor, my professional biography reflects that my practice is faith-informed. During the initial consultation and our first session, we discuss my therapeutic approach and begin building a strong, collaborative relationship. Clients are encouraged to determine whether this approach aligns with their preferences and values. My goal is to provide a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where every client feels heard, valued, and empowered to pursue healing and lasting personal growth.
Strengths
One of the greatest strengths I bring to this profession is the ability to combine clinical excellence with genuine compassion. With over 25 years of experience advocating for children, adolescents, adults, and families, I provide evidence-based care while creating a safe, respectful, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and understood. I believe healing begins with a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, empathy, and collaboration. My approach is client-centered, culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and grounded in proven therapeutic interventions that empower individuals to develop practical skills, build resilience, and achieve meaningful, lasting change. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Christian counselor, I also recognize that faith can be an important source of strength for many individuals. When it aligns with a client's values and treatment goals, I thoughtfully integrate faith into the therapeutic process while ensuring that evidence-based clinical practice remains the foundation of care. My greatest passion is helping people discover hope, overcome life's challenges, and realize that healing and growth are possible.
Ideal clients
I am best positioned to serve adolescents, adults, and families who are ready to navigate life's challenges with support, practical tools, and hope. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship difficulties, caregiver stress, trauma, or the emotional demands of balancing family, work, and personal well-being. Whether you are seeking healing from a painful experience, learning healthier coping strategies, strengthening relationships, or pursuing personal growth, I provide a supportive, collaborative, and evidence-based approach tailored to your unique goals. For clients who identify faith as an important part of their lives, I also offer the opportunity to thoughtfully integrate Christian principles into therapy. This is always guided by the client's preferences and treatment goals, with evidence-based clinical care remaining the foundation of the therapeutic process. My goal is to help every client feel seen, heard, and empowered as they move toward healing, resilience, and lasting emotional wellness.
Origin story
I have always been a good listener. More importantly, I have always cared deeply about what people were going through and wanted to understand how I could help. If I didn’t have the answer or the resources to help someone, I would find someone who could. Growing up in the inner city, I witnessed firsthand how circumstances, family challenges, limited resources, and life experiences could affect individuals and families. I initially thought I would become a teacher because I wanted to help children and make a difference in their lives. I eventually realized that my calling to help others extended beyond the classroom. While working at an emergency welfare agency, I encountered so many individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. I saw the needs, the struggles, and often the lack of support available to people during some of their most challenging moments. That experience stayed with me and inspired me to pursue social work. I realized that I could combine my natural ability to listen, my compassion for people, and my desire to help with the knowledge and skills needed to support individuals and families through life’s challenges. So, I went to school for social work—and here I am. Becoming a therapist has allowed me to do what I have always felt called to do: listen without judgment, meet people where they are, help them recognize their strengths, and walk alongside them as they work toward healing, growth, and a healthier life.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
My therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based method that helps you understand the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we'll identify unhelpful thinking patterns, develop healthier ways to cope with life's challenges, and build practical skills you can use in your everyday life. Therapy is a collaborative process. My role is to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your concerns, gain new perspectives, and work toward meaningful, lasting change. Every treatment plan is personalized to meet your unique needs, goals, and strengths.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based approach that helps people manage intense emotions, cope with stress in healthier ways, improve relationships, and respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively. You'll learn practical skills to stay present in the moment, handle difficult situations, communicate more effectively, and build a life that feels more balanced and fulfilling. My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where you can learn these skills at your own pace and apply them to everyday challenges, helping you feel more confident, resilient, and in control of your emotional well-being.
Christian Counseling
Christian counseling is available for clients who would like to include their faith as part of the healing process. My approach integrates evidence-based therapy with Christian principles in a way that respects your personal beliefs, values, and treatment goals. Together, we may explore how your faith can provide strength, hope, purpose, and resilience while addressing life's challenges. Scripture and prayer may be incorporated when they are meaningful to you and support your therapeutic goals. Clinical, evidence-based treatment always remains the foundation of care, with faith serving as a complementary resource, not a replacement for therapy. Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, grief, relationship concerns, life transitions, or personal growth, I strive to provide a compassionate, supportive environment where you can experience healing emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Location
Virtual sessions