Registered Mental Health Intern
Have you ever been in a place of uncertainty? Have you second guessed every decision you have ever made? Do you feel you are not strong enough to change? Do you feel starting over is impossible? Have you been so lost and bewildered you didn’t know where to begin? Have you felt as though you were not enough to reach your goals?These feelings can stop you in your tracks and prevent you from moving forward. I am here to tell you, you are enough. Everyone needs a little help from time to time. I can tell you personally, being in a place where you can talk freely and without judgement can be life altering.To have asafe place where you can sort out your thoughts and emotions in confidence is a gift, and in my way of thinking it is crucial to success in life. The stigma that often comes with mental health counseling is “I must be broken”, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
No one should have to carry the burdens of life alone yet often we do just that. I have survived many life experiences that were not pleasant. I have learned many lessons during those times, the biggest lesson is, with help an individual can get through any situation. There is always hope if there is a willingness to try. With the utilization of a person-centered approach,I do my best to meetmy clients where they are.Depending on the circumstances,I will use various clinical approaches to serve each client. I have experience as a substance abuse counselor where I was able to use many different approaches. Substance abuse can begin from an underlying, untreated mental health disorder. As a substance abuse counselor, I was able to apply Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to promote change, and always with a compassionate, and empathic ear.
I know what it’s like to be the client on the other side of the room. I am a widow, a mother of 4, and a grandmother of 1. I have had to overcome many hardships in my life, to include serious illness, and the loss of my husband all too early in life. I have had to regroup, redefine, and regrow to start over and walk down yet another road. I know all too well the fear of change, insecurity, feeling as though I don’t have what it takes to succeed. I get it! You don’t have to do this alone. I urge you to reach out and schedule an appointment. You don’t have to do this by yourself. Let me assist you in finding your way.
Barbara graduated from Troy University with a Master’s in Counseling and Psychology. She is certified in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR),She is a National Certified Counselor,a member of the American Mental Health Counselors Association and Florida Mental Health Counselors Association Barbarais an open minded Catholic, and holds a strong belief in God and love, and can providefaith-basedtherapy if needed.