Meet Barbara

Welcome

Hi there! I’m Barbara (she/her), and I’m so glad you found your way here.

Deciding to start therapy is a big deal, and honestly, it should feel that way! Even reading this, thinking about reaching out, or showing up for yourself in this moment is already a meaningful step. Choosing to make space for your own growth and care is an act of bravery. It’s your way of saying, “I deserve support. I deserve understanding. I deserve connection.” And that’s something truly worth celebrating.

I’m a trauma-informed therapist, and my goal is to create a space where you can feel safe being exactly who you are. You don’t need to have it all figured out or put on a brave face. This is a place where vulnerability is welcome, questions are encouraged, and your experiences genuinely matter. My style is warm, collaborative, and rooted in real human connection. I draw from both professional training and personal life experiences, and I believe that even small moments of understanding can be deeply healing.

About Me

I grew up just outside Chicago, but Austin quickly won me over with its creativity warmth, and strong sense of community. While I do miss Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, I’ve happily traded it for breakfast tacos, sunshine-filled days, and the vibrant culture that makes Austin feel like home.

Music and books have always been central to my life; they help me make sense of the world, find joy, and slow down when life feels hectic. Outside of therapy, you can usually find me at live music events or exploring a cozy coffee shop. I care deeply about hearing people’s stories, understanding their experiences, and supporting them as they navigate the messy, everyday parts of life. My sweet cockapoo reminds me to pause, be present, and approach life (and therapy!) with kindness, curiosity, and heart.

Background

When I look back on my journey in this field, I’m honestly a little amazed at how much has changed, and how much has stayed the same. I started this work over ten years ago, and even saying that feels surreal. From day one, I’ve felt a deep pull to be there for people who feel alone in their pain. I’ve been in those places myself, and I know how heavy and isolating it can feel. Getting to sit with someone in that darkness and help them find even the tiniest bit of light is something that still inspires me every single day.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from St. Edward’s University and later returned to complete my master’s degree in Clinical Counseling through the CACREP program. From my early days as a student and intern to my current role as a provisionally licensed counselor working toward full licensure, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals from many different backgrounds. Each person I’ve worked with has shaped my perspective, deepened my compassion, and influenced the way I show up as a therapist today.

One of the most impactful parts of my journey has been my experience as a crisis clinician with the suicide crisis hotline, a role that profoundly expanded my understanding of resilience, hope, and the courage it takes to keep going. Supporting people who experience suicidality isn’t just a clinical specialty for me; it’s something I feel called to do. It’s an honor to sit with people as they reconnect with themselves, rediscover meaning, and begin to rebuild a sense of safety and hope. I don’t take that trust lightly.

my approach to therapy

I believe therapy works best when it honors all of who you are; your thoughts, emotions, body, history, and the many ways you’ve learned to move through the world. Your experiences matter, and so does the way they’ve shaped you. Healing isn’t a straight line, and it definitely isn’t something you’re supposed to “get right.” It’s a process, and it looks different for everyone. My goal is to meet you exactly where you are and make space for your unique way of healing.

Because of that, I don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, I draw from a range of evidence-based modalities and implement them together in a way that feels tailored to you. Think of it as having a flexible toolbox, so we can use what works, leave what doesn’t, and adapt as you grow.

Some of the approaches I use include:

● Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): These can be really helpful for building coping skills, understanding your thought patterns, and finding ways to navigate tough emotions with a bit more steadiness.

● Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): This helps you tune into your emotions and understand how they shape your relationships, whether that’s with yourself or others.

● Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Parts Work: We all have different “parts” inside us; protective ones, overwhelmed ones, hurt ones, and ones that just want peace. Parts work gives us a compassionate way to hear from these parts and help them feel understood rather than pushed aside.

● Attachment-based therapy: Our earliest relationships often influence how we show up today. Exploring these patterns can bring a lot of clarity and open the door to more secure, healthy connections.

● Somatic Experiencing: Sometimes the body holds onto things long after the mind tries to move on. Somatic work helps us gently reconnect with your physical sensations and release stored stress or trauma at a pace that feels safe.

who i work with

I work with teens (13+) and adults navigating life’s heavier moments; whether that’s anxiety, depression, past trauma, identity questions, or relationship challenges. Life can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel unseen or misunderstood. My goal is to create a space where you can simply be yourself, without having to explain or justify what you’re going through.

I have a particular focus on mood-related challenges; those times when emotions, energy, or your sense of self feel unpredictable or confusing. These experiences are often minimized or misunderstood, leaving you feeling isolated. Together, we’ll work not only on coping with day-to-day struggles but also on reconnecting with your strengths, values, and sense of who you are.

Whether you’re navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, identity exploration, or relationship struggles, my approach is compassionate, grounded, and collaborative. This is a space where you can explore what matters to you, build practical tools, and feel more stable, connected, and empowered.

I also recognize that traditional systems don’t always honor everyone’s story. If you’ve ever felt overlooked or marginalized, I hope that this space feels different, a place where your experiences are seen, your identity is respected, and you can show up fully as yourself.

Starting therapy doesn’t mean you have it all figured out; it means you’re ready to care for yourself in a new way. I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your healing journey!

specialties and Expertise

Mood disorders

Personality disorders

Anxiety & Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Stress, Burnout & Self-care

Grief & Loss

LGBTQIA+

Trauma & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Self-identity, Self-esteem & Self-compassion

Eating Disorders

Relational Issues & Family Therapy

Life transitions

Perfectionism & People pleasing

Addiction & Substance Use Disorder

Crisis support

Suicidal Ideation, Self-harm & Harm Reduction

Populations

Adolescents (ages 13 & up)

Adults (age 18 & up)

Older Adults (age 65 & up)

Education and Licensure

M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, St. Edward’s University
BA in Psychology, St. Edward’s University

Professional Trainings

Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED

The Adult Needs and Strengths Assessment (ANSA)

The American Association of Suicidology (AAS)

Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)

CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means)

Co-occuring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders (COPSD)

Fees & Services

• In person and telehealth sessions available.

• Telehealth sessions will be conducted using a HIPAA compliant platform.

Fee: $140 per 50 minute session, $185 per 80 minute session
Sliding Scale: If you are interested in sliding scale, please inquire regarding waitlist availability.
Insurance: I am not in-network with insurance companies. However, I can provide superbills for possible insurance reimbursement.

I am currently accepting new clients :)