MEET Barbara

Who I Am

Hi there! I’m Barbara (she/her), and I’m really glad you’re here.

Starting therapy—or even just thinking about it—can feel like a big, sometimes overwhelming step. Whether this is your first time reaching out or you’re returning to therapy after some time away, just being here is meaningful. You’re taking a step toward care, healing, and connection—and that’s something to be proud of.

I’m a trauma-informed therapist who works from a place of empathy, presence, and authenticity. My approach to therapy is deeply shaped by both my professional training and my lived experience. I know what it’s like to feel uncertain or vulnerable in the therapy space—and I also know how powerful and life-changing that space can be when it feels safe, supportive, and affirming.

A little about me: I grew up just outside of Chicago, but Austin quickly became home when I moved here for my education. I’ve lived here for seven years now and love the creativity, warmth, and community this city offers. While I do miss Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, I’ve happily traded it for breakfast tacos and sunshine. I’m also a proud dog mom to my sweet cockapoo, who’s been with me for over a decade and brings joy to my life every single day.

my approach to therapy

I believe therapy should honor the whole person—mind, body, emotions, and lived experience. Healing is never linear, and there’s no “one right way” to do it. That’s why I take an integrative and personalized approach, drawing from a variety of evidence-based modalities based on your unique needs and goals.

Some of the approaches I use include:

● Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for building coping skills and navigating challenging thoughts or emotions

● Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to strengthen emotional awareness and relational patterns

● Internal Family Systems (IFS) and parts work to explore the different parts of you—especially the ones that may feel stuck, overwhelmed, protective, or unsure

● Attachment-based therapy to understand how your early relationships may be impacting your present experiences

● Somatic Experiencing to help reconnect with your body and release stored stress or trauma gently and mindfully

At its core, my work is collaborative, non-judgmental, and deeply compassionate. I’ll meet you where you are and walk alongside you as you navigate what healing means for you.

who i work with

I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who are navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, identity exploration, and relational challenges. Many of the people I work with carry deep emotional experiences that have gone unseen or misunderstood, and I strive to create a space where you can show up without needing to explain or justify your pain.

I have a particular interest in working with individuals navigating mood disorders, including those who may experience shifts in mood, energy, or self-perception that can feel disorienting or disruptive to daily life. These experiences are often misunderstood or minimized—and I understand how that can lead to feelings of isolation or shame. In our work together, we’ll not only focus on managing symptoms, but also on helping you reconnect with your strengths, values, and sense of self.

Whether you’re navigating intense emotional highs and lows, working through a recent diagnosis, or simply trying to make sense of your experience, I’m here to support you with compassion and care. My goal is to walk alongside you, offering grounding, perspective, and tools to help you feel more stable, empowered, and connected.

I’m also committed to supporting individuals who have felt unseen or marginalized within traditional systems of care. If your story hasn’t always been met with understanding, my hope is that this space offers something different—a space where you can be fully yourself, without judgment.

If you’re feeling unsure or hesitant, that’s completely okay. Starting therapy doesn’t mean you have everything figured out—it just means you’re ready to care for yourself in a new way. And I’d be honored to support you on that journey.

specialties and Expertise

Mood disorders (Depression, Bipolar disorder)

Anxiety & OCD

Stress, Burnout & Self-care

Grief and Loss

Trauma & PTSD

ADHD

Dissociative Identity Disorder

Self-identity, self-esteem & self-compassion

Eating Disorders

Relational Issues

Life transitions

Perfectionism & People pleasing

Substance Use Disorder & Addiction

Crisis support

Suicidal Ideation, Self-harm & Harm Reduction

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)

I am currently accepting new clients!

Fees & Services

I provide individual therapy for Texas residents ages 13 and older. I have 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.