Barbara Dern

LPC

Prior to becoming a counselor, I spent many years in the behavioral health field. I started out my career working with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and their families to create positive change within their homes and family structures. I spent many years working one-on-one with kids in the community, at homes, and at schools. Eventually, my passion turned personal when I became a parent and my child was diagnosed with ASD. Through this journey, I realized behavior change comes from more than just cognition and thoughts and needs to include emotions as well. As I pursued my education, I looked to theories that would allow me to combine thoughts and emotions to encourage each individual to become a whole person.

When I work with clients, I want them to feel comfortable. Therapy should take place in a safe, comfortable space where you feel at home. When we are at “home,” we are free to be our authentic, genuine selves. I am transparent and open. I will be genuine with my clients. I want clients to know I have a certain way of working with them; some people like it and some don’t and that’s ok. Clients should never be fearful about seeking a new counselor; some people just don’t click. I hate giving homework because I never liked rushing out the door to get my child to therapy and realizing we didn’t even think about the homework assignment.

When I began my training, I intended to work solely with children and spent a lot of time receiving as much training as possible and honing my skills in play therapy. I enjoy using sandtray and art therapy to allow clients of all ages to creatively express emotions when they are blocked by using words. When the pandemic happened, and telehealth became more popular, I had the opportunity to adjust my love for creative arts therapy to meet the needs to clients across technology. I also have training in Dr. Sue Johnson's Emotionally Focused Therapy. Emotionally Focused Therapy is ideal for helping clients improve self-awareness, heal past wounds, develop self-compassion, and enhance relationships with others. Emotionally Focused Therapy focuses on the creating a stronger and more secure attachment bonds within the relationship.