After twenty years as a software engineer in Corporate America, I decided to change careers and become a mental health counselor.  As I type this sentence it seems like it was such a natural, obvious, and easy decision.  It wasn't.  I spent my twenties ignorantly happy making a lucrative salary doing marginally challenging work.  I had dreams that never quite materialized of being this high-powered corporate executive with the designer briefcase running to catch the next custom jet to a crucial meeting.  I began to suspect something was amiss in my thirties, when I began to question my career choice as well as the meaning of my life.  Did I really want to spend the rest of my productive years earning more money for the phone company writing annoying software that people hated but the company insisted was "bettering customer service?"  Should I have chosen this career in the first place?  Then, in my early forties my ultra-supportive lovely husband asked me what I would like to do if I could do whatever I wanted.  I surprised both myself and him when I rattled off a detailed career path.  CounselorBarb was born.

I believe my scientific corporate background gives me a unique edge as a counselor.  My orientation is primarily logical and cognitive, which fits well with most clients.  When clients come in with mental health issues related to their job I can truly say that I have "been there."  I understand first-hand the stresses and anxieties of a full-time corporate career.  And, thanks to my education at the University of South Florida and subsequent counseling experience, I can say that I also understand the mental health issues.  It is the combination of these experiences that makes me stand out among other counselors.  

Because I have a scientific way of looking at things, I will use only clinically proven methods in treating clients.  This includes extensive research on the mind-body connection and integration of spirituality into the counseling process.  I believe that the body must be as sound as possible before mental and thought issues can be addressed.  For me, that means nutrition, exercise and stress management are tantamount for successful counseling.  I also believe the spiritual component is very important and research is beginning to prove this.  Simply put, people need a greater sense of meaning and purpose in their lives.  My approach integrates to the greatest degree possible proven methods in all modalities: the physical, spiritual and mental. 

In addition to treating depression and anxiety, I have three specialties: grief, sexual, and marital counseling:

• Under the supervision and guidance of Sheryle Baker, who studied under Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and has over 25 years of grief and traumatic loss experience, I have helped many people at The Life Center through their grieving process

• I am a ABS (American Board of Sexology) certified clinical sexologist with specialized training from the American Academy of Clinical Sexologists

• I have a certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of South Florida
  

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	American Board of Sexology