About CounselorBarb
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? At this point, 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 analytic corporate background gives me a unique edge as a counselor. Perhaps due to my previous technical career, my orientation is primarily logical and cognitive, which fits well with most clients. Furthermore, 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 as well. It is the combination of these experiences that makes me stand out among other counselors.
Because I have a scientific and systematic way of looking at things, I use only clinically proven and empirically tested methods in treating clients. My personal counseling theory revolves strongly around cognitive behavioral techniques and the mind-body connection due to the extensive research in both of these areas. Counseling is most effective when the body is sound. That means nutrition, exercise and stress management can contribute greatly to positive counseling outcome.
In addition to treating depression and anxiety, I also have training and expertise in sexual and relationship issues:
- 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
Company History
CounselorBarb became incorporated in March, 2008. Barb LoFrisco (a.k.a. CounselorBarb) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an ABS (American Board of Sexology) Certified Clinical Sexologist. She is also in a counseling doctoral program at the University of South Florida, a Research One institution. This means she has access to all of the latest studies regarding counseling effectiveness, which she then incorporates into her practice. CounselorBarb also regularly contributes to the counseling research base, with her latest publication "Female Sexual Pain Disorders and CBT" in the Journal of Sex Research.
CounselorBarb serves the South Tampa, Brandon, Town 'n Country, Carrollwood, Northdale and Lutz areas in a cozy converted bungalow in Seminole Heights. Her practice helps support The Life Center, a non-profit agency that has served the local community since 1981. For further information on this agency, please visit The Life Center.
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