Barbara is a Resident in Counseling in the state of Virginia with a deep passion for supporting both young children and adults through life’s complex and tender moments. Before entering the field of counseling, Barbara spent over 13 years as an early childhood educator, an experience that shaped her understanding of human development and continues to inform her clinical work today.
With a warm and grounded approach, Barbara works with clients navigating trauma, anxiety, shame, self-esteem issues, life transitions, and challenges in relationships and interpersonal dynamics. She is especially drawn to the early years of life, viewing them as foundational to our sense of self and emotional well-being. Her therapeutic lens is rooted in narrative, humanistic, and psychodynamic theories, helping clients explore their inner worlds with curiosity, compassion, and connection. Additionally, Barbara is trained in the Gottman Method and uses this evidence-based framework in her work with couples to strengthen communication, deepen understanding, and foster healthier, more connected relationships.
Originally from California, Barbara earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development with a focus in Children’s Services. She later lived and worked in Sydney, Australia, as an early childhood educator, and also spent time living in Brazil. These international experiences continue to inform her culturally responsive approach to counseling and her respect for the unique backgrounds each client brings into the therapeutic space.
Barbara went on to earn her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. During her graduate training, she worked in the Jersey City Public School system, where she provided trauma-informed care to high-needs students and offered psychoeducational support to educators. This experience reinforced her commitment to working systemically and supporting not just individuals, but also the environments they grow and heal within.