Therapy for older teens, young adults,
and anyone navigating life's changes.
About Barb
The desert works constantly to forbid it, and still the cactus blooms.
My Story
Before becoming a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I spent 13 years working on college campuses in Student Affairs. I've spent many hours, often late at night, helping students work through issues, manage anxiety and depression, build better relationships, and figure out how to deal with life. I'm fascinated with Gen Z and the hope I feel when we talk about their values and unique perspective.
Most of my experience as a therapist is with trauma. I spent four years working at the YWCA where I learned how to support clients going through intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and childhood trauma. I spent five years working with the Santa Clara School District, primarily in their continuation high school, where I counseled teens struggling with trauma, family issues, substance abuse problems, gender identity, suicide, and self-harm.
In the middle of all that I learned a lot about life - mainly that just when you figure it out, you move into a new phase and have to figure it out again! Thankfully you get to bring what you learned into the new phase.
M.Ed. Student Affairs In Higher Education
In addition to my MA in Counseling Psychology, I hold a second masters degree in Student Affairs and spent 13 years working with young adults.
Additional Training
Therapist are required to stay abreast of changes in the field and continually learn. In addition to regular trainings in law and ethics, I have chosen to significantly expand my knowledge in the following areas:
Youth Mental Health
​Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
​Trauma Work for the Clinician
Nutrition and Mental Health
Polyvagal Theory
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My Path
I grew up in a small town just north of Pittsburgh, PA. I moved to California 28 years ago, threw on a pair of flip-flops, and felt an instant sense of belonging. I love the beach, I love our diversity, and I love the food! Mostly I love looking at snow on a distant mountain and not in my driveway. For fun I enjoy bicycling, crocheting, travel, and watching cheesy action movies. Music is always playing in the background.
