It's a pleasure to meet you!
Over the years, I have discovered that my calling in life is, quite simply, to be a peaceful, healing presence. I live out that calling today as a Strengths-based counselor and coach, assisting adults of all ages. I work primarily with life & career transitions, and grief and loss.
During graduate school, I fell in love with the idea of discovering and using our strengths as a foundation for change and growth. Since then, I became certified in both the Gallup Clifton Strengths Assessment and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. I bring a strengths-based philosophy to all of my work in coaching and counseling. For many years, I was a massage therapist, retreat facilitator, and spiritual director—previous realizations of my calling, all of which began while I was employed at a contemplative retreat center. Paying attention to the wisdom of the body, therefore, remains an integral part of my therapy practice. I also continue to offer spiritual direction and facilitate retreats. |
Many of my clients have affirmed that my style is both gentle and professional. My greatest strengths lie in listening to your heart speak, without judgment or intrusion; creating safe and sacred spaces; inviting reflective experiences; and being open and present to deeper levels of conversation. This means that I trust moments of silence in the midst of conversation, which tend to help both of us hear more clearly what's going on within you.
Given the right environment, I believe we can all find the way home to ourselves. From this center, we can confidently share our gifts and strengths with the world. As Thomas Merton so beautifully wrote: “We have what we seek. We don’t need to rush after it. It was there all the time. And if we give it time, it will make itself known to us.”
I live in Longmont with my husband and soul-mate, Jay, and our cat, Mia. I love hiking through the trees, and spending time with friends & family, and wandering delightedly through bookstores.
Given the right environment, I believe we can all find the way home to ourselves. From this center, we can confidently share our gifts and strengths with the world. As Thomas Merton so beautifully wrote: “We have what we seek. We don’t need to rush after it. It was there all the time. And if we give it time, it will make itself known to us.”
I live in Longmont with my husband and soul-mate, Jay, and our cat, Mia. I love hiking through the trees, and spending time with friends & family, and wandering delightedly through bookstores.
Certifications & Trainings
Hope-Action Theory Certification
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Training
National Certified Counselor
M.Ed. - Masters in Counseling & Career Development,Colorado State University
Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Certified, Step I & II
Realise2 Strengths Assessment Certification
Reiki Master & Practitioner
Process Work Certificate (Process-Oriented Psychology)
B.A. - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Colorado Denver
Contemplative Group Leadership & Retreats Certificate, Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation
Spiritual Direction Certificate, Spiritual Direction Institute, Diocese of Galveston-Houston
Register Massage Therapist
Hope-Action Theory Certification
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Training
National Certified Counselor
M.Ed. - Masters in Counseling & Career Development,Colorado State University
Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Certified, Step I & II
Realise2 Strengths Assessment Certification
Reiki Master & Practitioner
Process Work Certificate (Process-Oriented Psychology)
B.A. - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Colorado Denver
Contemplative Group Leadership & Retreats Certificate, Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation
Spiritual Direction Certificate, Spiritual Direction Institute, Diocese of Galveston-Houston
Register Massage Therapist
Barbara Valusek, M.Ed., LPC ©2022