About Barbara

It's a pleasure to meet you!

Strengths: Maximizer, Empathy, Connectedness, Relator, Learner, Positivity. Myers-Briggs Type: INFP

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.

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