Barrett Laura MA LPC

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Counseling has increased in popularity the past few years as it gets away from the stereotypical image of "What's wrong with me?". Today, counseling is seen as a positive and proactive approach to improve one's quality of life. People are finally realizing there are special techniques, educational tools and coping skills they can learn to battle depression, anxiety, eating disorders, as well as improve relationships. In this fast paced world, many people are no longer willing to let their emotions control their life, but they reach outward for understanding and answers - counseling provides a neutral third party where clients can explore their issues in a safe, caring and confidential environment.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
Over the years I have worked with many clients with a wide variety of problems. As a result I have developed expertise in the following areas:

Do you offer counseling only in these areas? What if I have a problem that is not within one of your areas of expertise, can you still help me?

There are numerous other areas (too many to list) in which I have worked with clients. After discussing your problem with you I will be better able to determine if I can help you. If I cannot, I will be happy to give you referrals to appropriate professionals and/or resources who can assist you.

As a wife, I know that a healthy marriage requires finding a balance between being part of a couple and maintaining your own identity. A healthy marriage or relationship also requires learning how to disagree with your partner and still feel good about yourself and each other.
As a therapist, I have helped hundreds of couples develop skills to communicate better and resolve conflicts with dignity and respect. Through this process you will gain strength as a couple and discover more intimacy.
My approach to marriage and couple counseling is straightforward. Some couples seek counseling with very similar goals. Other couples may want psychotherapy but find that their goals are at odds with each other. For example, when one spouse is wanting to work on the relationship and the other one is thinking of separation or divorce.

My goal is to assist you as a couple to determine what you each want from the relationship and each other. Then help you assess whether you can actually get what you want.
Most people get some of what they want but not all they want from a partner. The final step in my counseling approach is to guide each of you in looking at your options and deciding what to do with this knowledge and information.

The road to a healthy relationship is riddled with bumps, curves and pot holes. Together we can examine if your current relationship is moving closer to where you want it to go. We can also explore why you have not found the relationship you want.
I have helped many men and women find relationships that are more healthy, stable and fulfilling, rather than ones that are self-destructive and go nowhere.

SEPARATION AND DIVORCE COUNSELING
While no one ever marries planning to separate or divorce, it sometimes happens. When it does, there are life altering decisions to be made that will affect you, your spouse and your children.
As a therapist I have guided hundreds to where they feel safe, stable, and hopeful about their futures.

My children are acting out. Is this because we are going through a divorce?

Children act out for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is age appropriate, as with adolescents, but it also could be due to any number of reasons including that you and your spouse are going through divorce. What is most important is to find out why your children are acting out and help them with their problem.

As a parent, I know first-hand the challenges of raising children. Helping your child deal with feeling left out of social groups or completing homework assignments can be as frustrating for you as it is for your child.
As a therapist, I have assisted parents and children (ages 10 & up) learn to negotiate their needs more effectively and resolve conflicts with sensitivity and love. From this process greater closeness will develop between you and your child.

I usually refer small children (under 10 years old) to play therapists who specialize in children. Play therapists do an entirely different kind of therapy to connect with children who may not be able to verbalize their thoughts and emotions.

As a wife and a mother, I have felt the pain and joy of family members bringing out the worst and best in each other. The most innocent comment or gesture can often be the seed of a deep wound that can last a lifetime.
As a therapist, I have helped many families heal these wounds and repair their broken relationships so family members can feel closer and more connected to each other.