I have a Master’s of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. Additionally I am a National Certified Counselor, which means I meet the standards established by this national board for the practice of professional counseling. I am a Certified Distance Counselor. This credential means I am trained to use email, telephone, etc. to help you learn the tools to achieve the relationship you desire.

I am Certified in Imago Relationship Therapy. Over the years I have assisted at many "Getting The Love You Want" workshops. I was so inspired by the healing and growth that can occur in just one weekend that I have trained to become a "Getting The Love You Want" workshop presenter.

Many times I have been asked by single clients "How do I know if s/he is the ONE?" To help answer that question I trained in the techniques of LifePartnerQuest for singles by the Relationship Coaches Institute. For over 12 years I have been working with individuals and couples to help them grow their love and heal their relationships. I am passionate about creating a supportive environment that will assist individuals and families learn the tools to grow and heal. I am experienced in working with blended families and parenting issues.

I am certified in hypnotherapy. I am also trained in the first level of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Regulation). This is a protocol used to resolve disturbing emotional memories as well as helping facilitate natural growth and healing. Additionally I have extensive experience and training in relaxation and stress reduction techniques.

So much of what I do is similar to coaching that I have taken additional training as a coach from the College of Executive and Personal Coaching.

I have been in private practice since 1998. In 1996 I introduced the popular "ReKindling The Flame" couples group (as featured in Generations magazine).

I am available for brief workshops about Imago for groups of 4 or more couples. Those who have heard me speak say that I am an impressive public speaker. I am available to give brief talks for any occasion.

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Barbara's Personal Journey

I have been married to Joel for 35 years. Our blended family includes 4 children, Charly, the new puppy, 5 grandsons, and I am enthusiastically admitting to 3 beautiful great granddaughters, via my husband’s family, and one more on the way. I believe that humor, intimacy, and encouraging each other’s personal growth is what makes our coupleship and blended family work. Not to mention the Imago Relationship tools that Joel and I learned and use.

I came to counseling through a circuitous route which helps me personally identify with people who are going through transitions. I began my career with a BS in Education and taught middle school. After several years I returned to school to get a BA in Family and Consumer Resources, specializing in Interior Design. I am a member of the American Society of Interior Designers and had a successful interior design practice in Michigan for 25 years. After moving to Florida, when my husband retired, I again returned to school, this time to obtain a MS in Counseling. When people ask why I went from Interior Design to Counseling I answer, "I used to help people redesign their exterior environment", now I help them redesign their interior environment.

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Barbara's Philosophy

I am passionate about helping people grow and heal. The hardest job we have is maintaining a loving, intimate relationship, whether it is partner-partner, parent-child, sibling-sibling, husband-wife. I believe that a conscious committed relationship is the best way to create the atmosphere for growth and healing.

My motto is taken from Gandhi, "Be the change you want to see." Not only do I invite you to grow and change, but I continuously challenge myself to learn, grow, and change as I become more conscious and aware of my interactions in relationships.

When parents develop a relationship that is conscious and committed they create a safe environment in which their children can grow up healthy and whole. Just like the tree, in my logo, you put down roots, develop a strong conscious and committed relationship, and your children can grow and flourish as do all your relationships.

My joy is having found Imago therapy, not only for my clients, but also for myself. As a matter of fact, not too long ago my mother said to me, "I don’t know what is different about you but I like you better." This observation I attribute to learning and practicing the tools that Imago offers to all of us, and that you can learn too. As an added bonus the skills and techniques I teach work beautifully in business relationships as well.

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