Educational and Professional Background:
Barbara Overson, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, received her Master of Science degree in Psychology: Mental Health Counseling from Western Washington University in 2007. She received her bachelor degrees in Psychology and Art from Gonzaga University in 2003. Barbara is a Child Mental Health Specialist and is board certified in Biofeedback. Barbara maintains a part-time clinical practice serving children, adolescents, adults, and families. She has worked in the mental health field since 2002 and has experience providing services within outpatient, inpatient, and residential settings. She is dedicated to continuing her work with individuals who are reaching for personal wellness, empowerment, and health.
Treatment Philosophy:
As an artist who enjoys using pottery and painting for self-expression, Barbara utilizes a variety of hands-on techniques in her work. She believes every individual possesses personal strengths and knowledge of their needs and is able to increase self-awareness in a collaborative therapeutic environment. She uses a client-centered perspective in her work and believes intervention techniques are most effective when they are tailored to the individuals with whom she is working. In sessions, Barbara creates a supportive and safe environment that allows clients to explore their innermost feelings and struggles. She primarily utilizes cognitive-behavioral techniques, biofeedback, play therapy, and phenomenological interventions. She aspires to help clients and families build on their own strengths and learn additional skills that empower them to better manage life’s challenges.
Areas of Specialty:
Barbara enjoys working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families who are dealing with the following types of issues:
- Anxiety disorders, trauma, phobias, and OCD
- Mood Disorders
- Communication and relationship issues
- Family transitions, such as divorce or coping with new medical diagnoses
- Grief and loss
- Adjustment and interpersonal problems
- Building emotional intelligence
- Attentional/organizational difficulties(ADD/ADHD)
- Mind-Body connection/Health Psychology