Barbara Brown
Hello. My name is Barbara but I have been known all my life as "Bobbi Jo" , so I am struggling with the formality that comes from having a "professional" listing. I am an LCSW who was born and raised and currently resides in Virginia. I obtained my undergraduate degree from James Madison University and my graduate degree from The Catholic University of America.
First session
After leaving the first session, I hope that my clients feel that any questions that they have have been answered. I would also like them to understand the roles of both client and clinician in the helping relationship. I would like my clients to leave their first session with a sense of hope and for the roots of the therapeutic relationship to be planted.
Strengths
My biggest asset as a clinician is my ability to form a strong, therapeutic relationship with my clients. I strive to meet each person where they are in life and understand their world from their perspective. I use a variety of interventions during my sessions depending upon the client's needs when we meet. I also utilize laughter and humor throughout my sessions, recognizing the strength that comes from being able to experience joy.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is one that is seeking change and is motivated to join in the counseling relationship. Ideally the client understands that they are the experts on their life and are open to joining with me in a helping relationship to achieve desired goals and objectives. They recognize that change takes time and it requires work from both the client and the clinician.
Origin story
I was drawn to the social work profession from watching my older sister become an LCSW and play therapist in private practice. When I went to college I tried several other majors, but was drawn to the social work department where I found a sense of belonging and recognized that I had found my tribe. I am proud to say that my daughter is also a licensed clinical social worker.
Ongoing work together
After the initial assessment, future sessions are directed by the client's goals and objectives identified in their service plan . Thinking and feeling patterns will be explored and the client will learn new coping tools to assist them. Progress is continually monitored through self report and diagnostic tools, and adjustments to the plan made if deemed necessary. The client is the conductor of the train and makes decisions regarding the journey that is taken with the clinician providing support.
Treatment methods
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I use mindfulness to assist the individual in learning to recognize internal emotional states as they arise in the body. As opposed to just thinking about a problem, I help the individual to connect with their feelings shape reactions and behaviors.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- VirginiaLicense 0904020921