Barbara Brown

Compassionate therapy focused on practical skills

LCSW California

Experience: 35 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Barbara

Barbara Brown is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 35 years of practice in California who supports people facing a wide range of emotional and life challenges.

Background and approach

She works with clients coping with stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, depression, relationship and family difficulties, trauma and abuse, addictions, parenting struggles, anger, career concerns, bipolar disorder, and compassion fatigue. Additional focuses include aging and geriatric issues, blended family dynamics, caregiver stress, codependency, communication problems, and mood disorders.

Her style emphasizes a collaborative, client-centered relationship that aims to build practical skills and resilience. She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside client-centered and mindfulness approaches, often incorporating solution-focused strategies and motivational interviewing when useful.

Barbara makes use of handouts and readings so clients can assemble a personalized toolbox of techniques to use beyond sessions. Across outpatient clinics, independent practice, retirement communities, and criminal justice settings, she has supported individuals, couples, groups, and families through transitions, crises, and long-term concerns.

Prospective clients in California and international clients who speak English are welcome to explore working with her to identify goals and develop sustainable coping strategies.

Approaches that guide online sessions

Barbara uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify and change patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems; CBT often focuses on practical exercises and skills to manage symptoms and improve day-to-day functioning. She also applies Client-Centered Therapy, offering a supportive, non-judgmental stance that emphasizes the client’s own goals and strengths while the therapist provides empathy and validation. Mindfulness Therapy is incorporated to teach awareness and present-moment strategies that can reduce reactivity and support emotional regulation during life transitions and grief.

Finding the right approach is treated as a collaborative process. The therapist and client work together to determine which combination of methods best matches the client’s needs, goals, and preferences, and adjustments are made over time as the work evolves.

Online therapy is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide flexibility in how work gets done. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, continue support during life changes, and access care from different locations while maintaining regular progress toward therapeutic goals.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Barbara address?

She works with stress, anxiety, grief, self-esteem and depression as well as relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, addictions, parenting challenges, anger, career matters, bipolar disorder, and compassion fatigue. Additional focus areas include aging and geriatric issues, blended family problems, caregiver stress, codependency, communication problems, and mood disorders.

How would you describe her therapeutic approach?

Her approach is collaborative and client-centered, combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused techniques to build practical coping skills and clarify goals.

What is her professional background?

Barbara brings 35 years of clinical experience working in outpatient clinics, independent practice, retirement homes, and criminal justice settings with individuals, couples, families, and groups.

Where is she licensed and practicing?

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with the licence CA LCSW 15139 and maintains a practice serving clients in that state.

Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?

Sessions are offered in English, and she does accept international clients who arrange to work in that language.

What session formats are available?

She provides a range of online session formats including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.

How are fees and payment handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What should I do to begin working together?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Grief Self esteem Depression Coping with life changes

Also works with

AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsMood disorders

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

35+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English