Feature Series: Tara Barber, LGPC Talks Health and Wellness

It’s hard to encompass everything we are as helping professionals bio statement. If you’re hoping to learn more about the diverse group of people behind the Therapy Collective, you’ve come to the right place. This post is the fourth in a series of interviews with Therapy Collective clinicians and coaches about their backgrounds, passions, and clinical interests.

By Carley Foster, LCPC

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Tara Barber, LGPC, specializes in helping clients improve their lives in multiple domains including mind-body connection, environment, relationships, self-compassion, spirit and soul, daily rhythm and balance. Her approach is person-centered, action-oriented, and solution-focused. Tara has online therapy availability for Maryland residents as of Fall 2023.

How would you describe the type of therapy you practice and how is it unique?

In my counseling practice, I address health and wellness concerns using a holistic, person-centered approach. I provide psychotherapy with an action-oriented, solution-focused coaching approach woven in. I meet clients where they are and offer an empathic, nonjudgmental space where authentic and meaningful discovery and change can unfold.

What got you interested in learning and offering the work you do? 

I was inspired by my work as a health coach for a large academic medical center. I supported patients in managing chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease through lifestyle changes. It was extremely rewarding to help patients achieve a healthier weight, find more daily rhythm and balance in their routines, improve relationships with both themselves and others, and cultivate more compassion toward themselves and others. Because I approach this work with a counselor’s lens, many patients told me that, throughout our time together, they felt truly heard and seen. I steer away from giving advice or specific recommendations, and instead work to guide the client to find their own unique solutions. Giving a person this kind of autonomy to make their own choices can be powerful, and watching the insights emerge is some of the most fulfilling work.

What has your training process looked like? 

My training has been a journey which began while earning a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Central Florida in 2008. At this point, I was introduced to the model of the Wellness Wheel, which emphasizes a holistic approach to address common concerns. This approach emphasizes treatment of the whole person, considering mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of an illness or diagnosis. I decided to take up further training to learn how to help clients improve their lives using this wellness model. This is what led me to pursue training as a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, which is a 14-20 month undertaking. Currently, I’m a trainee enrolled in The Vanderbilt University Medical Center Osher Center for Integrative Medicine’s certification program. Here I’m undertaking over 100 training hours in wellness coaching, emotional health, mindfulness, and behavior change.

Are there any trainings you found particularly interesting or helpful?

 Yes! I’ve received training in positive psychology where I learned the value of tapping into a person’s unique strengths. There are two prominent researchers in the field of positive psychology by the names of Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman. Over the course of several years studying cultures from all over the world, they identified 24 universal character strengths. Each person has a unique set of signature strengths, and when utilized they contribute to the “the good life” for both the individual and for others in their lives. Many individuals have between three and seven signature strengths, In my work with clients, I prioritize exploring these individual strengths because research in positive psychology shows us that using signature strengths increases happiness and decreases stress and depression for up to six months.

What do you enjoy most about what you offer or the work you do? 

I love creating a connection with clients that feels affirming to them. In addition, one of my most favorite parts of this work is helping clients to develop compassionate self-awareness.

One of my mentors beautifully described compassionate self-awareness as “how much we can see what’s going on within our own selves,” meaning within our bodies, our emotions, and our thoughts. The extra layer on top of that is learning to be kind and nonjudgmental with ourselves about the things we see.

 In your experience, who is a good fit for your practice? Who is not? 

I specialize in providing counseling services to individuals ages 21 to 101 who are motivated to work toward developing habits that improve mental, emotional and physical health and wellbeing. Those seeking to live a more conscious and intentional life are also a good fit for my practice.

I work from a model called the Wheel of Health. Below is a wonderful picture of what the Wheel of Health looks like. If someone is looking to explore making changes in one or more of these domains, then they are a great fit!

What can clients who work with you expect to learn or experience? 

Foremost, clients can expect to feel heard, seen, and supported with whatever challenges they may be facing. This is all done by me offering an empathic and nonjudgmental space throughout their sessions. I steer away from giving advice or specific recommendations, unless, of course, the client asks me directly. Instead, I work to guide the client to find their own unique solutions. Every client is different. I work to create a trusting therapeutic relationship that is affirming and supportive. Through this therapeutic relationship, clients can feel empowered to experiment with their own solutions. This allows clients to tap into their own ability to grow and make changes in a way that is personal and meaningful to them. It’s really a beautiful process to watch unfold, and for many it can be quite powerful.

Also, it’s important to know that clients who work with me are encouraged to make small and meaningful changes. Often times, when setting out to reach goals like committing to a meditation practice or eating healthier meals, it can be challenging to know where and how to begin. I guide and support the client in breaking this larger goal down into small, meaningful action steps. And then provide a lot of acknowledgements of successes with a focus on learning. One of my favorite questions to ask clients after they’ve tried a new behavior for a couple of weeks is “What did you learn from the experience?” From there, we can explore what worked and what didn’t work. And I work to create a compassionate space for clients where they can feel comfortable exploring what didn’t work for them while also acknowledging successes and strengths.

Any other information that would be helpful or important for readers to know? 

Often our society promotes a “bigger is better” type of mentality. However, with any personal change process, especially when it comes to making meaningful changes, smaller steps are key. I support my clients with unconditional empathy, encouragement, and warmth to guide them through those small, but meaningful steps toward better wellness and health.

You can make an appointment with Tara through our appointment request form.

You can learn more about Tara by visiting her bio page.