WITHIN YOU THERE IS A STILLNESS AND A SANCTUARY TO WHICH YOU CAN RETREAT AT ANY TIME.

 

– Hermann Hesse

You are not alone in the process of finding that stillness…

 

We all hold the capacity within us to heal and if we can dwell in the stillness long enough we will see just how to do so. Sometimes there are parts within us that interrupt our ability to connect to the quiet within. Other times we may be out of practice or feel overwhelmed by our current circumstances and unable to get quiet. And still there may be others who have never had the beautiful encounter with the stillness they hold.

The challenges we face in life and the manifestations of mental unwellness are not signs of pathology but rather a reflection of our humanness.

 

Returning to a sense of wellbeing, healing our wounds, and regaining connection to the stillness begins with listening, leaning in, and bearing witness to those parts of us that are struggling. In this process I am metaphorically holding the light for you, as you use both hands to do the work, courageously journeying within to support and honor those parts of you.

barbara_headshot_2 (cropped2)

ABOUT ME

Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, NCC, CFRC

 

Hello! I’m Barbara Wall and I am so glad that you are here. I imagine you arrived here because a part of you is curious, or interested, or maybe searching. I can appreciate that, as I have those parts too. Gathering information is a critical step when choosing a therapist and it is so important to find a therapist who is a good fit. Let me share more about myself to aid you in your search.

I am a New York-based, Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has been in the field for over a decade. When I began working in this field I provided mental health services to at-risk youth and their families in school-based settings. I soon moved on to community mental health, continuing to provide individual and family services, but working with a broader range of clients, ages 5-85. I have had the fortunate opportunity to provide services to many first responders, active military, veterans, and their families. My experience includes working with clients who survived acute and complex trauma, including early attachment wounds and childhood abuse or emotional neglect. In addition, I’ve worked with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, relational issues, existential issues, and life-stage transitions. I am formally trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS Level 1) and have trained in other modalities such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral, Flash Technique, and Cognitive Processing Therapy. I also use experiential and expressive modalities when possible. My training also includes cultural competency certificates in serving first responders and military personnel and their families.

Regardless of the tools that I am using, I am always holding an Internal Family Systems perspective. Viewing humanity through this lens has made a powerfully positive impact on both my clients and myself personally. I do not just offer this method to others but practice this approach myself on a regular basis as I believe strongly in this model and know that I cannot take clients to places where I am not willing to go myself.


When a person realizes he has been deeply heard, his eyes moisten. I think in some real sense he is weeping for joy. It is as though he were saying, ‘Thank God, Somebody heard me. Someone knows what it’s like to be me’.

 

– Carl Rogers

MY APPROACH

 

I utilize a person-centered, non-pathological approach to therapy. IFS is my preferred modality as it views the struggles of humankind, as just that, struggles and not pathology. It also honors the healer inside of each of us, believing that each person not only has the capacity to heal but has a Self that is designed to do just that. In my approach, IFS is used as a road map and we journey together to the destinations you identify. You will do some hard, challenging, and courageous work but you will not do it alone; I will honor all your parts and hold a steady light for you as you journey through.

For anyone who has chosen to invite me into their life in a therapeutic capacity and for those who will make that decision in the future, I want it to be known that I hold that as an absolute honor. It is a beautiful privilege to walk alongside someone, for however long we so graciously have, to hear their story, honor their truth, and witness them showing up for themselves in healing and heroic ways.


SERVICES

 

• Currently offering individual sessions for adults.
• In-person and virtual session offered
• Click here to schedule a free 15 minute consultation

CONTACT ME

 

Office located in Saratoga Springs, NY

(518) 306-4500
barbara@holdingthelightcounseling.com

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If you are in immediate need of help call 988