- Years in practice
- 25
- Credentials
- LISW-CP
- Licensed in
- South Carolina
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Stress, Anxiety
- Focus
- Parenting issues
- Focus
- Self esteem
About Barbara
Barbara Austin is a licensed independent social worker (LISW-CP) practicing in South Carolina. She brings 25 years of counseling experience to sessions and focuses on concerns like stress, anxiety, parenting, depression, grief, trauma and relationship struggles. She speaks English and approaches each person with respect for their story and how they make meaning of life.
Her style is calm and reflective. She listens first to understand how you manage day-to-day life.
Background and approach
Then she gently offers new ways to look at old patterns and small experiments to test fresh responses. Barbara uses several practical approaches in conversation and goal-setting. She draws on attachment ideas to explore how early relationships shape current bonds.
She also uses cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thoughts and try alternative behaviors. Narrative and existential perspectives help people reframe life events and connect to personal meaning. Sessions are collaborative and paced to what feels safe.
Parents often work on communication, boundaries, self-care, and coping with life changes such as postpartum shifts or major transitions. People struggling with shame, guilt, codependency, or family of origin issues can use sessions to untangle repeating patterns. Barbara aims to help people build on existing strengths.
She supports clients as they try small changes, notice what helps, and adjust plans over time. The work is practical, conversational, and focused on what matters to each person.
What Barbara works with
Everything Barbara lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Barbara helps people with.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Parenting issues
- Self esteem
- Coping with life changes
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Depression
- Codependency
- Communication problems
- Family of origin issues
- Guilt and shame
- Life purpose
- Postpartum depression
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Self-love
- Women's issues
Approaches Barbara lists
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Existential Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
Approaches that guide online sessions
Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships shape how people relate now. In online sessions this can help parents and others notice patterns in closeness, trust, and responses to stress. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, acceptance, and meeting you where you are; it supports people who need space to tell their story and find their own solutions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify unhelpful thoughts and test new behaviors, useful for anxiety, low mood, and everyday parenting stresses.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with you about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. Together you will try methods and adjust the plan based on what actually helps you meet your goals.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video calls let you have face-to-face conversation when schedules allow. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or you prefer not to be on camera. Live chat and text messaging offer quick check-ins and flexible ways to process between longer sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy or changing days.
Questions people ask about Barbara
What issues does Barbara address in sessions?
She supports concerns such as stress, anxiety, parenting, depression, grief, trauma and relationship or intimacy-related issues, plus topics like postpartum depression and women's issues.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is listening-first and collaborative. She reflects on your story, offers new perspectives, and helps you try practical changes.
How much experience does she bring?
She has 25 years of professional counseling experience and has worked with a range of life and relationship concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she licensed?
She holds the LISW-CP credential and is licensed to practice in South Carolina.
Can sessions be conducted in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English. She is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available for online work?
She meets via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.
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