Barbara Labinger, LMFT
Stress, Anxiety
LGBT
Family conflicts
Depression
Video
Phone
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About me
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor based in California.
I relate to clients with a mix of compassionate listening and down-to-earth dialogue. My approach to therapy is eclectic, primarily what's called "client centered." My toolbox includes body awareness, mindfulness, and expressive arts. It's my belief that the relationship is the most important factor in successful therapy.
I’ve worked with a broad diversity of individuals, couples and families. I particularly resonate with people and/or relationships with a foot in two (or more) worlds. This includes, but is not limited to: first and second generation immigrants; cross-cultural couples; genders, sexualities, and/or relationships that fall outside common definitions; and major life transitions.
I also have a background in theatre, which has many lessons that can be applied to therapy:
-Communication depends on not just on the words said but what’s under them. Bodies speak. Historical context matters.
-We all can play multiple roles, with each other and with ourselves.
-We are all shaped by story, and we each have a rich and important story to tell
-It is always possible to change the script.
I look forward to hearing from you,
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Hakomi Institute of California Comprehensive Training levels 1 and 2, 2012-2013
Healing Shame-Lyon-Rubin Method
Certified practioner, Berkeley, 2016
Principles of Drama Therapy with Armand Volkas, Berkeley, ongoing
EDUCATION
MA Counseling Psychology California Institute of Integral Education, 2014
MFA Playwriting Yale School of Drama, 1999
BA in Theatre University of California, San Diego, 1995
Professional experience
7yrs in practice
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Avoidant Personality, BDSM, Kink, Alternative Sex Culture, Dependent Personality, Expats, Family of Origin Issues, Gender Dysphoria, Guilt and Shame, Isolation/Loneliness, Life Purpose, Mood Disorders, Multicultural Concerns, Obsessions, Compulsions, and OCD, Polyamory / Nonmonogamous Relationships, Prejudice and Discrimination, Social Anxiety and Phobia, Women's Issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Somatic Therapy
License information
CA LMFT 126934
Reviews
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Barbara Labinger. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Barbara is absolutely lovely. She is patient, kind, respectful, and thoughtful. She takes everything you say into careful consideration and truly just wants the best for you. I am always looking forward to my sessions with her!
Written on Oct 04, 2022 after therapy with Barbara for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Amazing therapist. Really helped me work through some things. Very attentive.
Written on Sep 28, 2022 after therapy with Barbara for 2 weeks on issues concerning lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes
She is caring and listens to me. I truly feel she understands and is patient with me.
Written on Sep 27, 2022 after therapy with Barbara for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
She is really good at listening and understanding me. She’s very nice. Best therapist I have ever had.
Written on Jun 07, 2022 after therapy with Barbara for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Kind, thoughtful and gives me several options for looking at my issues.
Written on May 30, 2022 after therapy with Barbara for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd