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Hi there, my name is Barbara Morden, and I'm a licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT 46181). I have been licensed for many years, and I embrace an eclectic approach to therapy, with a focus on what one of my mentors called "the walking wounded." I focus on helping my clients make their lives work better for them, whether they are functioning at a high level or just barely functioning. Let me tell you a little bit more about myself.
My approach
Right out of college, I focused mainly on cognitive behavioral therapy. However, I have always felt it is important to have unconditional positive regard for clients and to utilize whatever works best for each person. Talk therapy and insight can be very useful for some people. However, focusing on changing rather than understanding the blocks in our lives can sometimes be more fruitful. A modality that focuses on this proposition is dialectical behavior therapy, which is an approach I also utilize and have applied in my own life.
My focus
Having been both a client and a practitioner, I understand the importance of providing a safe, supportive, and warm counseling environment. I have worked with mostly adults over the years but have also seen some couples and teenagers for therapy. I feel very comfortable working on depression, anxiety, anger, self-esteem, communication, parenting (15 years experience as a family court counselor), and other relationship problems. I have some experience working with other cultures in group settings and love to learn from my clients about their cultural norms and beliefs.
My communication style
I have been told by quite a few people that I have a very calming presence. I strive to make clients feel accepted and understood. I ask for clarification to make sure I am on the right track, and I welcome client feedback and suggestions. My desire is to provide you with a good experience. However, I also believe it is important to challenge people at times, even if it is uncomfortable because this can lead to insight and growth.
My journey to mental healthcare
And speaking of journeys, let me provide a little bit of information about my own. I am a mother of three grown children, whom I love very much. My family of origin was very dysfunctional, and I carried a lot of this dysfunction into the family unit I helped to create. I also had to deal with a painful tragedy in my twenties, which first led me to therapy. Long story short, therapy changed my life, and it changed the trajectory of my children's lives. I and my family were given so much through participation in counseling that I feel I must give back. I want to be a part of making the world a happier and better place.
My goals for you
Establishing goals in therapy helps people to see what they want to accomplish and where they are in terms of achieving their goals. Discussing possible strategies and desired outcomes with clients is imperative to this process. I believe that assigning homework, so clients can take what they are learning or what they have gained insight about into their everyday lives, is invaluable. Taking action is one of the most important parts of making life work better. That said, I am also sensitive to the fact that taking action may feel quite uncomfortable to some people; I encourage my clients to let me know when they don't feel ready.
My first session with you
By necessity, there is a bit of housekeeping during the first counseling session. It is important to go over the information supplied by you through your insurance company and to be sure you understand confidentiality and other aspects of the client/therapist relationship. I also like to get to know you a little and understand what has brought you to this process and what you would like to achieve. I hope each client will feel comfortable asking questions and adding anything that seems important to the conversation, as this is a collaborative journey!
