Information and inspiration related to mental health and relationships from an experienced, licensed
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I empower couples and individuals to overcome personal obstacles to improve their relationships because I have a happy marriage that has been a great comfort to me. Using clinically tested and evidenced-based interventions, I have worked with over 150 couples since 2008 in my private practice. I am a regular guest of the Health, Wealth and Wisdom radio show on 1250 WNHZ where I discuss various rel
ationship and s*xual topics, and have presented to local counseling professionals on how to address their clients' s*xual issues. I am a licensed mental health counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist and certified s*x therapist, as well as a qualified counselor supervisor in the state of FL. I have a doctorate degree in Counselor Education and Supervision, a masters degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, and a certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy, all from the University of South Florida. Because research shows that unhealthy relationships can cause both emotional and physical stress, whereas healthy relationships can enhance and improve overall well-being, I offer relationship counseling, s*x therapy and individual counseling for anxiety, depression and relationship issues. I am proud to announce that I have just been offered the position of Visiting Professor in the Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling department.
23/07/2024
I have a cozy 10x10 interior office available immediately in the Carrollwood area of Tampa. Conveniently located in a professional medical arts building located behind some nice retail shops and restaurants. The building is professionally managed and recently renovated. Two of the 3 offices are filled; we’d love to have a third colleague in the mental health or other allied field. Rent is $475 a month and includes all utilities. The space is unfurnished. No long term commitment required. For further information, including photos please visit https://counselorbarb.com/office-space-for-rent/ or call Barb at 813-404-9215.
CARROLLWOOD AREA Available Immediately 14499 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Ste. 164 (Grand Plaza) Tampa, FL 33618 Building Exterior Atruim My suite of 3 offices is located within the beautiful Grand Office Pl…
03/05/2024
Here's the final post on dating a narcissist.
In the previous two posts, I outlined the first two stages of how the narcissist hooks their victim. In this post, I will describe the addictive process they create to keep the victim coming back f…
26/04/2024
Here is the second of my three-part blog on how a narcissist behaves while dating.
Last week I wrote about the narcissist sets up the initial dynamics. This week I will describe the second stage. Second stage: love and/or s*x bombing. Now that the victim is attracted to their lik…
19/04/2024
Latest blog on narcissism:
In this 3-part series, I will explain in detail the dynamics of how a narcissist shows up in a romantic relationship. Taylor Swift had it wrong in her song “Don’t Blame Me.” Love isn’t supposed to …
10/04/2024
I love this. People who have anxiety need to know that there’s a plan, and they need to feel understood.
When someone is struggling with anxiety, advice like "get it together" may only make things worse. Try supportive statements like these instead.
10/04/2024
Ran across this article this morning and was thinking this could be useful for people who have to deal with narcissists or others that are overly dramatic and/or have personality disorders.
Find out what grey rocking is, and how you can use it to disengage from toxic people and relationships.
28/03/2024
Excellent article on Narcissim and how it can impact relationships. It can make you feel crazy because the narcissistic partner's actions don't match their words, and because the narcissistic partner will dismiss, gaslight and ignore your feelings/concerns because they imply criticism.
I’m always telling my clients this! They did the best they could at the time with the knowledge and skills that they had.
Somebody needed this today. ❤️
beginwithyes.com
17/02/2023
Giving yourself negative messages? You may have low self esteem and not realize it. Need more help? Book an appointment with me, Dr. Barb LoFrisco LMHC LMFT at counselorbarb.fullslate.com
3. Celebrate small wins.
08/02/2023
This term is constantly misused, and the result can be hurt feelings and misunderstandings.
I hear the term “gaslighting” constantly and like many other terms (“narcissism”, anyone?) it’s used incorrectly. To gaslight someone is to intentionally make them que…
How To Best Share Your Story Jan/Feb 2023 Your monthly news & updates How To Make The Most of Your Time in Counseling Visit our Website Not sure how to answer a counselor's question? Almost everything
07/02/2023
Most of the couples I see say some version of, "I wish we had come sooner." People wait an average of 6 years too long for couples therapy! The more you delay, the harder it is to fix the problem because resentment starts creeping in.
Are you ready? Book here: counselorbarb.fullslate.com
There are telltale signs that signal you and your partner could benefit from couples counseling.
20/01/2023
Are you a conversational narcissist? I think most of us have been at some point. Insightful article on how to recognize it, and what the effects can be
The author of We Need to Talk reveals how she learned to help -- and not help -- a friend with loss.
13/01/2023
Watch the first 15 minutes of this video to find out why using Better Help may not be such a great idea.
How To Best Share Your Story Jan/Feb 2023 Your monthly news & updates How To Make The Most of Your Time in Counseling Visit our Website Not sure how to answer a counselor's question? Almost everything
11/01/2023
Considering Better Help? Listen to the first 15 minutes or so of this video first.
Some of the issues:
1. Privacy- they will mine your data
2. They do not vet their therapists- are they licensed? Do they behave ethically & professionally? Who knows
3. There is no standard for termination- so potentially a therapist could simply just stop showing up. Completely unethical.
4. Is it really cheaper than traditional therapy? Maybe not
5. They are not up front about their terms and conditions, and actually some of them directly conflict with what is advertised
To me, they appear to be a money making machine that exploits people that need mental health care.
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In 2004 I woke up and realized my life wasn’t heading where I wanted it to go. The majority of my waking hours was spent creating software that seemed to annoy people and I was thinking there had to be more to life than that. What I really wanted to do was help people, not irritate them. What I wanted to be was a mental health counselor, not a software programmer.
So I quit my high-paying software job and went back to graduate school full-time and started practicing in 2007. Right about that time, I realized I loved working with couples so I went back and got a certificate in marriage and family therapy. A few years later I finished my internship and became licensed as both a mental health counselor and a marriage and family therapist. Then, I realized couples talk about s*x a lot so I went back for more education, completing the 120 hours required to become a s*x therapist. But I still wasn’t done. I got a scholarship and went back for a doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision.
What have I learned from this journey? I learned strong intimate relationships are the fabric of our society. I learned many things can interfere: anxiety, depression, self-esteem, toxic parents, personality differences and s*xual issues. I learned to balance addressing individual issues with addressing couples issues. This is why I often do a mix of individual therapy with couples therapy.
I’m also a bit of a ham and I love being interviewed on the radio. When Evan Gold had his Health, Wealth and Wisdom radio show, we had many interesting on-air chats about relationships and intimacy. I’ve done a few other spots here and there, but none were as fun or interesting as working with Evan... yet. I’ve also done presentations on stress management, communication and time management for working professionals, as well as counseling-related topics such as s*x therapy for other therapists. I think I just love talking to people.
But my first love is counseling. So, if you are having a personal or relationship issue, take a look at my website (http://www.counselorbarb.com) or call for more information (813-404-9215). I may be able to help!
