- 46 years experience
- Senior transition focus
- Collaborative approach
About Barbara
Barbara Pettibone, LCSW, CSW, helps people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, loss, relationship trouble, or big life changes. She has worked in mental health for decades and brings steady support to conversations about anxiety, grief, and intimacy-related concerns. She also addresses issues like parenting strain, career stress, and identity concerns for LGBT individuals.
Barbara has practiced for 46 years in both inpatient psychiatric hospitals and outpatient settings. She has particular experience with seniors and the transitions that come with aging, such as changes in health and evolving relationships. That background informs how she approaches grief, caregiving stress, and chronic illness challenges.
Her style is straightforward and warm. She believes the client is the boss and works collaboratively to define problems and set goals. Sessions are conversational and practical, with an emphasis on what helps each person feel better in daily life.
Barbara uses a range of approaches rather than a single method. She draws on attachment-based ideas, client-centered listening, cognitive behavioral techniques, dialectical behavior tools, and emotionally-focused work when they fit the situation. She describes this as using "whatever works" to meet each person where they are.
People who choose Barbara can expect honest feedback, calm presence, and practical strategies alongside time to process feelings. She invites prospective clients to begin by matching through the Start Therapy questionnaire and scheduling according to availability.
Barbara has practiced for 46 years in both inpatient psychiatric hospitals and outpatient settings. She has particular experience with seniors and the transitions that come with aging, such as changes in health and evolving relationships. That background informs how she approaches grief, caregiving stress, and chronic illness challenges.
Her style is straightforward and warm. She believes the client is the boss and works collaboratively to define problems and set goals. Sessions are conversational and practical, with an emphasis on what helps each person feel better in daily life.
Barbara uses a range of approaches rather than a single method. She draws on attachment-based ideas, client-centered listening, cognitive behavioral techniques, dialectical behavior tools, and emotionally-focused work when they fit the situation. She describes this as using "whatever works" to meet each person where they are.
People who choose Barbara can expect honest feedback, calm presence, and practical strategies alongside time to process feelings. She invites prospective clients to begin by matching through the Start Therapy questionnaire and scheduling according to availability.
How attachment, client-centered, and CBT work online
Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early relationships shape current bonds. Online sessions can help people notice patterns in trust, closeness, and fear of abandonment and practice new ways of connecting in everyday life.Client-Centered Therapy centers on listening and reflection. The therapist follows the client's lead, offering empathy and honest feedback to help clarify goals and options for change.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going. Online work can include short homework, behavior experiments, and learning tools to manage anxiety, mood swings, and stress.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Barbara will help clients decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. The process is collaborative and may combine elements from different approaches as needed.
The biography does not list session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make sessions easier to fit into a busy life, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. It can also let people use phone or lower-bandwidth options when that better fits their routine. Talk with the therapist during the matching step to plan how sessions will fit into daily life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoaching
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy
Experience
46+ years
Credentials
Colorado
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Barbara address?
She works with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, trauma and related issues like intimacy concerns, parenting stress, career challenges, and identity questions for LGBT people.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her approach is warm and straightforward. She collaborates with clients, sets clear goals, and uses practical strategies alongside time for reflection.
How long has she worked in mental health?
Barbara has 46 years of experience, including time in inpatient psychiatric hospitals and outpatient settings.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
She is listed as LCSW, CSW and practices in Colorado.
In which languages can sessions be held?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The biography does not specify formats; please confirm the current session options before booking.
How does cost and billing work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the continue button on this profile, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.