Barbara Austin
Experienced therapist guiding practical change
LISW-CP South Carolina
- Experience
- 25 years in practice
- Focus areas
- Stress, Anxiety, Parenting, Self esteem
- Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment-Based Therapy
- Languages
- English
About Barbara
Barbara Austin is a licensed social worker (LISW-CP) practicing in South Carolina who brings 25 years of counseling experience to her work.
Background and approach
She focuses on concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, parenting, relationship and intimacy issues, trauma and abuse, grief, and LGBT-related matters, along with related areas like codependency, communication problems, family of origin issues, guilt and shame, and postpartum and pregnancy-related concerns. Her approach centers on understanding each person’s story and exploring new perspectives to help shift distressing patterns.
Barbara uses a collaborative stance that emphasizes the client’s strengths and preferences. She combines evidence-informed methods including cognitive behavioral techniques with attachment-informed and client-centered ways of working, helping clients identify unhelpful thoughts, reconnect with meaningful relationships, and clarify values and life purpose.
Her aim is to support clients in reshaping experiences, building healthier responses to challenges, and fostering greater self-compassion and resilience. Clients can expect a thoughtful, respectful companion on the process of change who encourages exploration and practical steps toward a more fulfilling life.
Barbara invites people ready to examine possibilities and take courageous steps toward well-being to begin that work together.
Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care and Growth
Barbara integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Attachment-Based Therapy when working online, using each approach to address different aspects of a client's experience. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy involves identifying and testing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, offering practical strategies that can reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms and improve day-to-day coping. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on patterns in close relationships, helping clients understand how early bonds influence current intimacy, trust, and relational responses.Choosing the right approach happens together in session. The therapist views treatment as a collaborative exploration - assessing needs, goals, and preferences to determine whether cognitive techniques, attachment work, or a combination best fits the client’s situation. This shared process allows adjustments over time as goals evolve.
Online formats such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging provide flexibility to fit therapy into busy lives and make it more accessible across distances. These options let clients engage in reflective conversations, practice new coping strategies between sessions, and maintain continuity of care while balancing other commitments.
Frequently asked questions
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Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Licensed
South Carolina
Languages
English