Barbara Ritchie

I have worked in a variety of settings over my 25 years of practice. These experiences have prepared me to treat a wide variety of issues. My first work experience was in an adolescent treatment center and with children in foster care. I have worked as a psychotherapist treating individuals and families. I have worked closely with the Psychiatry staff and school staff treating children and adolescents with a team approach. I also worked as a school counselor where I became aware of the stresses and issues for both children and educators in the school system. Other experiences of note include volunteering for a battered woman s shelter and a child abuse prevention unit. All of these experiences have helped me develop excellent skills. As a counselor, my philosophy is to help clients improve their lives and relationships always treating them with respect and nonjudgmental understanding. I am culturally sensitive and have worked with people of all faiths. I have experience counseling LGBT clients. I use an eclectic approach based on the needs of the client or family. I feel that treatment is most effective when the whole family is involved to help support the client in implementing their skills whenever possible.