MANDY BARRETT, PHD, LPC, NCC, REGISTERED PLAY THERAPIST

APPROACH TO COUNSELING

As a therapist, I believe in the importance in providing a safe and nurturing environment that serves as a container for my clients and their emotions. I believe in the importance of meeting a client where they are and in turn tailoring my work as a therapist to fit the unique needs of my clients. I most frequently apply Client-Centered, Synergetic, and Adlerian theories to my work with clients to facilitate self-understanding. Client-centered therapy builds on the notion that, given the right conditions, all people are capable of being loving, creative, and knowledgeable. The therapeutic aim is to construct an environment, which allows a person to grow, consisting of unconditional positive regard, empathy, and congruence as well as stressing the here and now. Along with working with individuals, I am also passionate about helping parents/caregivers strengthen their relationships with children through the use of Positive Discipline training.

“It is the client who knows what hurts, what directions to go, what problems are crucial and what experiences have been deeply buried.” -Carl Rogers

MY EXPERIENCE

During my time as a counselor, I have gained experience providing clinical services to individuals, couples, parents, children, and groups. My experience comes from working in a community agency, college counseling centers, and an inpatient setting. I have helped clients with a variety of issues including, attention deficit and hyperactive behaviors, anger, anxiety, behavior difficulties, divorce, grief/bereavement, parenting concerns, and social issues. I also work as an adjunct instructor at the University of Holy Cross where I have taught undergraduate psychology courses and graduate courses in play therapy.

MY CREDENTIALS

I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master’s degree in Counselor Education and Supervision with an emphasis on Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University, and a Doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from The University of Holy Cross. I am a Texas Licensed Professional Counselor, a Registered Play Therapist and a Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator and a Certified synergetic play therapist. I previously served as a board member for both the Louisiana Association for Play Therapy and the C. G. Jung Society of New Orleans.

MY SPECIALTIES

Specific areas of expertise include: adjustment issues (divorce, death, moving, and siblings), anxiety, behavioral issues, depression, parent-child relationship building, parent education, and social skills development.

MY SERVICES

My services include Child Counseling (Play Therapy), Adolescent/teen therapy and Positive Discipline Parent Education. Please visit My Services to learn more.