Barbara is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience supporting adults and adolescents experiencing a range of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, stress, grief and loss, and major life transitions. She has worked across a variety of mental health settings and brings a warm, practical, and collaborative approach to therapy.
I have a strong interest and experience in working with trauma, including complex trauma and the long-term effects of childhood experiences. I have undertaken further training in EMDR and use this approach to support clients in processing and recovering from distressing or overwhelming life events. I also support individuals experiencing specific traumas, including birth-related trauma, and those navigating the emotional impacts of significant life changes. At GLOW, I also work with individuals navigating life transitions such as the transition to parenting, and support clients experiencing postnatal anxiety and depression. I understand that this period can bring both joy and significant emotional challenges, and I aim to provide a supportive and non-judgmental space to explore these experiences.
My focus is on creating a safe space where you can talk openly about what is happening in your life and work toward meaningful, achievable steps that support improved wellbeing. I take a client-centred and recovery-focused approach, drawing on evidence-based therapies including Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based approaches, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
I also have a strong interest in supporting people navigating migration and cross-cultural experiences, and I enjoy working with individuals and families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. I speak Polish fluently, which can be helpful for clients who feel more comfortable communicating in their first language.
I work with adults and offer both in-clinic and telehealth appointments.
The areas Barbara can help with include:
• Depression
• Mood and anxiety concerns
• Stress and burnout
• Trauma and PTSD, including complex and childhood trauma
• Birth-related trauma
• Postnatal anxiety and depression
• Grief and loss
• Workplace stress
• Self-esteem difficulties
• Life transitions, including transition to parenting
• Suicide prevention and emotional distress
• Cross-cultural and migration experiences
I believe therapy works best when people feel safe, understood, and supported. My aim is to work alongside you to make sense of what you’re going through and develop practical strategies that help you move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
Joining GLOW is a natural fit for me because I value holistic, compassionate, and family-focused mental health care. I am passionate about supporting women and families during the perinatal period, which can be both deeply meaningful and emotionally overwhelming. GLOW’s emphasis on early intervention, emotional wellbeing, and collaborative care aligns closely with my own therapeutic approach and values.
Outside of work, I find balance in nature. Whether it’s walking my dogs, sharing time with friends, or getting lost in a good book, I value the small things that help me reset.
Appointments with Barbara are eligible for a Medicare rebate with a referral from a GP or Psychiatrist.
