Gabriela Barber, MS, LGMFT | Family Therapy Center of Bethesda

“To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone.”

– Reba McEntire

Gabriela Barber, MS, LGMFT

Clinical Degree/Training

University of Maryland, Couple and Family Therapy
Postpartum Support International’s Maternal Mental Health Certification
Certified Facilitator for Dr. Domar’s Mind/Body Infertility Program

Clinical Interests

As a therapist, I work with couples and families as they navigate various life transitions. This can include reorganization within the family system, through either a new marriage, a separation or divorce, birth of a new family member, the exploration of alternative family building options, or various other life events. I also work with individuals and couples who are experiencing primary or secondary infertility and individuals experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety. Click Here to learn more about my postpartum training.

Professional Background

While pursuing my Masters at the University of Maryland (UMD), I was privileged to be able to work primarily with couples and families. My clinical experience at UMD provided me with experiences working with a variety of presenting concerns, including divorce, co-parenting, communication issues, and premarital counseling (I am a certified PREPARE/ENRICH facilitator). Additionally, I was lucky to be able to spend one year working within Montgomery County Public Schools at a middle school providing therapy services to students. During my work in the school system, I primarily worked one on one with the students, however when necessary and possible, I would try to incorporate family sessions.

Through my clinical work and various volunteer positions that I have held, I have come to truly value the family system, therefore I believe that it is extremely important to incorporate those who are important members of my client’s lives into sessions whenever it is beneficial. My work within the school system also provided me with valuable experiences learning to coordinate with teachers, guidance counselors, and other school personnel when it came to helping the students that I was working with.

I am currently enrolled in the Maternal and Child Health doctoral program at UMD to continue to explore my research interests in regards to maternal and child health and family systems. My research focuses on the intersection between reproductive health/decisions and mental health, and I am a member of the Mental Health Professionals Group of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine.

My Therapy Style

We all reach various transition points in our lives where we are unsure of what decision to make. Our lives are constantly in flux, and we all sometimes need support to navigate all the changes that are constantly occurring. In therapy, I strive to create a safe space, where clients are able to explore their feelings and emotions. Whether this be through talking or other mediums, I seek to provide all clients with a way to express themselves, regardless of the situation or life circumstance that they find themselves in. I work to co-create with my clients what they would like to achieve through the course of therapy, and I aim to create a collaborative relationship with my clients where there is a reciprocal exchange of ideas and conversation. I believe that my clients know themselves and their relationships best, and I strive to be a guide with them on their journey to achieve their goals. In my work, I strive to use a growth-oriented approach, utilizing various therapeutic models, such as play therapy, CBT, and Structural Family Therapy.

A Little Bit About Me Outside of the Therapy Room

As a doctoral student at UMD, when I’m not doing therapy there is a good chance I’m on campus attending classes, conducting research, or working as a teacher assistant for undergraduate students. In my free time, I like to spend it curled up with a book or out on the water. Growing up in Florida, the beach has always been one of my favorite places, and I try to spend as much time as possible outside at the pool or on the coast.

Contact Information

Email: gabriela@familytherapyllc.com
Phone: (240) 242-7121