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Barbara Thomas

Barbara Thomas

LMSW, LISW

Ohio

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Calm, practical support for anxiety and panic

  • Experienced social worker
  • Practical coping skills
  • Supportive and direct

About Barbara

Barbara Thomas is a licensed social worker with 33 years of practice in Ohio and Michigan. She helps people who are dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, and relationship struggles. She also supports those coping with grief, loss, concentration and memory concerns, attention difficulties, and panic-related problems.

She creates a calm, nonjudgmental space where people can talk through their thoughts and feelings. Sessions focus on practical steps people can use between meetings. The tone is supportive and direct, aimed at helping people make changes that matter in everyday life.

Barbara draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address worry, panic, and low mood. She works with clients to identify patterns that keep problems going and to try new coping skills. The approach balances understanding what happened with clear, doable strategies for now.

Her experience includes many years helping people manage stressful life events such as divorce, caregiving burden, addiction concerns, and end-of-life issues. She also helps with social anxiety, feelings of isolation, guilt, and questions about life purpose and self-worth.

Barbara speaks English and practices as an LMSW and LISW. She emphasizes collaboration - clients set goals and the work adjusts to their needs. To begin, prospective clients complete a short questionnaire and schedule sessions based on availability.

Approaches that focus on symptoms and skills

Barbara uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that combine understanding problems with practical skill building. One common approach is skills-focused work that teaches breathing, grounding, and step-by-step coping methods to reduce panic and intense anxiety. These techniques help people learn what to do in the moment and how to practice calming skills over time.

Another useful approach she employs is problem-focused work that looks at patterns in daily life and relationships. This helps identify triggers for stress or panic and creates small, realistic changes to reduce those triggers and improve communication and routine.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. She will discuss options, listen to a client's goals, and adjust methods as needed. The plan evolves with progress and feedback so it fits each person’s needs and preferences.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the current session formats before booking. Many clients find remote sessions help fit therapy into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Talk with her when you schedule to learn which session formats are offered and which setup will best support your goals.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionADHD

Additional focus areas

Experience

33+ years

Listed in

Ohio, Michigan

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does Barbara address?

She helps people with stress, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, relationship concerns, grief, attention and concentration issues, and related life struggles.

What is her style of therapy like?

Her style is supportive and straightforward. She combines listening with practical steps clients can use between sessions.

How long has she been practicing?

She has 33 years of professional experience working in Ohio and Michigan.

What credentials does she hold and where does she practice?

She holds the LMSW and LISW credentials and practices in Ohio.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are session costs handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I start working with her?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Whenever you are ready

Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp, in your own time.

Continue with Barbara

Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Chest pain, trouble breathing or new physical symptoms should be checked by a doctor. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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