Barbara Thomas, LMSW, LISW

Barbara Thomas is a licensed social worker with 33 years of professional experience, licensed in both Ohio and Michigan. She holds the credentials LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) and LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker), reflecting extensive training and years of clinical practice. Throughout her career she has supported people facing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, grief and loss, depression, and difficulties with concentration and focus.

Barbara works with clients to build practical strategies for managing everyday pressures as well as deeper emotional pain. Her approach emphasizes listening without judgment and creating an open space where thoughts and feelings can be shared honestly. She also has experience addressing issues related to caregiving, communication breakdowns, separation and divorce, addiction concerns, and feelings of guilt, shame, or isolation.

Recognizing that seeking help takes courage, Barbara aims to empower clients to make meaningful changes and pursue a more fulfilling life. She collaborates with each person to identify priorities, strengthen coping skills, and set achievable goals for recovery and growth. Her practice is grounded in evidence-based techniques tailored to the client’s situation and preferences.

Evidence-Based Techniques and Accessible Online Care

Barbara Thomas employs evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical skills and emotional processing. She uses skills-based coping strategies to help people manage stress and anxiety, teaching breathing, grounding, and problem-solving methods that can reduce overwhelm and improve daily functioning. She also works with grief-focused approaches that guide clients through adapting to loss, exploring meaning, and developing rituals or routines that support healing. Additionally, she offers support for concentration and focus challenges by introducing organizational strategies and attention-strengthening exercises to improve daily performance and memory.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Barbara partners with each client to determine which techniques fit their needs, goals, and preferences. This collaborative exploration allows adjustments over time so therapy remains aligned with what matters most to the client.

Online therapy with Barbara is available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to access care from home or work, accommodate busy routines, and maintain continuity of support when in-person visits are not feasible.