About Me
Welcome! My name is Lisa Barnes. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner. I am thrilled to have started my private practice in 2020. I have 18 years of experience in the mental health field. I have 7 years experience working in an inpatient psychiatric rehabilitation program with individuals struggling with a wide variety of diagnoses including severe and persistent mental illness. I have spent the last 11 years working as a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Grand Island. I have developed a passion for treating clients who have experienced trauma. I have specialized training and experience in providing a variety of evidence based treatments (Prolong Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy).
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My desire is to help individuals move beyond their pain and suffering and enable them to live a meaningful life. My focus is to help guide my clients through the process of healing with the use of acceptance, mindfulness, values clarification, and a loving and compassionate stance.
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My business name is Fall Forward. As Denzel Washington said, "Fall forward; Sometimes, it's the best way to figure out where you're going. Never be discouraged, never hold back, give everything you got, and when you fall throughout life remember this: FALL FORWARD."
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Specializing in the treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Mood Disorders and
Relationship Struggles
Anxiety
Do you find it impossible to relax? Do you feel restless? Do you experience tension in your body, pressure in your chest? Do you experience excessive worrying about everyday things? Will your mind not shut off? Do you cancel plans because you feel nervous or anxious? Do you experience intense fear of being judged by others? Do you experience panic attacks?
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Evidence based treatment methods, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can significantly reduce or eliminate symptoms of anxiety. Make an appointment today. You can overcome anxiety!
Mood Disorders
Mood disorders are extended periods of depressed, euphoric(intense or excessive happiness) irritable moods that in combination with other symptoms cause the person significant distress and interfere with daily life. Mood disorders include Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorders.
If you feel you are in a constant state of moodiness and it is interfering with your relationships and quality of life I encourage you to seek counseling.
Depression
Major depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. Everyone experiences an occasional blue mood or situational sadness; depression is a more pervasive experience of repetitive negative thoughts, bleak outlook, hopelessness, and lack of energy. Depression can interfere with concentration, memory, motivation, sleep and appetite.
Depression is NOT a personal sign of weakness. People with depression can't just will themselves to feel happy or "pull themselves together". Even in the most severe cases, depression is highly treatable. Let's get started!
Relationships
We all know that relationships are not easy. They are challenging, take a lot of work, at times draining, at times enjoyable and we can lose ourselves in the process. I want to help you improve your relationships and keep your self identity and self-respect. It is possible to have healthy relationships and a healthy you!
Trauma
What is trauma? Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, sexual or physical assault, natural disaster and combat. Immediately after the event, shock and denial are typical. Common reactions to trauma include feeling hopeless about the future, feeling detached or unconcerned about others, feeling numb, feeling angry or irritable, blaming yourself, troubles concentrating or making decisions, feeling on guard and constantly alert, distrust of others, having disturbing dreams and memories or flashbacks.
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Working through trauma can be painful and scary AND rewarding and freeing. I'm here to help you heal and find yourself again!
Adolescent Therapy
As a mother of three children (2 teens, 1 preteen), I'm all too aware of the societal pressures our children encounter every day. I observe their challenges of navigating family, academics, extra-curricular activities and social life. Adolescents are also going through many developmental changes (physical, intellectual, personality and social development). Therapy can provide a confidential, safe and nonjudgmental place for teens to express their struggles and concerns. I will also help them learn healthy coping skills and strategies to navigate life challenges and their own emotional reactions.