Barbara Petsel

Barbara Petsel MS, LPC, FT, RN  is nationally board certified in nursing, counseling and thanatology (grief and end of life issues). Her background includes having spoken the Texas Counseling Association Growth Conference, National Alliance for Grieving Children Conference, Southern Methodist University, University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Woman's University, Rotary Clubs, and church groups, etc. Her facilitation style includes her unique style of interweaving stories, humor, compassion, and expressive art to make the experience dynamic and insightful. She has facilitated many groups, including: grief support, cancer survivor support,  survivors of suicide, loss of child grief support, loss of spouse,  parenting groups, graduate students,  terminal illness support, and eldercare support groups. Additionally she gives workshops regarding Communicating with Various Personalities, Understanding Yourself, and other presentations related to communication and relationships. 

Currently she works as aTsychotherapist (with her individual practice), as well as a Professional Speaker and Workshop Presenter.. She thoroughly enjoys supproting her clients with personal exploration and growth, as well as companioning them during challenging times. 

In the past, she served as Program Director of Journey of Hope Grief Support Center,(a nonprofit for grieving children, teens and their families). She has worked with children and teen groups, as well as many adult groups.  Additionally, she has done international volunteer work.

Faith, belief in resiliency, loce of listening to personal stories, and her ability to laugh at herself give her fertile ground for working with others.  She considers it a privilege and honor to companion and support people in their difficult transitions and be allowed into their sacred space. 

Qualifications:

Nationally Licensed in Counseling (NCC), Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S), Fellow in Thanatology (FT) , Licensed as Registered Nurse (RN) 

Masters of Counseling from Texas Woman's University,  BS in Communication from University of North Texas,  Grief and Death Certificate from Colorado St University, awarded "Fellow" in Thanatology by ADEC (Assoc. of Death Ed. and Counseling), and RN from Methodist School of Nursing. Also Certified Daring Way™ Faciliator Candidate

Memberships: National Speakers Association, American Counseling Association, Association for Creativity in Mental Health, National Speakers Association, Association for Death Education and Counseling, National Alliance for Grieving Children, Texas Counseling Association, and  Toastmasters International