About Barbra

2019...

Most of us are encouraged to "Follow Our Passion!"

What did I do?  "I Followed My Misery!"

I traveled that road of agony, pain, and despair that comes with the experience of estrangement. 

One day, I turned to my business...social media...and typed "estrangement" in the Facebook search bar. I was shocked and horrified to discover multitudes of pages and groups on the subject with thousands of people in them!

WHAT WAS GOING ON?

I investigated these groups and read heart-breaking, heart-wrenching, stories filled with anguish, grief, suffering, shame, and torment.

Next I discovered  “When Parents Hurt” by Dr. Joshua Coleman. Brilliant!

I checked out Dr. Coleman on Facebook...officially my happiest day, because his page was not up to date. 

After an email, a zoom, and a proposal, my new life began.

It's been my joy and unique privilege to have worked closely with Josh for over three years, to be trained in his philosophy, and certified as a Coach for Estranged Parents / Grandparents.

It isn’t easy to unlearn deeply engrained habits and shift to healthier and wiser ways of thinking.. 

It isn’t easy to trade judging for observing, or change words from “you should” to "I feel." It isn’t easy to take a deep breath... instead of reacting when provoked, or not giving in to blaming and explaining.

So I immersed myself in deep, personal work and study.

I established myself by offering foundational presentations on topics like radical acceptance, emotional regulation, boundaries, self-compassion, non-violent communication, perspective, and validation. I completed a six month program on somatics, and studied the workings of our nervous system and brain. 

How fortunate for those who grew up with healthy role-modeling in key areas like coping mechanisms, boundaries, emotional regulation, a values system, and good communication!

"We cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the the wind. But now we can take personal responsibility and action to to become who we wish."  For me, inner harmony and wholeness was my first step toward reconciliation. 

My mission:  

"To reclaim our self-esteem, dignity, and self-respect, and learn essential skills and tools to enable us to more wisely navigate the circumstances of our life."

My services include speaking, coaching, and topical presentations.

WATCH MY "DEEP DIVE INTO THE FIVE MOST COMMON MISTAKES OF ESTRANGED PARENTS / GRANDPARENTS" HERE.

A LITTLE MORE ~

My past professional experience includes principal of a private elementary school, director of two international English language institutes, Human Resource Manager, owner of an independent, boutique staffing company, and social media solopreneur (speaker, trainer, private instruction, and account management).  I have a degree in education, a Core Coaching certificate in Positive Psychology from San Francisco State University, and participate continually in ongoing personal development programs.

I am proud to collaborate with Yasmin Kerkez, founder of "Family Support Resources," whose mission is supporting every member of the family struggling with a variety of fractured relationships.

I live in Los Gatos, California, and have 3 daughters and seven precious grandchildren.