Profile / United States
Astra Barkley, LPC, LCMHC
Alabama
Licensed counselor - anxiety and parenting
See online therapy options- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Client-centered methods
- Goal focused planning
About Astra
Astra Barkley is an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) and LCMHC (Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor) with 12 years of clinical experience working in Alabama. She focuses on stress, anxiety, parenting concerns, self-esteem, depression, ADHD, addictions, LGBT issues, relationships, family concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes. She conducts sessions in English and accepts international clients.
Barkley uses a mix of practical methods to help people notice patterns and try different responses. She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and on client-centered techniques to listen and reflect what matters to each person. Motivational Interviewing and solution-focused ideas are used to set concrete goals and break problems into manageable steps.
Her work history includes nonprofit programs, schools, state agencies, and private practice. That background includes foster and adoptive case work and supporting children with special needs. She has provided mental health counseling in the private sector for more than eight years and also works in higher education as an adjunct instructor.
She is enrolled in a doctoral program in counselor education and supervision and has experience training foster and adoptive parents in parenting partnerships and safety-focused approaches. That training experience informs how she explains strategies and practical steps in sessions.
In sessions she aims to create clear, actionable plans. People can expect problem-focused conversations, homework ideas to try between meetings, and periodic check-ins on goals. She notes multicultural concerns as an additional focus and helps clients consider cultural context when setting goals.
How her therapeutic approaches work for online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what matters to the client. It helps people clarify their values and make decisions by talking through options and reactions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets specific thoughts and behaviors with practical exercises and short experiments to test new ways of thinking and acting. Motivational Interviewing concentrates on resolving mixed feelings and strengthening motivation to change, often used when someone is weighing next steps.Finding the right approach is part of the work. She will review goals, try approaches that fit the issue, and adjust methods based on what helps. This is a collaborative process where the therapist and client agree on steps and measure progress together.
The biography does not list which online session formats are offered, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life - for example shorter check-ins during a lunch break, or sessions that remove travel time. Remote sessions also let people use the same therapist when they relocate or travel internationally. Ask about the specific formats and scheduling details when arranging the first appointment.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
Alabama, New Hampshire
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, parenting, self-esteem, depression, ADHD, addictions, LGBT issues, relationships, family concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes.
How does she use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
CBT is used to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and to try alternative responses. Sessions often include concrete strategies and homework to practice new skills between meetings.
What is her professional background?
She has 12 years of clinical experience across nonprofits, schools, state agencies, and private practice, plus more than eight years in private mental health counseling.
What credentials and region are listed?
She holds LPC and LCMHC credentials and practices in Alabama as stated.
Which languages are supported and can she work internationally?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.