Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Ferri.
Hi Barbara, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My professional journey to becoming a mental health therapist began when I started working with children and families in education, outreach and public mental health. This was super interesting work for me because I hadn’t realized how much mental health stigma was holding people back from accessing therapy and other supports which was driving them to use unhealthy coping mechanisms like drugs, alcohol, and toxic relationships. I continued in the field of mental health, child protection, and education until I decided to go rogue and start my own private therapy practice. After 20 years in public service, I had finally burned out and wanted to do work that I felt passionate about again. I’ve always been a creative and driven person and my zest was being dulled down by agency work. So here I am, growing a private practice that incorporates the elements I think are most helpful in helping people overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, and improve relationships.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I can honestly say that it’s been a fairly smooth road, so far. I prepared to start my private practice before leaving my full-time employment. I was slow to leave, but then something rather upsetting happened, and I finally said “no more” and went on to have a full-time private practice. It was a difficult decision to walk away from the reliable paycheck and benefits package to manage all aspects of my life, independently. Thankfully, social workers are very resourceful people so I’ve been able to figure most things out by utilizing resources like friends in private practice, webinars, the National Association of Social Workers, and the Small Business Association. My community has been so incredibly supportive!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Solum Life Therapy (SLT) provides mental health therapy via teletherapy and nature-based sessions in San Diego, California. As a therapist with SLT, I specialize in relationship issues, childhood trauma, depression and anxiety, sexual assault, and post-traumatic stress disorder. I work with adults and teenagers and I have a particular interest in working with women of color.
What sets SLT apart from other private practices in San Diego is that I offer nature-based therapy with walk and talk sessions in the various natural settings of San Diego. This is a new concept in therapy that brings together movement and talk therapy. This can be especially helpful for people who have a hard time sitting still or in an office across from a therapist, people who have a desire to connect with nature, and to help support those who have a hard time getting outside on their own. I believe everyone can benefit from reconnecting with nature, and for those who want to do that during therapy, they really love it.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
One of my favorite parts about my journey as an entrepreneur is the time I get to spend on my own professional and personal development. There are so many quality resources out there for absolutely FREE!
I love my 5-minute journal as a daily practice. I use it after a meditation with Calm daily meditation on YouTube. I push myself to have 30 minutes of movement everyday because it greatly improves my mental state. I use the FitOn or Peloton apps to guide my exercise, and I have favorite trainers that motivate me. While I do my breakfast routine, I listen to podcasts. Some of my favorites are Latina to Latina, Notice That, NPR Life Kit, Nature Podcast, Wild Ideas Worth Living, Small Things Often, Outside Podcast, and two for pure entertainment value are Scam Goddess and Nosy Neighbors.
Books…I wish I could say I was a big reader, but reading tends to put me to sleep. I like to listen to books on Audible so I can keep moving and stay awake. Some books I like are Getting the Love you Want, Maybe you Should Talk to Someone, Women Who Love Too Much, Braiding Sweetgrass, and The Four Agreements.
My biggest and most important resource is absolutely free and accessible to almost everyone, nature. I have an amazing therapy dog in training that gets me outdoors daily. We both love every corner of Balboa Park, and we make special trips to the Cleveland National Forest on the weekends to explore in the woods. By far, the best medicine for me.
Contact Info:
- Email: barbaraferri.lcsw@gmail.com
- Website: www.solumlifetherapy.com
- Instagram: Solumlifetherapy
- Facebook: Solum Life Therapy with Barbara
