About
Barbara L. Sawatis, LPC
I am a licensed professional counselor with 18 years’ experience as a therapist working with children, teens, adults, couples and families from diverse backgrounds and cultures, including the LGBTQ population, and people with physical and intellectual disabilities.
Over the years, I have had opportunities to meet and work with some remarkable people from a wide range of backgrounds with a wide range of experiences. What they all have in common, though, is a desire to be well. I believe that everyone is deserving of respect regardless of their challenges. I look for the “healthy strivings” in each person’s experience. I assume that all behavior, for better or worse, is driven by a desire to avoid suffering. We just need help learning how to do that in a healthy and effective manner.
Howard L. Sawatis, LPC
Howard is an LPC (Licensed Professional Cat) and an integral part of the treatment experience. Since COVID-19, it has become necessary to provide services remotely. Since Barb has been working from home, Howard saw an opportunity to help. He supervises sessions and pops in to offer encouragement and views of his furry back side. He is an 12 year old, 20 pound grey tabby who is spoiled and has completely forgotten his roots as a feral kitten, rescued from inside a wall of an abandoned house in Mt. Oliver. Howard believes in the healing power of animals.
“The ideal of calm exists in a sitting cat.” –Jules Renard
