Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherri LaBarbera.
Hi Sherri, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was a principal in Mesquite and lost my job due to terrible choices with alcohol. I was also about to lose my marriage, and my son had recently gone through a bike accident where he faceplanted into the side of a wall, breaking his nose and knocking his front teeth completely out of his mouth. I now call it “the perfect storm” because God was using every bit of this horribleness for good, I just couldn’t see it yet. After I lost my job, I knew I could not go on like this so I spent 30 days in rehab and through a total God-driven series of events, started attending a faith based 12-step program called re:generation at Watermark Church in Dallas. This is where I started my journey towards TRUE recovery and the desire to help other people with recovery. Garland ISD gave me a chance, and I was an instructional specialist at Routh Roach Elementary. I started going to Amberton University to earn a master’s degree as a Licensed Professional Counselor, and God took me on an interesting pathway which included another run-in with the law, becoming a school counselor, and then directing the recovery ministry at my church called Journey Groups (5 campuses and one online campus,) before I was able to complete my dream of becoming a LPC and now owning a practice. I also have over 10 years of freedom from alcohol and my family is still together (as of today 🙂 woohoo!! BUT GOD!! BUT GOD!!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Um… Not sure anyone these days has a smooth road but… There has been a few challenges for sure!
Several obstacles… one just having to tell every potential employer about my DWI(s), such a shameful experience. Also, feeling like that always kept me out of the running for the job/career I wanted and had worked for for over 20 years.
My family had been hurt by my drinking over and over, it is a wonder they have all stayed with me over the years. I have the same husband I started out with 37+ years ago, and he is definitely my rock, my best friend, my lover, but also my biggest aggravator at times. We are both fairly head strong people so “co-existing” in the same house can be challenging at times. Anyone that has been married over ten years understands that statement. Also, he is neat, I am not… there is probably not enough room here to talk about all the ways we are different, but I could not imagine life without him. He makes me laugh constantly. I also do couples’ counseling so that is kind of a little joke between us – that I work with couples to improve their marriages after the rollercoaster we have experienced. I have often said that staying married is the most difficult but MOST FULFILLING thing a person ever does in life! I am also working on my Gottman Therapy certification which is a highly specialized training that I use quite often when couples are seeking help.
Also, I have two children who are amazing, but they are nine years apart so they both have come with their separate set of challenges for me as their mother. My daughter is an extremely high achiever, having been #3 in her class and having a business degree from UT and a physical therapist doctorate from TWU. She started her own practice in Argyle a few years ago, but God had different plans; however, because He blessed us with 3 precious boys (under the age of SIX) so she currently stays home, and is raising them, and helps her husband run his business of MTS Transit Sandblasting in beautiful Valley View, Texas.
My son has a business degree from Central Baptist in Conway, Arkansas and specializes in golf & helps run a landscaping company. He was blessed with a little girl that resides in Arkansas but comes monthly, and “Gigi” has the privilege of watching her while both he works. His girlfriend, Jolie, has blessed me with two “bonus” grandchildren and with them our total is SIX! Holy moly!! Sometimes I have to pinch myself! OOPS – I was supposed to be describing obstacles and challenges, and lookie there – it turned into blessings. 🙂 But seriously, I would say the biggest challenge as it pertains to my son was learning how to “Let Them” as the new saying goes, because I have been told “it’s time to cut the apron strings” a few times in the past… Maybe… hmmmmm (depends on who you ask…)
We’ve been impressed with Fear Not Counseling, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor that has started my own practice in Mesquite, Texas. I believe that often our fears stop us from trying the things that we want to do in our lives because we allow other peoples’ opinions to influence whether or not we are willing to try things because we don’t want to look stupid. We put WAY too much stock in that instead of what GOD thinks of us!
I work hard to provide counseling to EVERYONE that wants counseling. I do not take insurance, but if someone comes to me that wants to use their insurance, I will do my best to match them up with a counselor who takes their insurance. Also, since I do not take insurance, I keep my rates lower and allow people to pay me out if they need to do that. I will sometimes take the hit financially because I truly believe that counseling and talking things through is so beneficial to people and their health.
I have access to knowledge and information that some people don’t because of leading the recovery ministry at Community Life Church for three years. David Griffin was honestly the one that gave me my start in this area, and I am very thankful to c|Life for allowing me the privilege of directing Journey Groups. There are so many programs out there that are free or very inexpensive like GriefShare, DivorceCare, re|engage, or re:generation that allows people to work through their struggles without paying a bunch of money. The key is knowing about them and THEN USING THEM!
I am starting to venture into the speaking world. I hate to even use the word “influencer,” but I strictly mean in my field of counseling or speaking about JESUS! That is the way I want to influence people is to POINT THEM TO JESUS! He is truly the difference maker in our lives!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love Mesquite! I know that people talk about it going downhill, but just like everywhere else, it has good and bad parts. I feel safe on my street because several of our neighbors have lived here for years now. The school district strives to stay current, and the atmosphere still holds that small town feel to it. I believe that there is still a LOT of GOOD going on in Mesquite, and I believe there is a lot of HOPE to improve the city and make things better! I do worry about some of the areas being overrun with crime, but I also think that whole attitude “Oh, it is just terrible!” is like a sickness – it is contagious and sometimes people just say it and don’t know what they are talking about!!
Pricing:
- 90 Individual Counseling
- 100 Couples Counseling
- Speaking – pricing is negotiable but expenses need to be covered
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fearnotcounseling.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherrilabarbera/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574695606288
- Other: sherri@fearnotcounseling.com.mx
