About Dr. Donna LaBarge
Professional Interests:
In the most basic terms, Dr. LaBarge's professional interests are in the areas of health, identity, and personal growth. Within these areas she has specific experience working with clients on the topics of disordered eating/eating disorders, substance use, self-harm, sexual health, sexuality/sexual orientation, body image, trauma recovery, depression, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, and self-improvement. Dr. LaBarge has clinical experience working with adolescents, young adults/college students, and adults in individual, group, and couples therapy.
Approach to Therapy:
Dr. LaBarge's approach is integrative and tailored to the client’s needs. Therapy is conducted from a humanistic perspective, which values the relationship formed between client and counselor by working collaboratively in session. Techniques from various psychological theories are utilized in session to attend to the client’s current distress and foster awareness on how certain behaviors that were once adaptive may no longer benefit the client. The intention is to decrease distress, foster awareness, and encourage personal growth towards more mindful, healthful living.
Education:
Donna LaBarge has received a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from the University of Florida and Masters and Doctorate degrees in Counseling Psychology from Southern Illinois University. She has worked clinically at three university counseling centers, an inpatient eating disorder treatment facility, and with several community based agencies. Dr. LaBarge is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and has been an independent practitioner in downtown Gainesville since 2015.
Dr. LaBarge believes education and training are important to continue throughout her career. She continues training in evidence-based treatments in order to provide effective and specialized services. She is currently working with a Cognitive Processing Therapy consultation group to ensure her level of adherence and competence to providing effective therapy for trauma recovery. Dr. LaBarge has received specialized training in Cognitive Processing Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Intuitive Eating. These specialist skills have facilitated clinical expertise in the treatment of trauma, eating disorders, personality disorders, impulse control issues, and substance use issues.
Other Interests:
Dr. LaBarge enjoys teaching, especially Enneagram workshops and a graduate-level course she created titled Gender and Sexuality in Public Health. She also provides professional consultations for bridging the gap between patients and their healthcare providers.
Dr. LaBarge is a member of the Florida Psychological Association as well as many divisions of the American Psychological Association. Beyond professional activities she is thrilled to live in Gainesville and attend Gator sporting and arts events on campus and in the community.
Approach to Wellness: Dr. LaBarge is mindful to create a healthy work-life balance. She spends her time outside the office traveling, enjoying nature, and engaging in the community. She finds the most enjoyment in painting, hosting game nights, and attending musical events.
Photo: A road in Léon France repaired with heart tiles. Photograph taken by Dr. LaBarge.