About Kathy

People and behavior have fascinated Kathy since she was a child.

As a young adult she was naturally drawn into the field of behavioral health, studying psychology, child & family development, and clinical social work. Kathy received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Kansas and has obtained 800+ hours of professional, post-graduate education from institutes across the country. Kathy's compassion for others and her desire to help people help themselves has led to a rich professional career spanning three decades. Her professional background includes inpatient & outpatient psychiatry, Employee Assistance counseling, management consultation, and school counseling. Prior to moving to Charlotte in 2002, Kathy maintained a private counseling practice in Kansas City for nine years. In 2003 she joined the counseling team at Charlotte Latin School, working with children, parents and faculty. In 2010 Kathy began seeing clients in private practice again and now operates Kathy Barr Counseling and Consulting, PLLC, full time in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Kathy's passion is to help others find joy and balance in their lives. Her broad knowledge base and clinical expertise allow her to tailor a treatment plan that best fits the needs of her clients, respectfully taking into account their level of motivation, the acuity of the situation, and the availability of various resources. Kathy's professional know-how, sense of humor, and genuine caring spirit also make her a sought-after speaker, trainer, and consultant to parent groups, churches, schools and businesses.

A curious researcher and lifetime learner, Kathy immerses herself in professional reading and continuing education. Her studies have included family systems, childhood development and disorders, chronic mental health issues, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapies, stress management, gender identity and sexuality development, neuropsychology and brain development, natural health, contemplative thought, executive functions of the brain, meditation/yoga, behavior modification, humanistic therapies, character development, relational aggression, and cultural competency.

Kathy's other passions include leisure reading, music, cooking, gardening, quiet beaches, traveling, long-distance trekking, and, of course, her family - she and her husband of more than 40 years have two adult children. The pictures on this website are from Kathy's trips to South Carolina beaches, the beautiful valleys in Western Massachusetts, and the Rocky Mountains.