Barbara holds a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education. She is a resident therapist at Resource Guidance Services where she is completing requirements for state licensure. Barbara is a certified "Prepare and Enrich Administrator". She  works with married couples, young and middle-aged adults, and adolescents. She enjoys assisting clients to discern the connections between their current life challenges and issues stemming from family and previous relationship experiences. In addition she helps clients identify and utilize specific solution focus techniques to achieve their desired goals. Barbara is also interested in learning more about the therapeutic benefits of animals in clinical settings.  

Barbara  Ambrose

MA,  LCSW

Barbara spent over twenty years in the business sector before embarking upon her current career path. “When I started graduate school I had been working at SunTrust Bank, formerly Crestar, in the treasury management division. As a product manager I worked on numerous projects including the development and implementation of new products, and was closely involved in several mergers. While much of my work was very rewarding, I was drawn to the impact working in corporate America had on my colleagues. Working in a fast paced and ever changing environment takes its toll on the emotional and relationship functioning of individuals and their families. I realized that I was called to a career that centered on this aspect of my interests. I feel that the demands of everyday life often pull individuals away from their spiritual grounding and pursued a graduate program that incorporated both traditional mental health practice and spiritual development.”

Barbara's cat, Skimble Shanks Ambrose, is an occasional visitor to the Richmond office,  where he has demonstrated an ability to interact with both children and adults.

Skimble’s gifts include a “presence” that suggests a safe and caring environment and a loud and steady purr that he employs when he senses an individual is in need of comfort. His career goal is to become a certified pet partner with the Delta Society, so that he can expand his clinical work.