Wholeness Healing Center

Staff Introductions – Bobbi Barnes

Hello! My name is Bobbi Barnes (she/her/hers), and I’m currently a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner/Clinical Social Worker. I’m very excited and grateful to be a Wholeness Healing Center team member. It is truly an honor getting to join such an incredible agency that consists of such supportive team members.

As a therapist, I believe that mental health is a vital part of your life. I encourage individuals to practice self-care daily. I believe taking care of yourself and prioritizing your happiness is essential. I love listening and truly getting to know people. I enjoy building strong relationships and creating a comfortable and safe space. I want clients to feel comfortable being open and vulnerable because that can be very difficult. I love learning and continuing to broaden my knowledge. I continue to attend educational trainings. I want to continue to grow as a therapist and stay current with new techniques and skills to better serve clients. I enjoy working with clients of all ages. I have found a special interest in children and adolescents. I love observing clients grow and become more confident in themselves. Increasing your confidence and learning how to love yourself can be essential in growing as an individual.

I first attended Central Community College in Hastings and graduated with my associate degree in Human Services in 2018. During my associate degree, I completed two practicums. I first completed a practicum with Boys Town Central Nebraska. I helped adolescents complete homework, created appropriate goals and objectives with the clients, assisted clients with activities, etc. I also completed a practicum with South Central Behavioral Services in the Children Services Department and was hired afterward. I worked as support staff and Interim Resource Development Specialist. I assisted with writing home studies, helped individuals complete the process of becoming licensed foster parents, etc. I then attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney and graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2020. I completed my internship at CHI Health St. Francis during my bachelor’s degree and was hired after. I worked as a Medical Social Worker in the Care Management Department for just over two years. I assisted with discharge planning, setting up appropriate services for patients, and evaluated patients for mental health needs, substance abuse, etc. I then attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha and graduated with my master’s degree in Social Work in 2022. During my master’s degree, I completed the Abbott Sisters Internship Program (ASIP) at Wholeness Healing Center. I was given the opportunity to provide both in-person and telehealth sessions with clients. I saw children, adolescents, and adults. I worked closely with parents and other family members when appropriate.

I currently live in the country near Axtell, Nebraska. I see clients both in the Grand Island and Kearney offices. I’m also seeing clients via telehealth. I grew up in a small town near the Broken Bow area and have strong family ties in that area still. I really enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I frequently attend my siblings’ school sporting and extracurricular activities when I can. I love being outdoors and going for walks/runs.  also, enjoy staying indoors and relaxing while watching movies. I’m constantly working on myself and practicing self-care daily as well. I practice deep breathing, mindfulness, listening to music/podcasts, etc. I have also found the value of laughter and humor in life.