Barry Yeiser joined the Babb Center staff in September 2019, bringing with him over 24 years of mental health counseling experience including 16 years in private practice.
He is a solution-focused therapist providing individual, couples, and family counseling. Barry specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, addiction & recovery, marriage, parenting, family issues, grief & loss, as well as conflict resolution.
Barry and his wife were married in 1999. During his free time, Barry enjoys spending time with his family, including their two black labs, Mojo and Memphis. He is an avid music fan and loves the outdoors.
It’s great to have Barry on our counseling team!
Where did you go to school?
Undergraduate at Western Kentucky University. Graduate work at the University of Louisville.
Which team(s) do you cheer for?
Being from Kentucky, we cheer for Kentucky colleges: WKU, U of L, UK. Pro teams we are Tennessee strong: Titans, Preds, and our NBA down in Memphis—the Grizzlies!
What is a fond childhood memory for you?
Constantly being outdoors with my parents
Where is a unique place you have lived?
I’ve not lived anywhere that most would consider unique. I’ve been fortunate to have been born and raised in Western Kentucky, and to raise my family in the Nashville, Tennessee area while still being a short drive from parents, grandparents, and extended family.
What is a favorite childhood memory of yours?
Honestly, just having the opportunity to get on a bike or a skateboard and meet up with friends to explore the neighborhood and extended areas, and “just be a kid!” With the most recent situation of COVID -19 it has been awesome to see my boys do the same thing rather than rushing to the next practice or work-out.
What is something about you that very few people know?
I have an adopted manatee named Whiskers, who lives in south Florida. He was a Father’s Day gift from my wonderful wife, and we have been supporting him ever since. It is my understanding that he is doing well!
What is a quote you think about often?
It is in the form of song lyrics: “You can spend your life alone redigesting past regrets, or you can come to terms and realize you are the only one who can forgive yourself” -Eddie Vedder / Mike McCready. It makes more sense to live in the present tense.
Is there a part of counseling that stands out as special for you?
Every time I have a male, female, husband, or wife, come in thinking that counseling is a huge waste of time but within 15 minutes they relax and open up about what’s going on with them or in their marriage. I feel so blessed to be a part of that journey!
What is one thing you like to say to someone?
“Are you acting out of fear or are you acting out of love?”
What is one truth from the Bible you want to share with others?
Matthew 7:1-2 which says:“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged.”
What practical knowledge did you gain during your training as a therapist?
In grad school I was influenced by narrative therapy. Everyone has a story made up of different chapters that are especially important. Every person has the ability to determine when each chapter ends and a new one begins!