Meet Madalena Nunes-Barbosa, LICSW
Discover the person behind Faith & Cultural Care Counseling, her journey, and her dedication to providing compassionate and culturally responsive therapy.
My journey to founding Faith & Cultural Care Counseling
I am Madalena Nunes-Barbosa, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and the founder of Faith & Cultural Care Counseling. I provide online therapy to clients throughout Massachusetts, focusing on young adults, college students, adults, and older adults navigating depression, anxiety, panic attacks, grief and loss, trauma-related concerns, stress, mood-related issues, emotional processing difficulties, and unhelpful behavioral patterns. My commitment extends particularly to immigrants and individuals managing cultural transitions and adjustments.
I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work from Simmons University and am a Certified Christian Counselor. My multilingual and multicultural background, including fluency in English, Portuguese, and Cape Verdean Creole, and semi-fluency in Spanish, underpins my dedication to offering culturally responsive and inclusive care.
A unique approach to client-centered therapy
My counseling style is rooted in psychotherapy that is client-centered, strength-based, and evidence-informed. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-focused interventions, and solution-focused strategies to address each client’s unique needs and goals effectively.
My multilingual capabilities in English, Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole, and Spanish enable me to connect deeply with a diverse clientele, fostering a truly culturally responsive environment. Faith integration is always optional; I welcome clients of all or no faith backgrounds. Christian spirituality is incorporated thoughtfully and respectfully into therapy only when requested and comfortable for you, offering Christian counseling that integrates values, prayer, or spiritual reflection in a non-coercive way.
Making a meaningful impact on your life
My deepest hope is to cultivate a space where all my clients feel genuinely seen, safe, and understood. This is particularly vital for those who navigate the complexities of being "in between" cultures, languages, or faith communities.
For immigrants and individuals with specific cultural or faith-based needs, my primary goals are to:
- Help you feel less isolated and less "wrong" for your thoughts, feelings, or coping mechanisms.
- Honor your cultural and spiritual values as sources of strength, not obstacles.
- Support you in processing experiences such as migration, loss, identity shifts, and family expectations within a compassionate, nonjudgmental setting.
- Reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and stress to make daily life more manageable and filled with hope.
- Strengthen your ability to regulate emotions, recognize patterns, and make choices aligned with your personal values.
- Empower you to cherish what matters most from your heritage and faith, while simultaneously building an authentic and meaningful life in the present.
Ultimately, I aim for clients to leave therapy feeling empowered, with a renewed sense of purpose and well-being.
"Madalena created a truly safe and understanding space for me to explore my challenges. Her ability to connect with my cultural background made all the difference."
A grateful client