About Us

Rhonda Barnard is a Licensed Professional Counselor and co-founder of Empathic Embrace, where she is committed to helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion, clarity, and confidence. With several years of experience supporting at-risk youth and families, Rhonda brings both clinical expertise and real-world understanding to the therapeutic process.

Rhonda earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Georgia Southern University and is a member of the American Counseling Association. She has worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds, addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, grief and loss, self-esteem, and life transitions.

Her approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, strength, and empowerment. Rhonda creates a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard and understood, while also being encouraged to grow and move forward. She utilizes a strengths-based, person-centered approach, helping clients build on their existing skills while developing new tools for lasting change.

Rhonda incorporates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing, tailoring each session to meet the unique needs and goals of the individual. She believes that meaningful progress happens when clients feel both supported and empowered to take an active role in their healing journey.

In addition to her work in private practice, Rhonda has extensive experience in community mental health, advocating for youth and families navigating complex systems of care. She is passionate about helping others overcome adversity and build fulfilling, balanced lives.

Outside of her professional work, Rhonda enjoys traveling, exploring new experiences, and spending time with her family as a proud wife and mother.

Sabrina Donatto is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Supervisor (LCSW-S) and co-founder of Empathic Embrace, where she is dedicated to providing high-quality clinical counseling and therapeutic interventions to individuals who are ready to embark on a journey of healing, reclaim their narrative, and develop the tools necessary for lasting emotional wellness.

Throughout her decade of experience, Sabrina has supported a wide range of communities, including homeless populations, families with children with disabilities, and individuals involved with Child Protective Services (CPS). She has further extended her clinical reach to families in school settings, Adult Protective Services (APS), and those navigating the complexities of domestic violence. Driven by a passion for serving others, Sabrina strives to empower her clients to share their stories and achieve their personal goals.

Sabrina earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Baylor University and her Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) from the University of Texas at Arlington. Her clinical approach is deeply rooted in Psychodynamic Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), allowing her to help clients explore the underlying patterns of their behavior while developing practical, mindfulness-based skills for emotional regulation.

As a Texas state board-certified clinical supervisor, Sabrina also provides professional mentorship to Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) working toward their clinical licensure. She is a certified trainer in Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM), Restorative Practices, AS+K and Youth Mental Health First Aid, ensuring her practice is informed by the latest in crisis support and advocacy.

Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys creative crafting, spending time with her husband, daughters, and family, and living by the mantra: “You didn’t come this far to only come this far”.