FSU Alumna Prioritizes Well-Being Through Therapy and Self-Guided Resources
Stephanie Barca’s journey to a career in social work took many twists and turns. After graduating with an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, she continued her education by earning a law degree. She went on to practice law for thirteen years in a variety of areas, including criminal defense.
It wasn’t until her youngest child was diagnosed with autism that she was introduced to a variety of therapies and modalities to help her son grow and develop. “I was introduced to the world of music therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and applied behavioral analysis,” she recalled. “I gravitated toward learning the techniques and the aspects of child development. It was exciting and empowering.”
As this interest in therapeutic methodology and resources increased, a social worker friend suggested that she pursue a Master of Social Work degree. “She was right,” affirmed Stephanie. “Social work practice has allowed me to serve people more holistically, looking beyond immediate problems to the larger picture.”
With two young sons and a full-time job in law, Stephanie was seeking a flexible program that would fit into her busy life. Her research attracted her to the College of Social Work’s Online MSW Program at Florida State.
“FSU had the longest-running Online MSW Program and an asynchronous format,” she reminisced. “The classes were well organized and engaging. I learned so much from my professors and classmates. The weekend workshops, which also allowed me to meet everyone in person, were a highlight. The campus is lovely, and the social work program clearly attracts thoughtful, committed people.”
After earning her MSW, Stephanie worked as a social services therapist for HCA Healthcare and subsequently earned her licensure. She now works at Switchback Counseling Services in Nashville, Tennessee, as a therapist enthusiastically sharing a broad range of resources with her clients.
“I like looking at books, therapies, and other practices as tools in a wellbeing toolbox,” she explained. “Just like you wouldn’t expect a single tool to fix every problem in your home, you can’t expect one approach to meet every need, so having a variety of ideas allows you to be adaptable.”
Stephanie published her first book, Speaking Words Over Baby: A Book of Affirmations, in 2022, offering affirmation statements for caregivers and parents to share with their babies. She published her next book in 2025, A is for Accept Help: An Alphabet for New Parents, inspired by her youngest son’s passionate love of the alphabet.
“I’d be surprised if there’s an ABC book from the past eight years I haven’t read. And as most parents experience, you read these kinds of books over and over,” she jokes. “I wanted to encourage parents to take care of themselves, and it became a playful book written in a genre they’ll be reading for the foreseeable future.”
While already working on another book with Switchback Counseling, Stephanie continues to grow her own library. She has even found great book recommendations through her clients, including one of her favorite books, 4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals.
Stephanie also frequently emphasizes the importance of utilizing books and other resources to encourage clients' own progress between sessions. “Books are a great tool for well-being,” she enthused. ”Books require a focus and intention that quick videos do not, and a good book can give a client a greater understanding in a still relatively short period of time.”
“You need to keep the skills you learn sharp. In my practice, I’ve found that progress flows more easily when reinforced with books and techniques outside of the therapeutic space,” she enthused.