In 1998, Barbara accepted the first client family to engage in the developing family strengthening protocol.  A trademark application was filed.  And a workshop for professionals entitled, The Patchwork Family Concept, was presented at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina.   In 1997 and 1998, Barbara wrote numerous articles on family dynamics and mental health issues for area publications.

History continued in 1998 with a move to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where the Patchwork Family Counseling Office was opened.  Publications development began in 1999, including revised business cards, a professional brochure, a poster of The Patchwork Family Blessing, a book titled Your Mistress: Emerging from        Codependency.  Barbara presented a three hour workshop on The Patchwork Family Concept at the South Mississippi Regional Child Abuse Conference.   Our first website at www.patchworkfamily.com was created.

In 2000, The Patchwork Family Journal was published.  Barbara and her daughter, Melissa, presented a three hour workshop, The Patchwork Family Concept, at the American Counseling Association World Conference in Washington, DC.  An exhibit booth (staffed by daughters, Melissa and Angie Carnal) presented our early products to thousands of counseling professionals.  Later in the same year, Barbara presented The Patchwork Family Concept and product exhibits at the National Wellness Association 25th Annual Conference, WSAV Feel-Better Expo at Savannah (GA) Mall (including a 60 second commercial on the local NBC affiliate), and the Kentucky Counseling Association State Conference.  Barbara wrote articles for publication regarding her family strengthening concept and other parenting and mental health issues.

In 2001, Barbara spoke at the South Carolina Counseling Association State Conference, and the American Association of Christian Counselors Regional Conference at Baltimore, and exhibited at the Hilton Head Island Chamber of Commerce Business Expo.  In December 2001, Barbara accepted the position of Executive Director of a four county Rape Crisis Center which later merged with a children's advocacy center to become Hope Cottage of the Lowcountry, Inc.

Barbara continued nonprofit management in 2002.  In the summer, she was invited to return as a "favorite speaker" to present The Patchwork Family Concept at the 10th annual South Mississippi Regional Child Abuse Conference.  With a strong desire to return to private practice, Barbara left the nonprofit world in 2003, establishing The Patchwork Family office in Beaufort County, South Carolina.  Studies in positive psychology and life-coaching added to Barbara's expertise in work with family strengthening.  Counseling and life-coaching were offered, and Barbara continued to write for numerous publications to bring her work to the public.  Barbara also continued to maintain a busy speaking schedule  (as a professional member of the National Speakers Association), presenting wellness topics with a special focus on family dynamics.

In 2004, counseling and life-coaching clients continued to learn about family strengthening.  The Patchwork Family program was the topic of many presentations.  A regular column appeared in the City Sun publication and several major writing projects began.   This revised website was created at the end of 2004. 

In 2005 and 2006, Barbara worked with Communication Resources, Inc., a Christian Publishing Company.  They purchased our Multi-Generational Family Enrichment Curriculum which was published as a CD/DVD set under the title, Family Connections. 

In early 2007, Barbara moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, to live close to her son and family.  She officially retired from in-person counseling, but that hasn't slowed her down.  Her latest manuscript is close to publication for a book which will be available to individuals and families looking for positive guidelines to keep the family from falling apart.  Barbara's book will be welcomed as a positive message for all families.  More news SOON.

Be sure to watch for "history in the making" as The Patchwork Family(R) continues to grow by leaps and bounds!

Thanks for your interest in The Patchwork Family(R) History.

Please be sure to fill in the form at Contact Us.

And watch for monthly newsletters in 2005 on this website!

Barbara@patchworkfamily.com