Barb Elgin, MSW, LCSW (AKA ‘Coach Sappho’), is an internationally acclaimed communications, dating and relationship expert, author and speaker who specializes in serving lesbian women. A licensed clinical social worker and Certified Singles Coach, with over 20 years of professional experience, Barb is grateful she has been able to positively impact the lives of thousands of clients in over 47 states and 16 countries. Barb founded Coach Sappho in 2001, and was one of the first 'out' lesbian coaches.
Barb earned a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Towson University. Barb is committed to continuing to grow her skills, business acumen and professionalism by taking hundreds of hours of continuing education and earning advanced certifications. Examples include:
receiving post-LCSW supervision and training in Ericksonian and Solution-Focused Psychotherapeutic Methods
completing matchmaking training and becoming a member in good standing with Matchmaking Pro, The Professional Matchmakers Association
personal, corporate and business coach training with Coachville
ongoing continuing education in coaching, therapy and social work across a broad spectrum of client needs, such as grief and bereavement, aging and mental health, domestic violence, career and workplace issues, leadership, etc.
Ms. Elgin recently served on the Board of the Maryland Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. In addition, she is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, The Executive Circle of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber's Women's Business Initiative and The Founder's Circle, Echelon Magazine.
Barb says...
For those of you who want to know more about me…
I’ve been a ‘student in the arts and sciences of love’, personally and professionally, my entire life.I’m a forty eight year old lesbian woman who is currently single.However, I’ve spent most of my adulthood in two, long-term love relationships.Professionally, I’ve spent over 20 years serving the GLBT community in a number of roles, such as clinical social worker/psychotherapist, dating and relationship coach, activist, speaker, author and media personality.
I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but you can bet I’ll always have an opinion or, a recommendation.More importantly though, I see my primary role as supporting you in doing more of what works for you, considering what we know about you and about love that lasts.Research and theory are helpful, but they only go so far.Where the rubber meets the road…I’ll meet you there.
I am the oldest of four daughters, from a middle class, Catholic family.My parents have been married for 51 years and all three of my sisters are married, including one who has been married 26 years. You can see then that the value of commitment is 'bred' into me and I continue to deeply value committed relationships and, not giving up on them easily.I also don’t believe in staying ‘at all costs’, and everyone's situation is unique. Everyone deserves self-determination.
When someone complains that 'relationships take work', I usually respond in one or both of the following ways:
Think about the last time you worked hard to achieve something special. At what point in the process did you see the 'fruits of your labor'? Wasn't it all worth it?
Yes, great relationships take some tending. However, how you choose to interpret that time and/or focus is key. I choose to see the 'work' of making or keeping a relationship great as an adventure, like 'creating a beautiful work of art' or similar to solving an exciting, gripping mystery. Making love great can be great fun!
