Let’s be honest—genuine connection in today’s world feels more rare than ever. That’s where Dr. Carla M Barry comes in.
She’s not just a Certified Relationship Coach and Accredited Event Designer; she’s a guide, a visionary, and a fierce advocate for healing relationships and transforming lives. Based in Chesapeake, Virginia, Dr. Carla is the heart and soul behind Embracing Hope Relationship Coaching—a place where purpose, empathy, and practical wisdom meet.
From the Navy to New Beginnings
27 Years as a Navy Chaplain
Before founding Embracing Hope, Dr. Carla served 27 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain, ministering to sailors, families, and officers through every challenge imaginable. Her strength, resilience, and sense of duty were forged in high-stakes environments.
Retiring as Commander – Leadership and Legacy
Dr. Carla retired at the esteemed rank of Commander, an honor that reflects not just leadership but a life dedicated to service. Her time in uniform taught her the value of trust, structure, and emotional intelligence—skills she now brings to her coaching sessions.
How Military Experience Shapes Her Coaching Style
Her coaching isn’t just grounded in textbooks. It’s shaped by real-world experiences—walking with people through grief, anxiety, uncertainty, and love. That background gives her a rare ability to connect with clients who are navigating personal storms.
Building Bridges with Embracing Hope Relationship Coaching
What Sets Her Apart as a Certified Relationship Coach
Dr. Carla’s style is warm, no-nonsense, and deeply intuitive. As a Certified Relationship Coach, she helps clients cut through emotional noise and get to the root of their struggles—whether it’s communication issues, loss of trust, or feeling unfulfilled.
Supporting Individuals and Couples Through Every Stage
Whether you’re newly dating, married for decades, or feeling stuck in a toxic cycle, her guidance is tailored to meet you exactly where you are. She’s helped countless individuals shift from confusion to clarity.
Key Methodologies She Uses to Transform Lives
She employs evidence-based tools, faith-driven insight, and emotional accountability practices that uncover self-defeating behaviors and replace them with empowering choices.
The Vision Behind “ A Symphony of Dreams”
Adult Prom – Reliving Youthful Magic
Ever wished you could relive your high school prom—only better? Dr. Carla made that dream come true with A Symphony of Dreams, a magical adult prom that gives people the chance to dress up, dance, and reclaim their joy.
Community, Connection, and Celebration
This isn’t just an event—it’s a movement. It reconnects individuals to their youth, sense of wonder, and community, bringing people together through shared nostalgia and celebration.
A Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
What the 2024 Honor Means
In 2024, Dr. Carla was awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, a rare and prestigious recognition of her lifetime commitment to community, personal growth, and national service.
Recognizing Decades of Service and Impact
This accolade reflects her dual legacy—as a military leader and a relationship healer. It’s more than a trophy; it’s a testament to a life well-lived and lives forever changed.
More Than a Coach – A Creative Force
Accredited Event Designer
From balloon arches to floral centerpieces, Dr. Carla doesn’t just plan events—she brings dreams to life. Her work is visually stunning, always filled with love and thoughtfulness.
Professional Speaker and Balloon Decorator
As a motivational speaker, she blends humor, honesty, and hard-won wisdom to captivate audiences. And yes, she’s a talented balloon decorator too—because life should be celebrated, colorfully and joyfully.
Recognition in National Media
Featured in New York Weekly, CEO Weekly, and More
Her influence has reached national platforms like New York Weekly, CEO Weekly, San Francisco Post, and Celebrity News. Each article confirms what her clients already know: Dr. Carla is a force for positive transformation.
The Growing Influence of Her Work
Her approach isn’t just trending—it’s timeless. She’s building a legacy of hope that reaches far beyond Chesapeake.
Her Core Belief – Everyone Deserves Connection
Breaking Self-Defeating Patterns
She teaches clients to confront their inner narratives—the stories that keep them stuck. With her guidance, they rewrite their future.
Empowerment Through Clarity and Compassion
Her coaching provides the structure, support, and spark clients need to believe in themselves again.
Impacting the Chesapeake, VA Community and Beyond
Local Leadership with a Global Vision
From local workshops to online coaching, her reach is growing. Yet she stays grounded in community, always giving back.
The Ripple Effect of Her Coaching
When one relationship heals, it affects families, workplaces, and entire communities. That’s the ripple effect Dr. Carla is committed to.
A Safe Space for Vulnerability and Growth
Helping the Lost and Lonely Find Their Way
If you’ve ever felt invisible or misunderstood, you’ll find a safe haven with Dr. Carla. Her sessions are judgment-free zones of deep reflection and discovery.
Creating Life-Changing Conversations
Her unique ability to ask the right questions leads to “aha” moments that change lives forever.
Client Transformations and Success Stories
Testimonials That Speak Volumes
Clients frequently describe Dr. Carla as “life-changing,” “heaven-sent,” and “the voice of reason I needed.”
Real People, Real Change
From saving marriages to restoring self-worth, her results speak for themselves.
🌐 Website: www.embracehope.online
Living a Life of Purpose and Passion
What Drives Her Daily Work
Dr. Carla wakes up each day with one mission: help others live the love they deserve.
Future Plans for Embracing Hope Coaching
She plans to expand her services globally, launch new programs, and continue inspiring others to choose connection over isolation.
We all crave meaningful connection. And sometimes, we just need the right person to guide us back to it. Dr. Carla M Barry isn’t just a coach—she’s a light in the darkness, a strategist for the heart, and a tireless advocate for your best life. If you’re ready to bridge the gap between where you are and where you dream to be—start with hope.
