Christine Barnes , LCSW

Christine Barnes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who brings a steady, practical approach to psychotherapy informed by substantial clinical experience. She served ten years with the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she treated veterans coping with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Before her VA work, she provided psychotherapy and crisis intervention in nursing homes and community mental health centers, working with people across the lifespan and a wide range of backgrounds.

As a clinician, she identifies primarily as a trauma therapist and often frames current symptoms as rooted in adverse past experiences. Her style balances directness with compassion; clients have described her as "blunt" and "caring" because she addresses difficult truths without minimizing their experience. One compliment she values is, "You are the person that tells me the truth that I don't want to hear."

She is known for calling clients to account when they are not fully honest with themselves, and she works best with people who want straightforward feedback delivered with empathy. She welcomes the opportunity to support individuals navigating trauma, mood concerns, relationship challenges, and the complex effects of life transitions. She looks forward to working with you.

Trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches for online care

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. It is practical and goal-oriented, often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and mood regulation.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, combines skills training in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. It is helpful for intense emotions, relationship challenges, and managing reactions to stress.

Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates on understanding and processing traumatic experiences so that past events have less impact on present functioning. It is tailored to reduce symptoms that stem from traumatic exposure and to build coping strategies.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Christine Barnes works collaboratively with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences and to select methods that fit their situation. That collaboration helps ensure therapy feels relevant and manageable.

Online therapy with video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for scheduling and lets people access licensed professionals from their own location. These options can make it easier to maintain consistency, work around work and family commitments, and engage in care in the ways that feel most comfortable.