I am a seasoned, clinical social worker with over eleven years of experience with the Department of Veterans Affairs, where I treated veterans with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Prior to my work at the VA, I worked in nursing homes and community mental health centers where I provided psychotherapy and crisis intervention to individuals of all different ages and backgrounds. I received my MSSA from Case Western Reserve University in 2007.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

You can expect to leave our sessions with questions to mull over, as I will be trying to help you look at any given situation from a different perspective. You can also expect to have assignments, such as completion of worksheets or watching videos, to do in between our sessions.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

My primary orientation is cognitive behavioral therapy. I also use insight-oriented and solution-focused therapy when it seems appropriate for the person I am treating.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I've been described as "blunt" and "caring" by my clients due to my no-nonsense, compassionate approach to therapy. In fact, the greatest compliment I've ever received was being told "You are the person that tells me the truth that I don't want to hear." So if you appreciate being called out when you're not being completely honest with yourself, then I just might be the right therapist for you!

About Christine Barnes