Christine Barnes , LCSW

Christine Barnes is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who brings a direct and compassionate style to psychotherapy. She spent ten years working with the Department of Veterans Affairs, providing treatment for veterans coping with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Prior to her VA work, she provided psychotherapy and crisis intervention in nursing homes and community mental health centers, supporting people across the lifespan and from diverse backgrounds.

She identifies primarily as a trauma therapist and works from the view that many clinical diagnoses have roots in adverse past experiences. Her approach blends straightforward feedback with empathetic support, a mix that clients have described as "blunt" and "caring." She regards being told hard truths when needed as an important part of helping people move forward and sees honest reflection as central to therapeutic progress.

Christine aims to work collaboratively with prospective clients who value clear communication and practical strategies for healing. Her background in veteran care, crisis intervention, and community settings informs a practice focused on addressing trauma, mood and anxiety concerns, substance-related problems, relationship issues, and life transitions.

Trauma-focused and skills-based approaches for online care

Christine Barnes integrates Trauma-Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into her online practice. Trauma-Focused Therapy helps people process painful memories and reduce the ongoing impact of past events by addressing trauma-related thoughts, emotions, and reactions. CBT teaches practical skills to identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors, and it is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns.

She also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) strategies when clients need skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improving interpersonal effectiveness. Together these approaches offer both insight into underlying trauma and concrete tools for day-to-day coping. Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process - Christine works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and personal preferences.

Online therapy with video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging provides flexibility for people balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. These options make it easier to maintain consistent sessions, access care from different locations within her service area, and use the communication style that feels most comfortable for each individual.