Chris Barrera

I believe that people themselves are the driving force behind meaningful change. As a therapist in training, my goal is to provide support and guidance by fostering moments of discovery, reflection, and action.

I am a Master’s-level student at Northeastern Illinois University, passionate about helping teens and adults navigate life’s challenges with empathy and evidence-based treatment. I have a particular interest in working with veterans, having proudly served in the United States Navy for four years. Being bilingual in Spanish and English also allows me to connect with individuals who may have limited access to care.

For the past six years, I have worked in behavioral inpatient settings, gaining valuable experience with individuals managing depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis, and chronic medical conditions. My therapeutic approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), offering structured strategies to manage difficult emotions, reshape unhelpful thought patterns, and build healthier coping skills. I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard and empowered as they work toward meaningful change.

Whether you are facing everyday stress, navigating life transitions, or working through deeper challenges, I am committed to walking alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth.

On a personal note…

In my free time, I enjoy staying active through home workouts or trail walks. Family is very important to me, and I spend much of my free time with my wife, parents, sisters, and nephew. My wife and I enjoy weekend getaways to reset and recharge. Recently, I’ve been working on building a consistent reading habit (I admit—I sometimes start more books than I finish!). I’m also a big football fan and enjoy participating in a fantasy football league. As for TV, I’ve been told Dexter is a must-watch, so that may be my next series to start.