TJ Barber, LPC

Meet TJ Barber, ATR, LPC – Creative and Compassionate Therapy for Meaningful Change

Welcome! I’m TJ Barber, an Art Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor serving clients in Southern Illinois and St. Louis, Missouri. Life can feel overwhelming at times—whether you're graduating, starting a new chapter, navigating identity shifts, or carrying the weight of grief, burnout, or emotional pain that’s difficult to put into words. You may feel pressure to keep everything together while quietly struggling inside.

You don’t have to go through it alone. I offer a collaborative, expressive, and culturally affirming space where you can explore your experiences at your own pace. Through creativity, empathy, and genuine connection, I support clients as they rediscover confidence, clarity, and a renewed sense of hope.

What I Offer

My work combines art therapy with traditional therapeutic approaches to support both emotional expression and practical growth. Together, we will explore ways to understand your emotions, build resilience, and reconnect with your authentic self.

Whether through drawing, painting, creative exploration, or conversation, sessions are designed to encourage self-discovery and empowerment.

I offer:

• A safe, nonjudgmental environment for expression and healing
• Support for managing anxiety, depression, and trauma
• Tools to strengthen coping skills and emotional regulation
• Guidance through identity exploration, relationships, and life transitions
• Affirming care for LGBTQIA+ individuals, caregivers, and those navigating minority stress
• Creative strategies to promote resilience, insight, and emotional well-being

Why Choose TJ

I believe healing often begins when people feel genuinely seen and understood. With more than seven years of clinical experience, I integrate art therapy with evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy.

My approach is trauma-informed, relational, and rooted in social awareness and cultural humility. Therapy with me is not about having all the answers or presenting a perfect version of yourself. Instead, it’s about creating a space where you can show up authentically, explore your experiences, and begin meaningful healing.

Client Focus

I work with toddlers, children (ages 6+), teens, and adults who may be navigating:

• Eating disorders, body image concerns, and self-esteem challenges
• Anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and stress
• ADHD and development of coping skills
• Behavioral issues and teen-related concerns
• Family conflict, divorce, and parenting challenges
• Grief, trauma, and major life transitions
• Relationship concerns, including infidelity and communication challenges
• Identity exploration, including racial and cultural identity
• Caregiver stress and burnout
• Domestic abuse, interpersonal violence, and safety concerns
• Sex therapy and sex-positive, kink-allied topics
• Open relationships and nonmonogamy
• Spiritual exploration and personal growth
• Women’s issues and self-compassion work
• LGBTQ+ and transgender identity support

Therapeutic Modalities I Use

My therapeutic style is integrative and flexible, drawing from a wide range of evidence-based and expressive approaches. I tailor each session to meet the individual needs, strengths, and goals of every client.

Approaches I incorporate include:

• Art Therapy and Expressive Arts
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Attachment-Based Therapy
• Emotionally Focused Therapy
• Existential and Experiential Therapy
• Humanistic and Person-Centered Therapy
• Gestalt Therapy
• Family Systems and Family/Marital Therapy
• Relational and Interpersonal Therapy
• Feminist and Multicultural Counseling
• Motivational Interviewing
• Psychodynamic Approaches
• Play Therapy and Sandplay
• Strength-Based and Eclectic Modalities
• Trauma-Focused Therapy and Integrative Care

What Clients Say

"TJ’s approach helped me find clarity in my emotions and gain confidence in my decision-making. The art therapy sessions gave me a way to express what words couldn’t, and I always felt deeply supported and seen."
— Client Testimonial

Ready to Start?

Whether you’re navigating independence, exploring your identity, or working through emotional wounds that feel invisible to others, therapy can provide a space for reflection, understanding, and growth.

Together, we’ll identify your strengths, rebuild trust in yourself, and help you move toward the life you want to create.

Reach out today to begin your healing journey and take the first step toward meaningful change.

Licenses & Education

• Illinois Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) – Exp. 3/2027
• Missouri  Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) – Exp. 6/2027
• Registered Art Therapist (ATR) – Exp. 7/2025
• PhD Candidate, University of Missouri–St. Louis
• MA in Art Therapy Counseling, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (2019)