TJ Barber, LPC

Meet TJ Barber, ATR, LPC – Creative, Compassionate Therapy for Real-Life Healing

Welcome! I’m TJ, an Art Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor based in Southern Illinois and St. Louis, MO. I understand that life can feel uncertain—whether you’re graduating, starting over, or healing from something that’s hard to name. Maybe you’re carrying the weight of grief, burnout, identity shifts, or the quiet pressure to hold it all together. You don’t have to navigate it alone. I create a collaborative, expressive, and culturally affirming space where you can process your experiences at your own pace. Through creativity, empathy, and genuine connection, I help clients rediscover confidence, healing, and hope.

What I Offer

My work blends art therapy with traditional therapeutic techniques to meet you where you are. Together, we’ll explore ways to express emotions, strengthen self-esteem, and reconnect with your sense of self. Whether through drawing, painting, or conversation, our sessions are designed to foster self-discovery and empowerment. I offer:

• Safe, nonjudgmental support for self-expression and healing
• Tools to manage anxiety, depression, or trauma
• Guidance for navigating identity, relationships, and life transitions
• Affirming care for LGBTQIA+ individuals, caregivers, and those facing minority stress
• Creative pathways to enhance resilience and emotional well-being

Why Choose TJ

I believe healing happens through connection and creativity. With over seven years of clinical experience, I integrate art therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. My approach is trauma-informed, relational, and rooted in social justice—helping you feel seen, understood, and supported without judgment. In this space, you don’t have to perform or have all the answers—you can simply be yourself and begin to heal.

Client Focus

I work with toddlers, children (6+), teens, and adults navigating:

• Eating disorders, body image, and self-esteem
• Anxiety, depression, and mood disorders
• ADHD and coping skill development
• Family conflict and parenting challenges
• Grief, trauma, and life transitions
• Relationship and identity exploration
• Caregiver burnout and stress
• Domestic abuse and interpersonal violence
• Sex therapy and sex-positive, kink-allied concerns
• Racial and cultural identity development
• Women’s issues and self-compassion work

Therapeutic Modalities I Use

I use an integrative approach to therapy that combines evidence-based and creative methods, including:

• Art & Expressive Therapies
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Compassion-Focused & Emotionally Focused Therapy
• Existential & Humanistic Approaches
• Family Systems & Relational Therapy
• Feminist & Multicultural Counseling
• Gestalt & Person-Centered Therapy
• Play Therapy & Strength-Based Modalities
• Trauma-Focused & 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 adjusting to independence, navigating identity, or managing invisible wounds, this space is yours—a place to breathe, reflect, and reimagine your life. Together, we’ll uncover your strengths, rebuild self-trust, and help you move toward the version of yourself you’ve been searching for.

Let’s begin your healing journey today—reach out and take the first step toward creating the life you deserve.

Licenses & Education

• IL LPC (exp. 3/2025)
• MO PLPC (exp. 3/2025)
• ATR (exp. 7/2025)
• PhD Candidate, University of Missouri–St. Louis
• MA Art Therapy Counseling, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (2019)