Cristy Bixler, LCSW
LCSW supporting healing from trauma and anxiety
- Person-centered care
- Motivational interviewing
- Family and individual work
About Cristy Bixler
Cristy Bixler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Illinois with seven years of clinical experience. She supports people facing depression, stress, anxiety, addiction challenges, unresolved grief, and trauma or abuse, and she works with clients on motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. Cristy also has experience assisting individuals who self-harm or engage in self-defeating behaviors, as well as adults and children with intellectual disabilities and their families.
Her therapeutic approach is person-centered and strengths-based, emphasizing meeting each client where they are and building on existing resources. Cristy integrates Motivational Interviewing with active, empathetic listening and evidence-informed therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to tailor treatment to each client’s needs. She prioritizes treating people with respect, dignity, and compassion and collaborates with clients to develop individualized plans. Seeking change takes courage, and Cristy aims to support and empower clients as they take steps toward greater well-being and more fulfilling lives.
Her therapeutic approach is person-centered and strengths-based, emphasizing meeting each client where they are and building on existing resources. Cristy integrates Motivational Interviewing with active, empathetic listening and evidence-informed therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to tailor treatment to each client’s needs. She prioritizes treating people with respect, dignity, and compassion and collaborates with clients to develop individualized plans. Seeking change takes courage, and Cristy aims to support and empower clients as they take steps toward greater well-being and more fulfilling lives.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualityTraumatic brain injuryVisually impairedWomen's issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Motivational Interviewing
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Cristy Bixler have?
Cristy Bixler has seven years of professional experience in clinical social work.
Is Cristy Bixler a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. License details are IL LCSW 149.023121.
In which languages does Cristy Bixler provide therapy?
Cristy provides therapy in English.
Where is Cristy Bixler located?
Cristy is located in Illinois.
How can I work with Cristy Bixler as my therapist?
You can work with Cristy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Cristy Bixler work with international clients?
Yes. Cristy works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Cristy Bixler cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with a therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule a first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Cristy uses client-centered therapy to create a respectful, nonjudgmental space where the client’s goals and strengths guide the work. This approach focuses on empathy and collaboration and can be especially helpful for building self-esteem, increasing motivation, and navigating life changes.
She also employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and develop practical strategies to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is used for improving emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, and can be beneficial for clients who struggle with intense emotions or self-harming behaviors.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Cristy collaborates with each client to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting strategies as progress is made.
Online therapy options such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging offer flexibility for busy schedules and make it easier to connect with licensed professionals from different locations. These formats allow therapists and clients to focus on practical work, maintain continuity of care, and adapt session styles to what works best for the individual.