Cristy Bixler, LCSW

Cristy Bixler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Illinois with seven years of professional experience. She works with adults and children facing a wide range of concerns, including depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, unresolved grief, trauma and abuse, low motivation, self-esteem and confidence struggles, self-harming and self-defeating behaviors, and families supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Her approach is person centered and strengths based, focusing on meeting each person where they are and building on their existing resources. She incorporates Motivational Interviewing to foster internal motivation, and uses techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to address patterns of thought, emotion regulation, and behavioral skills. Active and empathetic listening guides her work, and she emphasizes respect, dignity, and compassion in every interaction.

Cristy tailors conversations and treatment plans to the unique needs of each client, working collaboratively to set goals and support change. She views the decision to seek help as a courageous step and aims to empower individuals and families as they pursue more fulfilling and balanced lives.

Approaches Used in Online Therapy with Cristy Bixler

Cristy Bixler uses Client-Centered Therapy to create a supportive therapeutic relationship where the client's perspective guides the work. This approach emphasizes empathy, respect, and collaboration to help people explore their feelings and identify personal strengths that support change.

She also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. CBT techniques can be especially useful for managing anxiety, depression, and stress by teaching practical skills for coping and problem solving.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills are incorporated when emotional regulation, distress tolerance, or interpersonal effectiveness are priorities. DBT offers concrete tools for handling intense emotions and improving relationships.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Cristy works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their goals, needs, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress is made.

Online therapy offers practical benefits for those working with Cristy - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, allowing flexibility in scheduling and in how clients prefer to communicate. These options make therapy more accessible for people with busy lives, caregiving responsibilities, or geographic constraints, while still allowing for meaningful therapeutic work with a licensed professional.