Christopher Barrows, LCSW
Adult Therapist in McLean, VA
Gender: Male | Office Location: McLean, Telehealth | States Licensed In: Virginia
Languages: English | Services Offered: Therapy | Credentials: LCSW | Age Group: 18 and Over
About Me
I have lived in the Washington, DC area for 30 years and have more than 25 years of experience as a licensed clinician. During my career, I have provided therapy, managed behavioral health programs, supervised clinical teams, and trained therapists working toward licensure.
I also believe life experience matters. Like many people, I have experienced the challenges and transitions that come with different stages of adulthood—raising children, caring for aging parents, navigating career and relationship changes, experiencing loss, and adapting when life doesn’t go as planned. I have also traveled extensively and had the opportunity to meet and learn from people with backgrounds and life experiences different from my own.
These experiences have broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for the many different ways people build relationships, families, careers, and meaningful lives. At the same time, I recognize that everyone’s circumstances and experiences are unique. I approach each person with openness, curiosity, and respect, recognizing that you are the expert on your own life.
Who I Work With
I work with young adults, adults, and older adults, including college students, professionals, and adults navigating the challenges of raising children and/or caring for aging parents. I welcome clients of all genders and will always use the name and pronouns you prefer.
I have experience helping clients with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), OCD, depression, bipolar disorder, anger management, chronic impulsivity, alcohol and substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, stress, sleep and insomnia, and major life transitions.
I also work with people who may not have a specific diagnosis but are looking for support as they navigate relationships, career or personal changes, caregiving responsibilities, men’s issues, or other challenges in their lives.
My primary areas of specialty include depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.
My Approach to Therapy
My style is conversational rather than highly structured. I balance listening with offering feedback, ideas, and practical strategies, depending on what is most helpful for you.
While your past is important and helps us understand how you got to where you are today, much of our work will focus on what is happening in your life now and what you would like to change moving forward.
Together, we will identify specific goals and work toward them at a pace that feels manageable. Some sessions may be more reflective, while others may be skills-based and focused on strategies you can practice between sessions.
I also use humor when it feels appropriate. I believe therapy can address serious issues without every moment having to feel serious.
Ultimately, I tailor my approach to the individual. Some people need more space to talk and be heard, while others benefit from more direct feedback, structure, and practical tools. Most people need a combination of both.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
My approach to working with you begins with understanding your current perspective, needs, and experiences without judgment. I will strive to build a collaborative, trusting relationship with you because I believe this is essential to productive treatment.
If you’re nervous about starting therapy, especially if you haven’t done it before, that’s completely understandable. There’s no expectation that you come in knowing exactly what to say or even exactly what you want to work on.
We can take some time at the beginning just to get to know each other and talk about what’s been going on for you. You can go at your own pace, and we’ll figure out together whether working with me feels like a good fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does therapy last?
That really depends on what you’d like to work on and what you hope to get out of therapy. Some people come to therapy for a relatively specific issue and find that a few months is enough, while others find it helpful to continue longer.
We can talk about your goals when we first meet and periodically check in about how things are going. My goal isn’t to keep someone in therapy longer than they need it, but to make sure the time we spend together is useful and focused on what you want to accomplish.
How do I know if I need therapy?
As adults, we sometimes find ourselves overwhelmed with the complexity of our lives. Maybe our relationships aren’t turning out as we had hoped, or our career isn’t quite what we expected. Perhaps we discover that the way we feel inside is generally uncomfortable to us. Or maybe we find that we are engaging in unhealthy activities that contradict who we want to be.
At these times, seeing an experienced therapist whom we trust can be extremely beneficial.
How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?
A good therapist should be someone you feel comfortable talking with, who listens to you and understands what you want to work on.
You don’t necessarily have to know before we meet whether I’m the right therapist for you. Our first few sessions give us a chance to get to know each other, talk about what you’re hoping to accomplish, and see whether my approach feels helpful to you.
I also want you to feel comfortable telling me if something isn’t working. Ultimately, I want you to work with someone who feels like a good fit for you, whether that’s me or another therapist.
Ready to Begin?
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’re not sure what to expect or even exactly what you want to change. You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out.
We can start with a conversation about what’s going on in your life, what you’d like to be different, and whether working together feels like a good fit.
If you’re considering therapy, I invite you to reach out and take that first step.
Chris provides in-person appointments at our McLean office, as well as telehealth services for clients who prefer to meet virtually.