About Counseling Corner

Hi there, I’m so glad you’re here!

If we haven’t met yet, hi!  I’m Maria Rocha Barrera.  I’m a wife, mother, people-person, and I love new experiences.  I’m also a mental health Therapist and private practice owner in Round Lake, IL.

I am most passionate about helping people and providing them with accessible mental health resources to live their best life.  Allowing them to overcome mental health challenges that they are experiencing and helping them build resilience.  

How my passion developed

Having had experienced hardship in my own life, I know what it feels like to feel sad, hopeless, confused, and powerless.  Luckily, I had a great support system to help me overcome this adversity when I was younger.  I realize that not everyone has the fortune of a good support system.

With the help of my support system, I was able to continue to stive forward and I began to feel more in control of my life and felt empowered.  The sadness and helplessness that I felt transformed into feelings of happiness and hope for the future.  Through hard work, stepping outside of my comfort zone, and leaning on my supports, I became resilient.

How I live out my passion as a therapist

Through my own personal experiences, a passion was ignited to help others going through tough-times or experiencing mental health challenges.  I became an expert in mental health and use my skills and knowledge to help others overcome feelings of sadness, hopelessness, overwhelm and stress. 

How I help others

By providing accessible and affordable bilingual therapy/counseling to teens and adults struggling with depression and anxiety, I help people feel more in control of their lives and help them manage their mental health so that they may live their best life.   

I am a bilingual (English & Spanish) mental health Therapist and have been in the field for 13 years.  I hold a Masters Degree in Social Work and have certifications in Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).  I have experience working with minority populations and with survivors of domestic violence.