Barney Straus

I am an adventure-based therapist in private practice in Chicago, IL, where I work with individuals and groups to treat people recovering from addictions and compulsive behaviors. I believe that a combination of individual and group therapy works best for most people, and I structure my practice accordingly. I'll meet with you 2-3 times individually before offering you a group. Since I am licensed in several states, I offer virtual as well as in-person sessions.

I am the author of the 2018 book Healing in Action: Adventure-Based Counseling with Therapy Groups. I am co-author along with Phil Flores and Jeffrey Roth, of the 4th Edition of Group Psychotherapy with Addicted Populations, published by Routledge in 2023, as well as a manual based on this book, scheduled for publication by Routledge in June of 2026.

I specialize in helping people recover from additions and compulsive behaviors, such as online porn use and gambling. I am a proponent of mutual support organizations such as 12-Step fellowships, SMART Recovery, and/or Recovery Dharma. These complement the interpersonal process groups that I lead. Not everyone I work with does both, though some do. I have found that a more robust treatment program leads to better results.

I occasionally use structured problem-solving challenges in my work, and these are usually reflect and emphasize important themes such as asking for and receiving help.

I will ask questions regarding your personal history as well as your current interest in receiving support. The first meeting is an opportunity to build a good working relationship.