Dr. Christopher Mazzarella

Dr. Chris Mazzarella (aka Dr. Chris) is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience as a mental health professional. He joined Heritage Professional Associates in 2006 and became a managing partner in 2012. Dr. Chris is a general practitioner utilizing a variety of treatment approaches to work with people experiencing mood and anxiety disorders, trauma related disorders, self-esteem issues, parenting problems, and spiritual concerns. Dr. Chris uses EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a specialized treatment for people with trauma related symptoms or blocks in optimal performance. Dr. Chris specializes in men’s issues, emerging adults, executive coaching, and working with athletes. He is the director of the Heritage Center for Child and Family Resilience and is a clinical supervisor in the clinical training program at Heritage.

Dr. Chris’ therapy approach begins with compassion, creating a warm and collaborative relationship with his clients. He listens well and appreciates a client's unique strengths and abilities. Dr. Chris believes transformation and wholeness come from the therapist-client relationship, developing clear goals and/or life mission, and following a treatment approach informed by best practices in the areas of relational neuroscience, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT). He also sees the value in time tested contemplative spiritual practices if appropriate or desired. He is often the go-to therapist for guys less inclined to participate in therapy. Dr. Chris would be honored to be a traveling companion with you on this leg of your healing journey.

In his freetime, Dr. Chris enjoys spending time with his wife of over 25 years, their three teenage children, and puggle Lucy. He enjoys being in nature, sports, traveling, triathlon, snowboarding and surfing. Dr. Chris also enjoys collaborating with fellow business leaders, educators, and churches to promote health and wellness in the community. He has appeared on TV and radio programs such as Sports Illustrated Now (SI Now) and ESPN1000 Chicago to discuss the psychology of sports.