Meet Veronica Corona-barker | Bilingual Trauma Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Veronica Corona-barker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Veronica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have over 20 years of experience in mental health, with the first 12 years spent in Mexico City, where I established my own practice. Throughout this journey, I was fortunate to be guided by my mentors and supervisors, who played a crucial role in shaping my professional development.
Upon returning to Mexico City in 2003 after completing my master’s degree in Psychology in New York City, I realized the distinctive nature of my mental health services. My bilingual proficiency and specialized experience in emergency response work through 911, the American Red Cross, and Asociación Tepeyac positioned me uniquely in the field.
This combination of skills allowed me to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, serving both local Spanish-speaking clients and English-speaking Americans in Mexico City.
Upon relocating to Dallas, Texas, I faced challenges obtaining my therapist license. During this period, I worked various roles in mental health while completing a second master’s degree. This experience provided valuable insights into the needs of the immigrant community and the inadequate services available to those unfamiliar with the system or non-English speakers
After identifying my true calling, I established Cuore Therapy in Dallas. Our practice is founded on the principle that every individual’s story is significant, and we collaborate with clients to understand their experiences and improve their lives. This approach aligns with my extensive background in mental health and my unique perspective as a bilingual practitioner with international experience.

What should our readers know about your business?
My journey to founding Cuore Therapy has been a winding path filled with unexpected turns and valuable lessons. After completing my education in New York, I envisioned building my life and career there. However, the events of 9/11 dramatically altered those plans, impacting my immigration process and leading my husband and I to relocate to Mexico City.
In Mexico, we both flourished professionally, developing our unique voices and shaping our careers. I embarked on an intensive psychoanalyst training program, which proved to be the most comprehensive and transformative experience of my professional life.
Our family’s move to Dallas, Texas, due to my husband’s work, prompted me to take a year-long hiatus to focus on our transition. This break provided me with a fresh perspective on my professional aspirations. When I decided to return to work, I encountered unexpected challenges. Despite my extensive education in both the U.S. and Mexico, along with my experience and capabilities as a therapist, I found myself in a professional limbo, struggling to obtain my therapist license.
I began working for public mental health entities, often in positions that didn’t fully utilize my expertise. Frequently, my knowledge surpassed not only that of my immediate supervisors but also their superiors. During this time, I formed invaluable friendships and connections with individuals who believed in me and provided crucial support.
What set me apart was my unwavering determination. I never gave up, instead choosing to view each experience as a learning opportunity. I came to realize that the process of learning is constant, regardless of one’s age or existing knowledge.
This journey has profoundly shaped my approach at Cuore Therapy. I understand that each person who comes to me carries a unique story – not just a simple narrative, but a complex, personal journey. My role is to delve into these individual journeys, learning about each person’s experiences and helping them navigate their path to healing and growth.
When I decided to open Cuore Therapy, it truly became a family endeavor. The name itself has a special significance, inspired by my mother’s artistic journey. In recent years, she has dedicated herself to painting, and knowing my fascination with anatomical hearts, she began creating heart-themed artworks for me. I’ve amassed a unique collection, which became the inspiration for my practice’s name. We chose Italian for “Cuore” (heart) as a nod to our family’s deep appreciation for Italian music and culture.
My husband has been instrumental in establishing the business side of Cuore Therapy. He helped create the legal entity and now manages the financial aspects. He’s even taken our son under his wing, training him in accounting practices. I must admit, my son has become my go-to tech support whenever I encounter computer issues.
My daughter contributes her creative talents to Cuore Therapy’s public image. She crafts engaging text, creates social media posts, and manages our online presence, ensuring we connect effectively with our audience.
The support network extends beyond my immediate family. My brother, sister, and closest friends provide invaluable feedback and encouragement. Their perspectives and cheerleading keep me motivated and help refine our approach.
This collaborative family effort has made Cuore Therapy more than just a business venture – it’s a reflection of our shared values, talents, and commitment to helping others. Each family member’s unique contribution has shaped the practice into what it is today, making it truly a labor of love.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When friends and family visit me in Dallas, I love taking them to the Bishop Arts District. It’s a fantastic place to immerse ourselves in the local culture, blending Dallas vibes with a touch of Hispanic influence. Here, you can grab a bite to eat, enjoy a drink, listen to live music, browse charming bookstores, or indulge in some of the most amazing pie you’ll ever taste. My mom always asks to visit this spot whenever she comes to town.
For those who share my nerdy interests, I often take them to the museums around DFW. The area is home to a plethora of museums where you can easily spend hours exploring. I particularly enjoy the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA), especially its Channel Wing, admire works by Picasso or delve into pre-Hispanic exhibitions. When my kids were younger, they loved the children’s wing, where they could create their own art.
Another favorite is the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth. Not only does it house incredible artwork, but the building itself is a masterpiece.
The Stockyards offer an unforgettable experience for out-of-town visitors. When my sister-in-law and her family came from Florida and New Jersey, we had a fantastic time learning about cattle ranching and the rich history of Fort Worth. Each of these places showcases the vibrant culture and history of Dallas and its surroundings, making them must-visit spots for anyone exploring the area.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I consider my father to be my greatest professional mentor. My father is a successful child psychiatrist and psychoanalyst in Mexico City. Growing up, I witnessed his unwavering dedication to his patients and his commitment to educating others in the field. When I was a teenager, he was busy writing presentations and articles and teaching psychoanalysis across Mexico and Latin America. Back in the 1990s, access to computers was limited, and I remember longing for a word processor to help with my schoolwork. It was a significant expense, but my dad and I struck a deal: I would transcribe his work, and in return, I’d get my own word processor—a small computer that could only run a word processing program and save everything on a floppy disk.
As I transcribed his work, I became completely captivated by what he was writing. I found myself searching for the articles he referenced, eager to expand my knowledge. Looking back, I’m not quite sure how I managed to absorb so much at that age, but it ignited a passion for psychology that has stayed with me ever since.
When I went to college to study psychology, many of my professors were actually his former students. It was then that I fully grasped the impact he had made on the field of psychology and psychoanalysis in our country. I spent countless hours talking with him, soaking up everything he had to share, and falling in love with this work just as he had.
Though my father is still actively working today, our interactions have changed since we live in different countries. We may not have those long conversations as often, but we still exchange books and discuss articles. He reviews what I’m doing, and that connection remains strong.
One of the most significant moments of my life was when I presented my TED Talk with him in the audience. It felt like coming full circle—standing there, sharing my journey and insights, knowing that he had been such an integral part of it all. His presence made that day even more special for me.
My father’s influence has shaped not only my career but also my passion for psychology. I am forever grateful for the foundation he built for me and the love for this field that we share.

Website: https://cuoretherapy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuoretherapy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-corona-barker-ma/

Image Credits
Both professional of my pictures are by https://www.instagram.com/katygphotography/