I am licensed in California with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Additional areas of focus: Attachment issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Communication problems, Divorce and separation, Drug and alcohol addiction, Family of origin issues, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Isolation / loneliness, Pregnancy and childbirth, Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Psychodynamic Therapy
CA LMFT 34936
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Bente Hansen. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Bente first helped my husband and I deal with marital issues, and I have also been working with her to help me cope with work and family stress. She has been responsive to my needs and has provided helpful advice and perspective.
Written on Nov 12, 2025 after therapy with Bente for 1 month on issues concerning family conflicts, and compassion fatigue
So far, she was very good at reflective listening because I had quite a lot to say to bring her up to speed on the issues with which I am dealing.
Written on Apr 03, 2025 after therapy with Bente for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and coping with life changes
A Truly Exceptional Therapist
Finding a therapist who genuinely listens, understands, and guides you through life’s toughest moments is rare—but that’s exactly what I found in Bente. From the very first session, I knew I was in the presence of someone who truly cares about her clients, not just as patients, but as human beings navigating complex emotions, past traumas, and personal growth.
What sets Bente apart is her ability to ask the right questions—questions that make you pause, reflect, and open up in ways you never thought possible. She doesn’t just sit back and nod along; she actively engages, challenges me when necessary, and provides perspective-shifting insights that have helped me reframe my thoughts and behaviors. Even when the truth is difficult to process, she delivers it with warmth, patience, and an understanding that feels both compassionate and firm.
Her expertise in grief and loss has been particularly life-changing for me. I came to her carrying the weight of a deeply painful breakup and the loss of a close friend, and through her guidance, I’ve been able to navigate my emotions in a way that has brought clarity, acceptance, and healing. She has helped me not just process my grief, but also develop tools to move forward in a way that honors my past without being defined by it.
Beyond her skill set, Bente is incredibly reliable and professional. She’s always on time, fully present in each session, and makes me feel like my struggles matter—like I matter. She creates a space where I can be my most vulnerable self, without fear of judgment. Every session feels tailored to my growth, and I always walk away feeling heard, validated, and empowered to take the next step.
If you’re looking for a therapist who will truly invest in your well-being, challenge you to grow, and help you navigate life’s most difficult moments with compassion and wisdom, I cannot recommend Bente enough. She has played a pivotal role in my healing journey, and I am beyond grateful to have found such an incredible therapist.
Written on Mar 13, 2025 after therapy with Bente for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and coaching
I have found biweekly therapy sessions with Bente so helpful. I was in a really hard place earlier this year and she helped me work through the issue. Thank you so much!
Written on Dec 28, 2024 after therapy with Bente for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes
Love her!
Written on Nov 18, 2024 after therapy with Bente for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
Time spent with Bente has been extremely helpful and energizing. I would highly recommend her to anyone who needs a sympathetic ear and a plan for dealing with emotions that bubble up.
Written on May 24, 2024 after therapy with Bente for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching