I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with a wide range of issues including stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & depression. I also have experience working with people coping with life changes and associated concerns. I have worked in a variety of settings including employee assistance, outpatient mental health clinics, and schools, and have worked with clients ranging in age from young children to adults.
I believe strongly in approaching every client from a place of non-judgment and compassion, and my style in therapy is warm and attentive. I primarily operate from a person-centered perspective, but often combine cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, and attachment-centered approaches as well, depending on your particular needs. I also believe in keeping a sense of humor in session- don't be afraid to laugh or joke with me!
I respect the courage that it takes to seek therapy and open up about difficult subjects, and I feel honored to be part of that journey with my clients.
I look forward to working with you!
Additional areas of focus: Adoption and foster care, Attachment issues, Body image, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Dissociation, Gender dysphoria, Guilt and shame, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Mood disorders, Phobias, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Therapy
IL LCSW 149.025308
CA LCSW 125310
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Karen Banea. 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.
My experience with Karen has been great. I would recommend her as a therapist.
Written on May 05, 2025 after therapy with Karen for 1 year and 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes