(she/her)
New to Grow
I’m Christan Bennett, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Empowered Counseling. I created this practice to offer a space where therapy feels both supportive and practical—where you can show up as you are while gaining the tools to move forward. I specialize in working with women and individuals navigating anxiety, life transitions, and grief. Many of my clients are used to holding everything together on the outside while feeling overwhelmed or emotionally drained on the inside. I provide a space where you can slow down, feel heard, and begin to make sense of what you’re carrying—without pressure or judgment. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I believe you are the expert on your life, and my role is to help you gain clarity, challenge unhelpful patterns, and build skills that support meaningful, lasting change. With years of experience supporting individuals and youth, I bring both clinical expertise and genuine compassion into the work we do together. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, more confident, and better equipped to navigate life’s challenges. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own, therapy can be a place to reset, refocus, and move forward with intention.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions—nervousness, uncertainty, or even relief that you’ve decided to reach out. The first session is designed to help ease you into the process and begin building a foundation for our work together. During our initial session, we’ll spend time getting to know you. I’ll ask questions about what brings you to therapy, what you’ve been experiencing, and what you’re hoping to get out of our time together. There’s no pressure to share everything all at once—we move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. You can also expect to review some basic information about confidentiality, policies, and how therapy will work. This is an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have and get a sense of what to expect moving forward. As we talk, I’ll begin to get a clearer understanding of your needs, strengths, and goals. Together, we may start identifying patterns, stressors, or areas you’d like to focus on. Sometimes, we may also begin discussing initial strategies or tools to support you between sessions. Just as importantly, the first session is a chance for you to get a feel for me as your therapist. Feeling comfortable and supported is essential to the process, and I encourage you to pay attention to how you feel in the space. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin. Therapy is a collaborative process, and we will work together to create a path that feels manageable and meaningful for you. Taking this first step is important—and you don’t have to do it alone.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to create a space where clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. I bring a calm, grounded presence into each session, allowing clients to show up as they are without fear of judgment. Many people I work with are used to holding things together for others, and my goal is to offer a place where they don’t have to do that. I balance empathy with practical support. While I deeply value holding space and helping clients process their experiences, I also focus on helping individuals move forward. I integrate evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to help clients identify patterns, challenge unhelpful thinking, and develop strategies that lead to meaningful, lasting change. Another strength I bring is my ability to meet clients where they are. Whether someone is just beginning to explore therapy or has been in counseling before, I tailor my approach to fit their unique needs, pace, and goals. I understand that growth looks different for everyone, and I work collaboratively to create a plan that feels both manageable and empowering. My clinical experience working with women, youth, and individuals navigating anxiety, life transitions, and grief allows me to support a wide range of challenges with both skill and compassion. I am especially attuned to those who may appear to be functioning well outwardly while struggling internally. Ultimately, my strength lies in helping clients feel supported while also equipping them with the tools, insight, and confidence needed to navigate life more effectively. My goal is not just to help you feel better in the moment, but to help you build a stronger, more resilient foundation moving forward.
My ideal client is a woman who is navigating life’s complex emotional terrain. She may be experiencing anxiety, facing a significant life transition, or working through grief and loss. She values support but may feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve her. I work best with individuals who are open to growth, even if they are unsure where to begin. Many of my clients are balancing multiple roles—parent, partner, professional—and are seeking a space where they can feel seen, heard, and supported without judgment. They may be advocating for their children’s well-being while also recognizing their own need for healing and guidance. With extensive experience supporting women and children, I help clients build emotional resilience, develop healthy coping strategies, and navigate transitions with greater clarity and confidence. Whether addressing anxiety, adjusting to life changes, or processing grief, I provide a compassionate and collaborative approach tailored to each client’s unique journey. My ideal client is ready to take meaningful steps toward healing, even in small ways, and is looking for a supportive partnership to help them move forward with intention, balance, and hope.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is something I use often. I appreciate how it helps clients work to identify unhelpful thought patterns and work to move towards more balanced thinking.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing and CBT go hand in hand, in my opinion. Motivational interviewing is used to help us elicit change talk and move closer to your goals.
Strength-Based
Evaluating the assets and strengths you already bring to the table and using them to help achieve new goals.
Grief Therapy
I've completed various grief trainings and worked as a social worker with a pediatric hospice program for about 10 years. Supporting all types of loss (death, relationships, unrealized goals, etc.) and processing grief (and anticipatory grief).