Hi! I'm Karen, I'm an LCSW based in California and licensed in California and Illinois. I received my Masters from Loyola University Chicago, and have been practicing as a therapist for 6 years. My passion is helping young adults address and cope with past trauma, as well as managing the issues of day to day life that come with figuring out how to balance work, social life, and other tasks of adulthood.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, we'll go through introductions and a quick overview of important policies. From there, we'll discuss the concerns bringing you to therapy as described in your intake questionnaire, as well as your goals for treatment.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
In session, I provide a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere focused on you. I tend to let my clients lead with the concern they'd like to discuss that day in session, though I'm also willing to suggest past subjects that have arisen if you don't have something on your mind for the day. I bring humor to sessions when appropriate and I welcome laughter in the therapy space.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I love working with young adults who are finding their place in the world, and particularly those who may have struggled with trauma to come to that place.
About Karen Banea
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Person-centered (Rogerian)
The foundation of my practice is centered in providing you a space for non-judgment and empathy, encouraging you to share your story and start to recognize the impact of past experiences.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I have done additional training in TF-CBT and have successfully used this approach to help those who have experienced trauma recognize the impact that it has had on their thought patterns, self-concept, and behaviors. Together, we work to gently identify and change any thought patterns and behaviors that are not serving you.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I also incorporate CBT interventions in my practice when appropriate to encourage you to identify thought patterns and behaviors that don't support your goals, and help to identify different ways of approaching a situation or different behaviors to help meet those goals.