About Barbara
Barbara Benn is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) in Illinois with 15 years of experience. She helps people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, anger, or low self-esteem. Her approach is practical and down-to-earth, aimed at helping people take the next steps toward feeling better.
She creates a calm, nonjudgmental space where clients can talk about their thoughts and feelings. Sessions focus on what matters most to each person and on building small, manageable skills.
Background and approach
Barbara uses conversations that boost motivation and practices that teach grounding and relaxation skills. Barbara has supported people working through social anxiety and those trying to rebuild confidence and motivation. She adapts her work to each person’s needs rather than using the same plan for everyone.
This helps clients move at a pace that feels right for them. Her work emphasizes collaboration. She listens first, then helps set clear, achievable goals.
Sessions may include skill-building, practicing new ways of coping, and checking progress over time. People who want straightforward, empathetic help with anxiety, stress, or mood concerns often find this style practical. Barbara welcomes conversations that focus on real-life change and everyday coping strategies.
Approaches that guide online sessions
Barbara uses evidence-based techniques that focus on practical change. Motivational interviewing involves clear, supportive conversation to help clients find reasons for change and set realistic goals. It works well for boosting motivation and tackling avoidance.Person-centered methods emphasize listening and empathy. Sessions center on the client's experience and pace, which helps people feel heard and safer to try new coping skills. Grounding and relaxation strategies are used to manage anxious moments and reduce physical stress reactions.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with each person about goals and preferences. Then she will adjust methods and pace so the plan fits the client's needs and life circumstances.
Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when more personal interaction helps. Phone sessions can be a good fit when bandwidth or being on camera is difficult. Live chat and text-based messaging provide shorter check-ins and ongoing support between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule and to keep progress moving forward.
Questions people ask
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In what language can sessions be held and are international clients supported?
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What this therapist works with
Most often
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Anger management
Also listed
- Experience
- 15 years
- Licensed
- Illinois
- Languages
- English
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