- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Mindfulness practices
- Existential reflection
About Athena
Dr. Athena Porter is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with 21 years of practice. She works with adults on anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress, addiction, relationship and family concerns, and other life stresses and transitions.
She uses practical, evidence-informed approaches in sessions, drawing most often from cognitive-behavioral ideas, dialectical behavior techniques, existential questions, hypnotherapy and mindfulness practices. Sessions include goal-focused work as well as moments for reflecting on values and meaning. She also offers life coaching and wellness conversations alongside therapy-focused work.
Porter’s background combines clinical work and community outreach. She has provided presentations and public education in Illinois, other U.S. cities, and Ghana, addressing topics such as suicide prevention, domestic violence, PTSD, substance use, smoking cessation, and pandemic-related health information. That public work informs how she discusses prevention, coping strategies, and practical supports in sessions.
In a session with her, expect direct discussion of symptoms and habits, skills training that can be practiced between meetings, and time spent on how daily routines affect mood and functioning. She will also attend to broader life questions like purpose, identity, and career decisions when clients want that focus.
Her approach blends short-term symptom relief with longer-term personal development. Adults seeking help for stress, relationship issues, ADHD concerns, caregiver strain, grief, or career transitions may find this mix relevant. Sessions are conducted in English and follow the scope of her Illinois LCPC credential.
How her approaches translate to online sessions
CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors. Online CBT often uses structured tools and homework to change patterns linked to anxiety, depression, panic, and mood regulation.DBT offers skills for managing strong emotions, improving distress tolerance, and refining interpersonal effectiveness. In remote sessions this looks like practicing grounding skills, emotion regulation techniques, and role-playing communication strategies.
Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce rumination and increase present-moment awareness. These exercises can be guided in session and practiced between meetings to support mood and stress management.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will review symptoms, goals, and preferences and then try methods that fit the person’s needs. That collaborative process can include mixing skills work, reflective questions, and brief coaching to match changing goals.
Confirm the exact session formats available before booking, since current options are not listed here. Many people find online sessions easier to fit into work, study, and caregiving schedules because they can avoid travel and more easily add a short check-in. Others appreciate that some session types require less bandwidth or focus, such as a shorter phone check-in versus a longer video conversation. Licensed professionals can help choose the best rhythm and format based on each person’s routine and goals.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
21+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she address?
She helps with stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, addictions, relationship and family concerns, grief, ADHD, and related issues.
How would she describe her therapeutic style?
Her style mixes practical skills training with reflective conversation. She uses CBT, DBT techniques, mindfulness, existential ideas, and sometimes hypnotherapy.
How much experience does she have working with clients?
She has 21 years of professional experience in clinical and community settings.
What are her credentials and where does she practise?
She is an Illinois LCPC and practices in Illinois.
Can she see people who live outside the United States?
She does not accept international clients at this time. Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are offered?
Please confirm current session formats before booking to learn whether sessions are video, phone, or another option.
How does billing and cost work?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.