- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Emotion regulation skills
- Mindfulness techniques
About Athena
Dr. Athena Porter is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with 21 years of experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, anger, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma and other concerns. She also offers coaching and support for life changes and caregiver stress.
Her approach combines practical, problem-focused methods with broader perspectives on meaning and culture. She often uses cognitive-behavioral ideas to address patterns of thinking and behavior. She also draws on dialectical behavior therapy techniques to teach emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills.
Dr. Porter includes existential and mindfulness methods to help people consider values, purpose, and present-moment coping. Hypnotherapy is listed among her approaches and may be used when appropriate. She describes work that helps reduce symptoms and supports personal growth within coaching and wellness sessions.
Over two decades she has worked in community settings across Illinois, other parts of the United States, and Ghana. That community work has included public education on topics such as suicide prevention, PTSD, domestic violence, substance use, and smoking cessation. She has also provided mental health information through media appearances.
In sessions with her, people can expect direct, practical strategies alongside exploration of life meaning and cultural context. She aims to combine skills-based work with discussion of values and life goals. To begin, users are asked to use the site matching process and schedule a first session.
How her approaches translate to online work
CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing them with real-life actions. It is often used for anxiety, anger, depression, and mood problems by teaching practical behavior and thinking changes.DBT, or Dialectical Behavior Therapy, emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication. These skills help when strong feelings flare up or when someone needs steady tactics to manage reactions.
Mindfulness Therapy brings attention to the present moment and reduces reactivity by practicing simple awareness exercises. Existential elements help people talk about values and meaning when life changes or loss are a central concern.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to choose strategies that match goals, lifestyle, and preferences. That choice can evolve as sessions continue and as practical needs become clearer.
Session logistics can help therapy fit into daily life. Confirm the therapist's current session options before booking so you know what formats are offered. Online work can make scheduling easier, allow shorter check-ins between in-person visits, or reduce travel time - practical benefits that support keeping up with skill practice and appointments.
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 concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, anger, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, addictions, relationship and career concerns, and related issues such as caregiver stress and isolation.
What is her therapeutic style?
Her style blends practical, skills-based methods with reflective approaches. She uses cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behavior ideas alongside existential and mindfulness perspectives.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 21 years of professional experience in mental health practice and community work.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) practicing from Illinois.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start working with her?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.