- Client-centered
- CBT informed
- Trauma aware
About Athena
Athena McCaman is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) who uses a client-centered approach to support people facing stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and depression. She speaks plainly and focuses on practical steps people can take to feel steadier. Athena recognizes how hard it is to ask for help and aims to offer respectful, empathetic support from the first conversation.
With 12 years of experience, Athena has worked with individuals and groups on a range of concerns. She offers therapy that emphasizes skill building, coping strategies, and motivation to change. Common topics she addresses include relationship strain, parenting challenges, substance use, and healing after trauma.
Her work draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thoughts and try different responses. She also uses dialectical behavior therapy skills for managing strong emotions and mindfulness practices to reduce reactivity. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing can be incorporated for those processing traumatic memories.
Athena keeps sessions focused and practical. She helps people set realistic goals and practice new skills between meetings. Progress is measured by how well those changes fit into everyday life.
People who reach out can expect a collaborative tone. Athena listens first, then helps shape a plan based on each person’s needs and pace. If someone is ready to begin, she guides them through the next steps to get started.
How Athena’s approaches translate to online therapy
Athena uses client-centered care to build a working relationship that fits each person’s needs. This approach means she listens first, follows the client’s lead, and tailors sessions to what feels most useful for them. It helps shape goals and day-to-day steps that are practical and achievable.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to notice patterns of thought and try different behaviors in everyday life. This method is helpful for anxiety, depression, and stress when people want concrete strategies to change unhelpful habits. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills are offered to manage intense emotions, improve distress tolerance, and strengthen interpersonal effectiveness through short exercises and practice outside sessions.
Finding the best approach is collaborative. Athena will work with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences, and she adjusts the plan as progress is made. The first meetings focus on understanding what’s most important and choosing practical tools to try.
If you’re considering online work, confirm current session options before booking since formats were not specified in the biography. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. A therapist can help decide session length and structure to match everyday life and treatment goals.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Credentials
Ohio
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Athena help with?
Athena works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, and coping with life changes. She also addresses relationship strain, parenting challenges, self-esteem, ADHD, and codependency-related issues.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is client-centered and practical, using cognitive behavioral methods and motivational engagement to build coping skills. She also uses mindfulness and dialectical behavior therapy techniques when helpful.
What is her background and experience?
Athena has 12 years of clinical experience working with individuals and groups on mental health and substance use concerns. She has supported people recovering from trauma and addiction and those facing major life changes.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker, listed as LISW, practicing in Ohio.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does cost and billing work?
Cost varies with location and therapist arrangements; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Confirm fees during the matching or scheduling steps.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.