Therapist profile
Athena McCaman, LISW
LISW - Stress, trauma and parenting concerns
Continue with AthenaAbout
- Client-centered
- CBT methods
- DBT skills
About Athena
Athena McCaman is an Ohio LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker) with 12 years of clinical experience. She works with adults who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, relationship strain, parenting challenges, and related concerns. Athena speaks English and practices from Ohio.
Her work draws on client-centered therapy. That means she starts by listening and helping people identify what matters most to them. She uses CBT to examine unhelpful thoughts and DBT skills to manage intense emotions and impulsivity. EMDR and mindfulness tools are also part of her toolbox when trauma or overwhelming memories are present.
Athena has experience supporting people with addiction and substance use issues alongside mental health concerns. She also addresses family-of-origin problems, communication breakdowns, anger, and grief about separation or divorce. Many people consult her for help with parenting stress and the ripple effects family tension can create.
In sessions she focuses on practical skills and clear steps. Clients work on coping strategies, motivation for change, and concrete communication techniques. The aim is to build tools that fit into everyday life rather than lengthy theory discussions.
She asks questions, listens for patterns, and tests small changes together. Progress is tracked in simple ways so people can see what works. If a client has trauma-related memories that get in the way, EMDR or mindfulness approaches may be used alongside CBT and DBT skills.
To begin, people are invited to complete a short questionnaire and schedule a first session. Athena frames the first meetings as a chance to set priorities and choose which methods will help most.
How sessions work
How Athena uses specific approaches online
Athena draws on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people notice and change thoughts and behaviors that make stress and anxiety worse. CBT sessions often include practical exercises and homework to try between meetings, which can fit into daily routines.She also uses dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills to teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication. These skills are practical tools for managing anger, impulsivity, or relationship conflict. When trauma memories interfere, EMDR can be offered to process disturbing memories alongside mindfulness practices that teach grounding and present-moment attention.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Athena collaborates with each person to decide which methods match their goals and circumstances. Early sessions typically focus on priorities and testing what feels helpful before settling into a plan.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm the available options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions around parenting, work, or caregiving responsibilities. It also lets people use shorter check-ins or sessions that avoid travel time. These practical benefits help therapy fit into everyday life while the therapist and client work together on skills and next steps.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
Ohio
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, relationship strain, parenting challenges, and related issues including ADHD and self-esteem.
What is her therapy style like?
She uses a client-centered approach combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), EMDR, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness techniques as needed.
How much experience does she have?
Athena has 12 years of clinical experience working with individuals and groups on a range of mental health and addiction concerns.
What are her credentials and location?
She is an Ohio LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker) based in Ohio.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
Confirm the current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to begin.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.