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Headshot of Cara Banafato, LCSW

Cara Banafato

Therapist(she, her, hers)
3 years of experience
  • Virtual
  • Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQIA+, Trauma
  • Individual therapy

Great to meet you!

Welcome, and thank you for considering my practice. My therapeutic style is warm, relational, and collaborative. I am here to support you with a listening ear, as well as empower you with skills and strategies to navigate life's challenges. I believe humor is a helpful tool in the therapeutic process (and life in general), so you can expect moments of levity and laughter along the way!

My approach to therapy

Treatment approaches are as varied as people are! Some individuals benefit from a "top-down" approach, focusing on how their thoughts impact their feelings and actions. Others prefer a "bottom-up" approach, starting with the somatic or "felt sense" of their emotions. I use a variety of evidenced-based modalities and tailor my approach to each individual based on their needs and preferences.

I have advanced training and experience in treating trauma, grief, and anxiety. Additionally, I specialize in working with fellow members of the LGBTQ+ community, including assessments for letters of support for gender-affirming care aligned with WPATH Standards of Care.

What you can expect from me

Together we will collaborate to explore your experiences, values, and ways of relating with yourself, others, and the world. We will find your personal balance between acceptance and change in order to help you feel more content and empowered in your life.

About me

  • I identify as
    Caucasian, Cisgender Woman
  • My style is
    Warm, Affirming, Humorous

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    3 years of experience
  • Training
    MSW (Master of Social Work) at Rutgers University College, New Brunswick
  • License type
    LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) (New Jersey)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Providence Health Plan

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQIA+, Trauma
  • More specialties
    Bipolar disorder, Family issues, Stress management, Relationship issues, PTSD
  • Therapy methods
    Exposure Response Prevention, Cognitive Processing (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Strength-Based, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Care types
    Individual therapy
  • Ages served
    Adolescents, Adults, Seniors
  • Languages
    English
Offers free consultationsNext available