Gary Bena MA, LPC
Counselor

Gary specializes in adolescent therapy. His primary areas of focus include Depressive Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Adjustment Disorders, and Grief and Loss. In his therapy sessions, Gary is laid back and caring, and believes that humility is very important. Gary helps his clients through regulating emotions, tolerating distress, and developing interpersonal effectiveness and mindfulness.
 
Gary finds the best place to start is with one’s own feelings. He lets his clients talk and figure out what they feel needs to change. From there, he suggests and explains skills that will likely help his client maintain positive changes acquired through practice during sessions and in everyday life.
 
Gary has specialized training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Gary has specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP).
 
Gary has afternoon and evening availability in our Arnold office.
 
Education:
Master of Arts in Counseling from Webster University
Bachelor of Arts from University of Missouri-Columbia
 
Certifications:
Licensed Professional Counselor
 
Gary enjoys the Cardinals, cycling, and hiking. He has been married for 28 years and has 2 dogs.