About Lorna Benton
For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in who people are, what makes people tick and why they do what they do.
My Approach
Today, I work primarily with teenagers and adults, although my goal is still to provide my clients with a safe space to explore their shadows—the dark, shameful and embarrassing parts of their selves and lives—that must be accepted and embraced in order to heal and grow. Many of these shadows stem from unresolved trauma, which is prevalent in today’s world and breeds feelings of shame, blame and guilt. It keeps us disconnected from others and ourselves. However, once we’re able to increase our capacity for self-compassion and bring that self-compassion into our anxiety, depression, grief, etc., we can truly begin the process of healing. It can take a long time to get there, but learning to love oneself through this exploratory and healing process is one of the bravest things that anyone can ever do.
I’m a very open, compassionate and practical therapist who knows both personally and professionally that none of us get out of this world without facing hardship. I know what it feels like to work through trauma—that there are days when you feel angry at everything or just want to hide under the blankets. But, I also know that being vulnerable and having the courage to ask for help is what leads to true connection and healing. I truly believe in therapy and how much relief can come from compassionate support, practical guidance and a trusting relationship.
My Values and Passions
As a New Yorker and long-time therapist nothing shocks me anymore. Regardless of past mistakes or how you may feel about yourself right now, I truly believe that you are inherently worthy of love, belonging and connection. All your life experience is part of the fabric of who you are. It does not define you, although it can help you understand where you’ve been, accept where you are and decide where you want to go. Life is journey, not a destination, which we all sometimes need help navigating. With a willingness to self-explore and make thoughtful changes, it is possible to truly enjoy the path.
If you or your teenager is struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief or feelings of shame, blame and guilt, please know that you are not alone. If you’re in Boulder, CO or the surrounding area, feel really ready to do the work and are looking for an active, collaborative, compassionate therapist, I can help. I invite you to call me to schedule a free 30-minute in-person session to see if we’d be a good fit and decide how we can best work together. I’m happy to discuss your specific situation and needs and answer any questions you have about therapy and my practice.
Lorna Benton, LCSW earned her M.S.W. with a focus on children, youth and families from the University of Denver and B.A. degrees in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Lorna is a certified Daring Way™ Facilitator, in the work of Brené Brown, PhD and Shame Resilience Theory (SRT). Lorna has also engaged in other advanced certifications and trainings, including EMDR Levels I and II, Beck Institute Trainings: CBT for Depression/ Suicidality, CBT for children/ adolescents, and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention. Lorna is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the American Psychological Association, Internaltional Positive Psychology Association, and the Academy of Cognitive Therapy.