Hello, I am Bethaney. To be honest, I jumped into the world of counseling during my graduate program without having ever engaged in my own counseling process. From childhood, I always felt an in-depth of love for humans, hearing stories from people and their lives, and connecting with those that were often left out or unknown. When I was little I had a dream to meet and get to know as many humans on the planet as I possibly could.

When I first began learning in the fields of psychology, human development, and then mental health counseling, and from there engaging in my own counseling journey, I quickly fell in love with the practice of helping people in this way. I am relational by nature, love connecting with and learning about individuals and their stories, and I like to provide a present, warm, and attentive space for other humans. I believe we all deserve kindness and connection in this world and counseling is one way we can access that.

The main intention I have in this work is to support and walk alongside human beings that desire wholeness, healing, and authenticity. I truly believe we all have a place in this world and deserve to honor and become our true selves in this life.

My own story of growing up with severe social and generalized anxiety influences my heart for supporting others walking a similar path, particularly during emerging and early adulthood years. Personally, I wish I had had more support from others when I was navigating the anxiety that was becoming an adult and “figuring out” life and myself. I am honored to provide that sort of support to others now.

In the past decade I have been faced with an innumerable amount of death and non-death losses and transitions in life that have impacted me significantly and invited an ongoing grieving process to be present in my day-to-day. This has become a focus in my work due to my firsthand experience and belief in the importance and sacredness of witnessing and holding space for grievers. Whether it be the death of a loved one, a pet, a friend, or a change in jobs, living spaces, or aspects of identity, I am here to be present with and not “fix” someone’s sadness or grief.

Lastly, after many years of purposeful and deep contemplation, I personally decided to intentionally not delve into the life role of parenting and have chosen to remain childfree by choice. Parenting is a sacred and special role in life and I believe it to be one of the most significant life choices one can make. I desire a world where children are born into families that want them and intentionally chose that path. I love supporting individuals with this process of decision making and hold high value in it being an intentional life choice regardless of which path individuals take.

Outside of my role as a counselor, I enjoy spending my time outside - especially at the Oregon Coast, in the sunshine, around animals, with my partner and other beloved family and friends, and listening to audiobooks and music.

I identify as a deep-feeler, highly sensitive person (HSP), and a recovering perfectionist and people-pleaser. These are areas of focus I enjoy supporting others in. I value ongoing personal growth and development, and believe in my own and others’ ability to learn new things throughout life.