LGBT therapists in Bend, OR

My therapy style is centered on warmth, empathy, and inclusivity. Drawing from my extensive experience working with diverse populations, I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where everyone feels heard, valued, and understood. Everyone brings unique experiences, and my goal is to ensure that our work together honors your cultural, spiritual, and personal life story.

I believe deeply in the possibility of growth and change. My decision to become a therapist was inspired by a steadfast belief in transformation — in the human capacity to move forward, even after hardship. Having navigated my own journey of growth, I understand the courage it takes to be vulnerable in therapy. I hold the therapeutic relationship as sacred and approach it with care, respect, and integrity.

Clients can expect a warm, curious, and nonjudgmental space where they are seen and heard without assumptions. I strive to cultivate an environment of authenticity and self-awareness, where trust is built through consistency, empathy, and genuine presence. I want to understand each client’s firsthand experiences and meet them exactly where they are.

Although I consider myself a lifelong learner, my last name (Student) can often throw people. I am a seasoned clinician with extensive experience in the field.

I help adults confront a wide range of challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and traumatic stress. I also have expertise in assisting individuals struggling with their physical health, including chronic pain, medical illness, and sleep/insomnia.

I work with adults who are navigating trauma, neurodivergence, anxiety, self esteem issues, or, not uncommonly, a combination of the listed. My passion is to empower individuals to reconnect with their authentic selves by walking folks through their past wounds and current limitations that keep us from being grounded. I also work within other ranges such as inner child work, attachment styles, childhood trauma, generational trauma, spirituality, and the LGBTQIA community+. I am also passionate about working with fellow therapists through Clinical Supervision or counseling as I focus on imposter syndrome and integration of self.

I am a bilingual/bicultural therapist with 12+ years of experience working with individuals through many life phases. I have served predominately: BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and adults moving through challenging life experiences. Areas I have worked with are: Life transitions, stressors, relationships, family dynamics, identity and queer affirming, anxiety, depression and grief and loss.

I strive to create a warm and welcoming environment where it feels safe to lay all your cards out on the table without fear of being judged. Our lives can sometimes be brutal, or exceedingly beautiful, and everything in between. I'm here for all of it. I find that I work particularly well with people who are struggling with major life transitions, grief, and managing chronic conditions.

My name is Betel, and I am a California Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in my 6th year of practice. I received my MA from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, where I trained in a process-oriented, humanistic-existential style of clinical work. My background also includes coaching in ketamine-assisted care settings, and I am psychedelics-informed and educated.

At the foundation of my work is the belief that human being is an organic unfolding, in which mindful awareness plays an enduring and creative role. I therefore tend to work especially well with artists, young adults, the LGBTQ+ community, and anyone navigating major life transitions or places of in-between in their sense of who they are.

I am excited to help guide you along your journey. I enjoy observing the transformation that occurs in my clients lives over time. Perhaps your seeking a deeper understanding of your emotions or simply a feeling of peace and contentment. Changes can occur through therapy. Lets collaborate and discuss your goals that support the life your are seeking to change or improve.

I’ve provided professional counseling to individuals, couples, and families for over 15 years — helping people navigate relationship struggles, anxiety and trauma, grief and loss, anger and impulsivity, ADHD, parenting challenges, and more. In addition to general mental health care, I specialize in working with adults and couples addressing relational concerns, anxiety, trauma, men’s issues, helping professionals, cultural and spiritual identity, and gender / sexuality.

We all need a little help from time to time to get support for our...grief, trauma, depression, confusing thoughts, self criticism, intense feelings, and improve our relationship with ourselves. Helping ease your painful moments is the most important work we can accomplish together. Sometimes we just need someone to stand by us, assure us that it's going to be okay and guide us through the tough parts. Please give me a call today, we can see how to work together for a better quality of life.

I received my PhD from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology and have experience in community mental health, university counseling center, and hospital settings. I also worked as a professor at Fuller Graduate School of Psychology and as a clinical supervisor for doctoral students before transitioning to my current full-time private practice. I enjoy working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, and I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, and spiritual/faith-related concerns. I believe authenticity and humility are essential qualities in an effective therapist, which is why I am committed to my own ongoing personal growth and development as part of my clinical role.