Often rebooked
Hello! My name is Bethany Lockerman and I am a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania and Delaware and the owner of 134 Counseling, LLC. I have a real passion for "heart over head" style counseling where I take a holistic and gospel-centered approach to counseling. My hope and goal is to meet individuals where they are at and walk along side of them as they move toward a life with increased peace, joy, hope, and purpose! You can learn more at www.134counseling.org *PLEASE NOTE: I only see women and teens (age 14+)* I am a graduate of the University of Delaware with a Bachelors of Arts in Human Services and Liberty University with a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling. I have a background in intensive family therapy, mental health assessment, and outpatient counseling with experience in systemic family counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation (SI), trauma, and crisis counseling. While I have experience with all ages, at this time I work exclusively with adolescents and women; with a special passion for working with adolescents who have experienced trauma and have a history of SI. In my free time I love to hang out at home with my husband and our three cats (Mia, Poppy, and Pippin) as well as entertain family and friends for game nights! I also have a love of travel and enjoy discovering new places to explore!
In our first session we will begin by reviewing policies and "housekeeping" items to make sure there is clear understanding of treatment. The remainder of the focus is on answering any questions clients may have and hearing from them directly about what brings them in and what their hopes are for counseling.
While I have experience in many different areas of the counseling field, I have a heart for working with teens and women struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and/or have a sexual trauma background. I have worked with this population for many years and in different settings; and recognize the tender care needed to care for those who are hurting. I am open to working with people with varied backgrounds; however do have a passion for utilizing a gospel centered approach to treatment.
I currently treat teens and women only. I believe those who are a best fit for my skills and style would include individuals who are ready to put the work in to start moving toward their goals. My goal is for there to be a sense of moving forward through the process and for the direction of treatment to be guided primarily by my clients. It is their life and I am not here to tell you how to live it! I am open to individuals of all backgrounds; however, do find that many people find me due to seeking a Christian counselor who strives toward integrating faith and clinical practices in treatment.
Christian Counseling
I am, first and foremost, a Christian counselor who utilizes the Bible, prayer, and exploring spiritual health in my practice with all clients. The soul and mind are connected and I do my best to explore both mental and spiritual health and how they connect. **(Goodness of fit matters a lot in a counseling relationship; so if this is not something you are interested in, I may not be the best fit.)**
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Behavior and belief are intricately connected. I help clients become aware of faulty thought patterns and untrue beliefs to work toward changed thinking and, as a result, changes in behavior. CBT has been proven useful with Anxiety, Depression, and I treat suicidal ideation using a mix of trauma informed, CBT, Crisis, and Christian counseling. This is a safe space to share your deepest struggles.
Trauma Informed Care
Much of my background is in trauma care for individuals with sexual abuse history. Through CBT, Narrative, Strength based, and Christian counseling we explore trauma in a compassionate, open, and timely manner that gives the client the control and opportunity to use their voice in their own healing.
Attachment-based
Attachment styles are deeply beneficial to understand if you are struggling with relationship fear, unhealthy relationships, toxic relationships, relationship avoidance, and fear of rejection. I use workbooks and psychoeducation to help individuals recognize their attachment style to work toward breaking unhealthy and negative relationships patterns.