Bethany Sweeden, LPC-AT, ATR-BC, CIMHP (she/her)
Licensed Professional Counselor-Art Therapist
Registered & Board Certified Art Therapist
Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional
Owner, Leander Counseling & Art Therapy
Email Bethany@LeanderCA.com
Text or Leave a Voicemail (512) 337-2788
Licensed Professional Counselor-Art Therapist
Registered & Board Certified Art Therapist
Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional
Owner, Leander Counseling & Art Therapy
Email Bethany@LeanderCA.com
Text or Leave a Voicemail (512) 337-2788
Emotion-Focused, Creativity-Centered, Integrative Services
~Art Therapist with over 20 years of experience~
~Art Therapist with over 20 years of experience~
Below you will find information about my counseling style, specialties, education and experience, licensure, professional and personal life
Counseling Style
In addition to traditional therapies, I utilize art therapy as an alternative form of communication; it can be a way to talk without talking. No experience or training in art is necessary to benefit from art therapy, only the willingness to express yourself and engage in the creative process.
My psychotherapy work is holistic, informed by neuroscience, and incorporates integrative and alternative treatments for mental health. I have an eclectic style, drawing from a variety of treatment modalities including Art Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Art Therapy (CBAT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Art Therapy (MBAT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Art Therapy Relational Neurobiology (ATR-N), Expressive Therapies (music/drama/poetry/dance/movement therapies), the Mandala Assessment Research Instrument (MARI), Client Centered and Strengths-Based Therapies.
Your treatment experience with me might involve painting, clay or collage, mindfulness practices like breathwork, or self awareness homework; the intention of these experiences is to connect you with your own solutions while teaching new skills, addressing your goals, and facilitating personal growth.
My clients are older teens (ages 15+), young adults and adults, college students, women, empaths and highly sensitive persons (HSPs), artists, creatives, musicians, and those experiencing chronic pain or illness.
I specialize in using art therapy for treating depression, anxiety, chronic pain, non-suicidal self injury, and eating issues, as well as for developing creativity, self-expression, healthy identity, emotional intelligence, self-compassion, and coping skills. I also have training and certification in providing psychoeducation around mental health nutrition and integrative medicines and treatments for mental health.
Click here for more specific information about Bethany's services
Education & Experience
- 2004 Bachelor's Degree in Art Therapy, South Carolina
- 2008 Master's Degree in Psychology, with concentrations in Art Therapy and Marriage & Family Therapy, California
Clinical training & work experience includes:
- Hospital In-Patient & Out-Patient Behavioral Health (SC)
- Open Art Studio Art Therapy Facilitator (SC)
- Hospital Emergency Psychiatric Services (KY)
- Charter Middle School Counselor (CA)
- Adolescent Residential Rehab Treatment Center (CA)
- Non-Profit School-Based Trauma Counselor (TX)
- Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Treatment (TX)
- Adult Residential Rehab Treatment Center (TX)
- Crisis Treatment Center (TX)
- Emergency Shelter for Women and Children (TX)
- Independent School District IEP Art Therapy Service Provider (TX)
- Private Practice in Texas since 2012
Licensure, Certifications, & Memberships
LPC-AT: Licensed Professional Counselor-Art Therapist License #65728
Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
ATR-BC: Art Therapist Registered-Board Certified License #12-112
Art Therapy Credentials Board
CIMHP: Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional
Certificate # 757847
CART: Certified Anger Resolution Therapist
Certificate # 2524-5004 from The Center for Anger Resolution, Inc.
Mandala Assessment Research Instrument (MARI) Level II Practitioner
Professional/Board Memberships:
- American Art Therapy Association (AATA) since 2005
- South Texas Art Therapy Association (STATA) since 2008
- American Counseling Association (ACA) since 2009
- Williamson County Women Mental Health Professionals since 2009
- STATA Board of Directors 2014, newsletter chair
- STATA Board of Directors 2016, chapter delegate
- Wilco Women Mental Health Providers, organizer since 2016
A Personal Note
I strive to embody the principles shared in my work by maintaining an active, healthy, and mindful lifestyle. When I'm not working, I enjoy gardening, cooking, farmers markets, painting, live music and community events, travel, sports, movies and documentaries, and being outside in nature. These days my morning routine involves walking, drinking herbal tea, and tending to the garden. I've spent a lot of time in Costa Rica and speak conversational Spanish. I'm a naturally curious person who enjoys connecting with and helping people. If there were more time in the day, I would also love to run an arts non-profit organization, animal rescue or community garden. I currently have a pitbull mix named Little Sadie who was rescued from a dog-hoarding bust in Seguin, TX.
I strive to embody the principles shared in my work by maintaining an active, healthy, and mindful lifestyle. When I'm not working, I enjoy gardening, cooking, farmers markets, painting, live music and community events, travel, sports, movies and documentaries, and being outside in nature. These days my morning routine involves walking, drinking herbal tea, and tending to the garden. I've spent a lot of time in Costa Rica and speak conversational Spanish. I'm a naturally curious person who enjoys connecting with and helping people. If there were more time in the day, I would also love to run an arts non-profit organization, animal rescue or community garden. I currently have a pitbull mix named Little Sadie who was rescued from a dog-hoarding bust in Seguin, TX.
I look forward to having the privilege of working with you
My office is a comfortable counseling space mixed with a colorful art studio
(Click here to see office photos)
My office is a comfortable counseling space mixed with a colorful art studio
(Click here to see office photos)