Bethany Downs, B.A.

Graduate Intern

"Together, we'll create a safe space for healing, growth, and rediscovery -- helping you navigate life's challenges with compassion and purpose."

Bethany Downs is an Intern completing her Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Degree at National University. She works with teens, adults, and couples.

Bethany is under supervision of Keiara Marsh-Cartwright, LMFT.

Benefits of A Student Therapist

• Research indicates that student interns tend to be highly curious and eager to learn, resulting in thorough and well-rounded assessments.
• Clients benefit from the expertise of three professionals at a reduced rate: 1) The student Intern, 2) Their supervisor at TNMW, and 3) Their professor at their university.
• While maintaining strict confidentiality, the intern collaborates closely with an experienced supervisor and university professors, ensuring that the care provided is informed by a wealth of knowledge and experience.
• This collaborative approach enhances the quality of the therapeutic process, offering clients exceptional support and insights.

Specialties

• Anxiety & Depression
• Adolescent Challenges
• Life Transitions
• Trauma
• Grief
• Women's Issues
• Young Adults
• Couples
• Family/Relationships

Treatment Modalities

• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
• Narrative Therapy
• Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Experiential Family Therapy
• Collaborative Therapy
• Bowen's Systems Theory
• Structural Family Therapy
• Strategic Therapy

About Me
I have a deep passion for creating an environment of empathy and understanding for
individuals and families as they navigate life’s challenges. My journey began as an early
childhood educator, where I spent nearly a decade working closely with children and
their families. This experience sparked my interest in generational health and inspired
me to pursue a path in Trauma-Informed Systems and Marriage and Family Therapy.

I grew up in a large, blended family in the countryside and the suburbs of Limestone
County, Alabama. My family cherishes quality time together, whether it’s enjoying
nature, sports, movies, or cooking. I earned my undergraduate degree in Human
Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Child Development from The University
of North Alabama.

I believe life is an ongoing process, and it’s natural to face moments that leave us
asking, “Why?” I strive to help my clients uncover the root causes behind surface-level
concerns, guiding them toward greater clarity and insight into their emotions and
behaviors. My approach is rooted in the belief that restoration and healing are
achievable. By recalibrating thoughts and behaviors, we can align your life more closely
with your core values and aspirations.

I work collaboratively with my clients to develop strategies that nurture growth,
resilience, and meaningful change by exploring the natural cycles of life. This
partnership helps you build the tools to move forward with confidence and a renewed
sense of purpose.

Navigating Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression can feel overwhelming, often pulling us into a cycle of worry,
sadness, and isolation. Anxiety may trap you in a constant loop of “what if” scenarios,
making it difficult to stay present and connect with those you care about. It can keep you
on edge, stuck in fight, flight, or freeze mode, impacting your daily life and relationships.
On the other hand, depression can leave you feeling drained, hopeless, and
disconnected, making even simple tasks feel impossible.
Both anxiety and depression affect us deeply, influencing our thoughts, emotions, and
interactions with others. When these feelings take hold, they can create a sense of
isolation, as if you’re carrying the weight of the world alone. But you don’t have to face
this on your own.

As your therapist, I aim to provide a safe, supportive space where you can explore what
you’re going through with empathy and understanding. Together, we’ll identify the
triggers, uncover the underlying causes, and develop personalized strategies to help
you find relief. Whether it’s learning to stay grounded in the present, processing past
experiences, or shifting negative thought patterns, we’ll work to restore a sense of
balance and joy in your life.

You deserve to feel connected, resilient, and hopeful. Let’s take the steps needed to
navigate these challenges and rediscover the strength within you. 

Supporting You Through Trauma
Trauma can leave a lasting imprint, shaping how we see ourselves, our relationships,
and the world around us. As your therapist, I aim to provide a safe, nonjudgmental
space where you can process your experiences and find healing at your own pace.
I understand that trauma affects everyone differently. It may show up as anxiety, fear,
emotional numbness, or even a sense of disconnection from yourself and others.
Together, we’ll explore how your past experiences may influence your present, gently
uncovering the patterns that no longer support you.

Using evidence-based approaches, like trauma-focused therapy and mindful
techniques, I’ll help you regain a sense of safety in your life. Healing doesn’t mean
forgetting; it means finding a way to move forward with strength and resilience.
You don’t have to face the effects of trauma alone. I’m here to guide you through this
journey, helping you reconnect with your inner courage and rediscover the peace and
fulfillment you deserve.

Empowering You to Set and Maintain Healthy Boundaries
Boundaries are essential for creating balance, fostering healthy relationships, and
protecting your sense of self. Yet, setting boundaries can feel challenging, especially if
you’ve been taught to prioritize others' needs over your own. As your therapist, I’m here
to support you in recognizing your limits, clarifying your values, and confidently
asserting your needs.

Together, we’ll explore the beliefs or patterns that may have made it difficult to establish
boundaries in the past. Whether it’s learning to say “no” without guilt, creating space for
self-care, or navigating tricky dynamics with loved ones, we’ll work to build skills that
honor both your well-being and your relationships.

Setting boundaries isn’t selfish. It is an act of self-respect and a foundation for
meaningful connections. I’ll guide you through this process with compassion and
practical tools, helping you feel more empowered to create the life you deserve, one
boundary at a time.

Guiding You Through Grief
Grief is a deeply personal journey, and it can take many forms—sadness, anger,
confusion, or even numbness. Whether you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one, a
significant life change, or another form of loss, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and
uncertain about how to move forward. As your therapist, my role is to provide a
supportive, empathetic space where you can process your grief at your own pace.

I use therapeutic techniques, including mindfulness and narrative therapy, to help you
express your feelings and rediscover your inner strength. Through this process, we can
honor the memory of what you’ve lost and move forward with a sense of acceptance
and resilience. You don’t have to face grief alone. I'm here to walk alongside you,
providing support as you find your way through this difficult time.

Supporting You Through Life Transitions

Life is full of planned and unexpected changes and transitions -- even positive ones, can
be challenging. These moments can bring excitement, uncertainty, and stress, whether
navigating a career shift, moving to a new place, starting or ending a relationship, or
adjusting to a significant life event. As your therapist, I aim to provide a safe,
understanding space where you can explore these changes and build confidence in
your ability to adapt and grow.

Together, we’ll work to clarify your goals, address any fears or doubts you may have,
and develop coping strategies that fit your unique needs. I’ll support you as you build
resilience and navigate change's emotional ups and downs, helping you find balance
and create a sense of stability in uncertainty.

Whether you’re seeking to embrace a new chapter or process the challenges of a
transition, I’m here to guide you with compassion and practical tools that empower you
to move forward confidently and purposefully. You don’t have to face life’s changes
alone. Let’s work together to make this transition a step toward growth and fulfillment.