Bethany Downs, B.A.

"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 the supervision of Keiara Marsh-Cartwright, LMFT.

Benefits of A Student Therapist

• Research indicates that student interns are 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 a wealth of knowledge and experience informs the care provided.
• This collaborative approach enhances the quality of the therapeutic process, offering clients exceptional support and insights.

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 Your 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 we’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.