Why Work With Us

I received my Master of Education Degree from the University of Montevallo followed by my Education Specialist Degree from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Both degrees are in Community and Agency Counseling. Additionally, I have a degree from Valdosta State University in Educational Leadership. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Counselor Supervisor in the state of Alabama. I have been a counselor since 1998. During my career, I have been blessed by the opportunity to serve clients in the agency, school, and private practice setting. During my career I have had the opportunity to serve clients of all ages and within diverse populations. I enjoy helping clients with life transitions, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, women’s issues, and identity development. I have a passion for working with adolescents and families experiencing education-related issues like- Autism Spectrum Disorders, learning disabilities, developmental disorders, and maladaptive social/communication skills and behaviors. I also offer assessment and treatment for ADHD. My initial goal in counseling is to offer a genuinely neutral, comfortable, and supportive space. My counseling approach is predominantly a blend of person-centered and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques.

I enjoy working with individuals, families, single parents and their children and prefer to “rule out” more than quickly diagnose. My graduate training dealt with adolescent male patients with behavioral problems, emotional intelligence deficiencies, sexual abuse history and suicidal gestures and ideations. I see many single parents struggling with their children at home, and work to develop behavioral plans for their homes and families to supplement the therapy done with their children/adolescents. I treat children, adolescents and adults with behavioral issues, mood disorders, developmental and personality disorders.

I am currently an LPC but have worked for over 20 years in public schools teaching art to grades K-8. After retirement from teaching, I started my second career as a Licensed Professional Counselor, providing care to everyone from pre-teens to adults of all ages. My area of expertise within counseling focuses around substance use and recovery, related issues to adult children of alcoholics, self-esteem, codependency struggles, and cognitive distortions. Creating Visual Art is a life-long hobby of mine which I like to incorporate into therapy when appropriate. I focus on helping people discover their authentic self, as well as exploring ways to be more satisfied and successful in all areas of life utilizing solution focused therapy, person-centered, and DBT. In my spare time I enjoy gardening and working on home projects. Currently accepting new clients!

I graduated with my M.Ed. in Counseling from the University of Montevallo in 2014 and joined Pesek Counseling Services in 2017. I am passionate about supporting a sense of hope and confidence in my clients, who range from older teens to adults. My main treatment areas include depression, anxiety disorders, trauma recovery, EMDR, mood instability, life transitions, self-validation needs, healthy relationship skills, and stress management. I am an EMDR Certified Therapist™, and for traditional talk therapy sessions, I utilize a collaborative approach that integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy and client-centered therapy techniques. My aim is to meet clients where they are and journey with them in learning new skills, building overall mental health, and strengthening resilience and empowerment. Outside of work, my favorite activities include reading, spending time with family and friends, and loving on my two sweet beagles.

I graduated with my M.Ed. in Counseling from the University of Montevallo in 2018 and have worked in a variety of settings working primarily with children, adolescents, and teens. I particularly enjoy this age group and acknowledge that each generation has their own stressors and struggles. I’ve worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, and adjustment to life stressors or major events. I take a collaborative approach to counseling, but primarily lean towards Person-Centered therapy and CBT. I also utilize Play and Art therapy techniques when appropriate. Whether it’s needing a safe place to vent or support in navigating life’s challenges, my goal is to provide a non-judgmental and calming space for clients to process their thoughts and feelings, and discover their own answers.

I believe that counseling enables people to be the best version of themselves. My goal is to empower you to make positive choices in your life. I also believe that one of the most important aspects of counseling is the therapeutic relationship between client and counselor. I feel this relationship should provide you with the confidence to navigate life’s many challenges, as well as to teach you the tools to navigate them. I provide an integrated approach to therapy, though I am most strongly oriented towards Person-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

I graduated from the University of Montevallo in 2013 with a Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have a background working with various populations, including but not limited to those individuals struggling with trauma, self esteem, depression, anxiety and grief. My hope is to provide a safe and non judgmental space for you to express yourself and to work with you through difficult issues that you may be experiencing.

I received both my undergraduate degree, a B.S. in History, and graduate degree, a M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, from the University of North Alabama. I have worked in a variety of settings including private practice, eating disorder treatment, and employee assistance since 2016 and have a passion for working with teens and young adults, LGBTQIA+, treatment of anxiety and depression, neurodivergency, women’s empowerment, and eating disorders. I was a member of Pesek Counseling originally from 2017 – 2020 and am excited to be back and a part of the team. My goal is a therapist can be summed up in a quote from the TV show Doctor Who: “In 900 years of time and space, I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t important.” In my spare time, you can find me crocheting, reading, or chasing my husband and toddler.

Hi! My name is Bethany Elkins. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, SELF facilitator, and Certified Yoga Teacher. My specialties include complex trauma, abuse, grief, anxiety, and depression. My main form of treatment is TF-CBT and holistic therapy. I love to incorporate art and music into therapy. 

In my spare time, I love to spend time with my family and read. I am married with two beautiful daughters and have two dogs at home.