When my parents dropped me off at Western Michigan University, they suggested I take business classes so that I have something to fall back on that will help me make more money than I would as a therapist. I had no interest in taking any business classes (ironic since I am a businessowner now). I already knew I was majoring in Psychology and searched for a minor that would complement that. I stumbled upon the communications department and learned that there was a degree in learning how to communicate one on one. Four years later, in 2007 I earned my Bachelor’s degree in both Psychology and Interpersonal Communication.

After gaining my Bachelor’s degree, I came back to Grand Rapids and began gaining experience in the mental health field by working at both Pine Rest as a residential aide and at an after-school program. I eventually worked as a youth advocate with GR Public Schools. At that time, I wanted to work with middle school aged youth and figured it would be beneficial to have some experience with that population. I attended WMU Grand Rapids campus for Grad school and earned my Master’s degree in 2011 in Marriage, Couple and Family therapy. I am now a Licensed Professional Counselor who is also a licensing supervisor for therapists working toward their full license.

Over the past 14 years, I’ve had the privilege of working in various settings: in-home therapist at Arbor Circle, a Kent School Services Network therapist and Infant Mental Health therapist at DA Blodgett- St. John’s and outpatient therapist with Centennial Park Counseling. These experiences helped me build therapeutic skills and taught me how to connect with people from all walks of life. I have since added public speaking and workshop facilitation to my resume’ as well.

In 2018, while working at a group practice, I formed Beville Counseling LLC. I knew I would eventually have my own therapy practice and began learning what it would take to start one. I came into 2020 ready to move into an office space, but that was halted when Covid began. That is when I began working from home doing virtual therapy. Like many, I thought that wouldn’t last long. However, by the summer of 2020 I had gotten used to providing therapy that way and I thought my dream of opening my own practice would not happen. Thankfully a friend said to me “you know you don’t need to have a building to open your practice”. Literally in that moment I realized I could pivot and start my practice virtually. I launched my solo practice in December 2020. I was operating solo for 2 years and decided to finally try shifting to a group practice by adding my first therapist in 2022.

Being a Black female therapist, I know the benefit and importance for clients to find and work with therapists who look like them and understand their cultural needs. And although I had been trained as a therapist, I had to learn through my work experiences how to be therapist for clients of color. Covid helped remove some of the stigma about mental health and more people are seeking therapy especially those in communities of color. I saw a need for therapists to be properly trained to serve ALL people. In 2023, after taking time from various board positions that I was serving on and entering my first pitch competition, I identified what I wanted my group practice to be, a “teaching practice”. I wanted Beville Counseling, to be a place where we create an environment where clients feel safe, heard, and validated AND where therapists can learn how to be culturally competent and skilled therapists who also learn about the business of private practice. We now have 11 therapists with diverse backgrounds: African American, Pakistani, Vietnamese, Hispanic, Caucasian, Spanish-speaking, Christian, Muslim, Military Veteran, male, female, etc.

At the heart of everything I do, I believe in the power of compassion and validation. I truly believe that when we hold space for people to be seen, heard and valued, we help them move toward becoming the best version of themselves. Whether I’m providing therapy, supervision, or simply lending a listening ear, I am committed to being a source of peace and support in this world.