Becky Pedersen

Biography

Qualifications & Experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Certified Neuroscience Psychotherapist with 30 years of mental health experience. I have a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Saint Martin’s University Olympia, WA and a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from Argosy University.

My Call to Christian Counseling

From a very early age, I found the brain fascinating and human interactions even more fascinating. I could often be found deeply observing others and trying to make sense of their behaviors, applying different reasonings for my observations and wanting to discuss at length with anyone who would listen my hypotheses of why humans interact the way they do. I am sure my early endeavors in research were an effort to “save” my own nuclear family, which was riddled with dysfunction. Lastly, I felt the Lord spoke to me when I was about 18 years old and I knew I wanted to be a counselor who provided hope for others.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

Outside of my professional work, I find deep joy in spending time with my husband and family. Much of our life is centered in nature, whether traveling to National Parks, camping, hunting in the Pacific Northwest, or taking day trips to the ocean. I also enjoy acrylic painting, writing my first book, devotional time, preparing nourishing meals, and embracing a simple, grounded way of living.

On a more personal note, my path into neuroscience-informed counseling was shaped by my own experience. After years in the counseling field, I found myself facing a season of significant burnout. In seeking support, I was unable to find care that addressed what I was experiencing at a deeper, physiological level. This led me into extensive study and exploration of neuroscience and the underlying patterns of the brain and body. That journey not only brought personal healing, but also reshaped the way I approach counseling today. It deepened my understanding of how the body and brain carry the effects of life experiences and how true healing often requires addressing both, alongside a strong foundation of faith.

Services and Specialities

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• Abandonment and Neglect
• Aging and Geriatric Issues
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chemical Dependency
• Coaching
• Counseling for Teens
• Couples Counseling
• Codependency
• Depression
• EMDR
• Family Counseling
• Grief and Loss
• Individual Counseling
• Infidelity and Affairs
• Lifespan Integration
• Marriage Counseling
• Online Counseling
• Personal Development
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Premarital Counseling
• Professional Development
• Relationship Issues
• Sexual Abuse
• Spiritual Development
• Trauma
• Weight Loss
• Women’s Issues

Acute Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Chronic PTSD, and Anxiety

Throughout my career, I have utilized many different modalities in treating symptoms of trauma and anxiety. Typically, clinicians will use a “top-down processing” treatment method (working with the mind/going through the mind to change the brain, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). I have found significantly higher results in the treatment of these conditions by using “bottom-up interventions” (working with the body/going through the body to change the brain, such as Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) or Sensory Awareness: Heart Connection).

In treating the conditions listed above, results are even higher and long-lasting while utilizing a “horizontal processing” approach, which works across hemispheres or across sensory modalities. In my treatment, I utilize the horizontal processing approach, utilizing both “top-down” and “bottom-up” methods to ensure the resolution of symptoms. It has been a great joy for me to see how God created simple but highly effective tools to navigate life. Our body is the vehicle in which we are to navigate this life, and we need to take care of it.

Christian Individual Counseling

Oftentimes we can find ourselves going in circles in life and not living at our fullest God-given potential. Whether you have a chronic and ongoing condition or you are facing current situational problems, I offer a safe space to be vulnerable where, together with the Lord, we can get to the root of the issues you are struggling with.

Within our first couple of sessions, I will seek to learn more about your background and symptoms. Once we have identified the root cause of what is disturbing you, I may employ different treatment modalities, either a top-down method such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or a horizontal method such as EMDR. We will also work to develop your faith and identity in Christ.

Spiritual Development

Have you had a lot of disappointments in life? Do you question your purpose? Do you feel stuck or like there is no hope for your situation? Are you at a dead end with your faith and questioning where God is? Do you feel like you finally get to a good place, and then the other shoe always falls?

Many people lack the understanding of who God truly is and His deep love and grace for us. Once we tap into this understanding, we begin to navigate life and circumstances with a “tuck and roll” attitude flowing through life. When we are able to see the much bigger Kingdom perspective of life, then we gain a better understanding of what our purpose is and/or the purpose of what each struggle may be. When we become tethered to the truth of the Bible, our perspective of life drastically changes and we are freed from all the negative thinking and find joy daily regardless of our current circumstances. Once we understand this perspective, we can tap into true joy and peace that are sustainable for a lifetime.

Couples Counseling

In meeting with you and your spouse, I will consider the individual needs that are required to reach wholeness so that you may bring wholeness to your relationship. After hearing the history of your relationship, I may utilize different assessment tools to help identify problem areas in your marriage. Oftentimes, I will teach communication skills, conflict resolution techniques, and emotional intimacy-building exercises, along with many other topics. My intention with Couples Counseling is that you each work individually on your autonomy, and I will provide you with evidence-based techniques to add to your relationship so you can maintain a healthy and thriving marriage.

Counseling for Teens

Teenage years can be the most difficult years, especially these days. I offer a safe space where teens can open up vulnerably and transparently. My approach with teens is to help them learn how to effectively think through any situation, apply their faith, and come to a conclusion. Although that sounds simple and easy, it can be a complex task for a teen due to the bodily changes they are going through and the development of their brain. Much of what teenagers experience is actually their body responding to their environment, which leads to their thinking patterns. If we can work with the body to calm the noise down, then we can help develop their brain/thinking patterns to be healthier. This is why I feel counseling teenagers is so crucial. It could change the course of their life at a significant age, setting them up for success.

Payment and Forms

Sessions: I offer 53-minute sessions. Sessions can be held more than once per week, weekly, or every other week. Scheduling options are discussed in greater detail during your Risk-Free Initial Session.

Availability (by office location):

• Lacey – Tuesday and Wednesday
• Online (WA Only) – Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for Individuals and Couples looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment the full fee per session is required at the time of service.

Insurance: As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), most insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out of Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover adolescents, individuals, and couples.

Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 4% per transaction may be added for credit card payments.