About Beth

Turquoise butterfly flying over a wildflower field with purple lupines and mountain landscape.
My story

I get it...

Grief has been part of my story for much of my life. I have experienced both anticipated and sudden losses and understand firsthand how loss can change the way we see ourselves, our relationships, and the future we thought we would have.

As someone who is blind, I also understand another kind of grief. This is the grief that can accompany unexpected life changes, altered plans, and learning to navigate the world differently than you once imagined.

While every person's story is unique, these experiences have given me a deep respect for the many ways loss can reshape our lives and the courage it takes to keep moving forward when the path ahead feels uncertain.

I became a therapist because I have always believed that people are far more resilient than they often realize. Even during life's most painful seasons, healing is possible when someone feels truly seen, heard, and supported. After more than 20 years in the mental health field, that belief has only grown stronger.

Beth Gustin, in purple shirt sitting with black dog, Manolo, in a park with a lake

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of helping individuals navigate grief, traumatic loss, anxiety, life transitions, disability adjustment, and personal growth. My role is not to tell you what your path should look like. My role is to walk alongside you, help you recognize your strengths, and provide practical tools and compassionate support as you create a path that feels right for you.

I believe healing happens through connection, trust, and sometimes even humor. While grief and trauma are serious experiences, they do not erase our ability to laugh, find meaning, or experience moments of hope. Therapy does not have to feel cold or clinical. I strive to create a space where you can be fully yourself, knowing you will be met with compassion, curiosity, and practical guidance every step of the way.

One of my companions in that philosophy is Manolo, my fourth guide dog and sidekick. Manolo has a gift for helping people feel at ease. While he is not a therapy dog, he is often an unofficial ambassador of comfort, offering tail wags, companionship, and the occasional dog kiss to those who welcome it. Together, we look forward to supporting you as you navigate whatever chapter of life has brought you here.

That same warmth and genuine presence is something I strive to bring into every session, too.

What you can expect...

My Approach

I work from a strengths-based perspective because I believe you already possess many of the qualities needed to create meaningful change. Sometimes those strengths simply become difficult to recognize when grief, trauma, anxiety, or life's challenges cloud the path ahead.

Because every person is different, I tailor therapy to your individual needs, goals, and experiences. Together we will identify practical tools, celebrate progress, and build on the strengths you already possess.

My therapeutic approach may include:

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Mindfulness and grounding strategies

Strengths-based and resilience-focused interventions

Beth Gustin, in purple shirt standing with black Labrador dog, Manolo, under large tree outdoors

Areas I Help With

Grief and bereavement

Pet loss

Traumatic grief and sudden loss

Life transitions and major life changes

Disability adjustment

Anxiety and stress

Self-esteem and confidence

Caregiver stress

Personal growth and resilience

Building healthier relationships

Finding meaning and purpose after loss

Credentials

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

National Certified Counselor (NCC)

EMDR Certified Therapist

Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS)

Pet Loss Grief Specialist (PLGS)

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Reaching out for therapy can feel like one of the hardest first steps. Whether you are grieving the loss of someone you love, adjusting to an unexpected life change, healing from trauma, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges, you do not have to navigate it alone.

If you think we might be a good fit, I would be honored to walk alongside you.