Bethany Bahl (she/they, MHC-LP) specializes in providing individual psychotherapy for adults struggling with life transitions, anxiety and worry, depression, LGBTQIA+ issues, identity concerns, and trauma. Bethany often encourages conversations about identity, oppression, and privilege with clients, as therapy can provide an important space to understand and address their effects on our lives.

Prior to working in private practice, Bethany trained at New York University’s Center for Counseling and Community Wellbeing, a community outpatient setting, while also obtaining a M.A. in counseling for Mental Health and Wellness from NYU. Bethany also served as a Research Assistant for the Research for Child Anxiety Prevention (RECAP) Lab where they studied early interventions for anxiety disorders and developmental psychopathology of anxiety and depression. 

Bethany’s passion for destigmatizing mental health and promoting wellness in underserved communities has led to their previous work experiences with The Trevor Project and Frontline Paper. In addition to her work as a therapist, Bethany is also one of two Marketing Masters for NYC ACBS.

What drew you to your field?

I think so many of us go into whatever market work we choose with the hope that it will help others, and I believe that therapy provides a unique platform to promote wellness and social justice in and out of sessions. Mental Health Counseling specifically is rooted in attempts to understand and dismantle stigmatizing, illness-based approaches that often reinforce systems of oppression, and I wanted to be a part of thoughtful conversations about how to move forward with that goal. 

What drew you to ACT/RFT?

Unlike many other therapeutic orientations, ACT makes space to address life stressors without pathologizing the associated thoughts and feelings. It’s also uniquely suited to address conversations around power and oppression. For example, ACT's defusion practices help clients detach from harmful societal narratives and stereotypes without asking the client to fight against the understandable thoughts and feelings that arise.

Favorite mindfulness tip or book recommendation?

For a book, I’d recommend Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Wherever You Go, There you Are.

For a tip, I’d note that externally-focused grounding exercises (e.g. name everything that is blue around you) can be a great mindfulness activity for clients who feel triggered when internally-focused exercises draw attention to body parts that feel incongruent (e.g. the chest). 

Is there a book, movie or song that you feel resonates with ACT?

The first time I read Russ Harris’s The Happiness Trap, it felt like a non-fiction sequel to Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. Huxley’s novel is essentially a cautionary tale about the consequences of a society that prioritizes comfort and pleasure at the expense of authenticity and individuality. In the World State depicted in the book, citizens are conditioned to accept their roles and values imposed by the government and are provided with instant gratifications to suppress uncomfortable emotions, ultimately living an avoidant life devoid of meaning. 

I think the film The Birdcage also serves as a good example of ACT principles by showcasing characters who explore their values of love and authenticity, defuse tension through humor, commit to meaningful actions, and practice self-compassion in the face of oppression. It highlights the importance of authenticity and value-driven choices in a world filled with social pressures and provides an example of characters trying to live by their values even when there isn’t a “right” or easy answer for how to move forward. 

What’s your favorite part about being a member of NYC ACBS?

I really enjoy being able to connect with other professionals who utilize ACT in their work and learn about training opportunities!

Are you currently accepting referrals?

Yes!

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