About Us
In the therapy process, we focus on clients’ strengths and facilitate a collaborative approach for meeting the client right where they are. We encourage growth and change at a rate that is comfortable, yet gently challenging, while always allowing the client to feel in charge since we know autonomy is essential.
Our Approach
We view clients from a system’s perspective and use an eclectic approach including motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, neurofeedback, and S.A.F.E. EMDR (Safe & Attachment Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). While we are a faith-based organization, we welcome and respect individuals from all backgrounds, honoring each person’s beliefs and journey without imposing our own. We believe it is important to help others find their purpose, develop competence, and grow with integrity into the person they are meant to be. We take a person-centered approach that is genuine, empathic, and that sees people in a positive light, doing the best that they can.
Our Team
Brenda Hanson
Credentials: Oregon Licensed Professional Counselor (C6060)
Modalities: EMDR, Individual therapy, Family therapy.
Areas of Interest: Adults, Families, Teens, ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss.
Brenda received a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University in 2014 after raising children and not finding her full purpose in any other career. She has been giving counsel to friends and family since she was a young girl and came to love seeing others thrive as they started to operate in their true selves. After experiencing some of her own trauma and working through it using EMDR, she was determined to get trained and begin using it with clients. She received training in S.A.F.E. EMDR through the Personal Transformation Institute in 2021 and has used it with almost every client since seeing results that still leave her in awe. Brenda loves water sports, time with her family, fellowship with friends, gardening, and alternative forms of healing.
Elizabeth “Betsy” Smith
Credentials: Oregon Registered Marriage and Family Therapy Associate (R10319)
Modalities: Neurofeedback, Individual therapy, Family therapy.
Areas of Interest: Adults, Couples, Families, Teens, Children, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and trauma.
Betsy received her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Oregon in 2000. She has also been trained in neurofeedback from the Othmer Method. Betsy has a passion to collaborate with clients to support them in finding wholeness and healing. She is driven by a genuine desire to help others navigate their struggles, improve resilience and nurture lasting positive change. She has been married 30 years and has 4 daughters. Her happy place is talking to her plants as she gardens.
Elements of Hope and Healing
500 E Whiteaker Ave, Cottage Grove, OR 97424
Phone: (541) 246-9978
Fax: (541) 275-1075