Intern Spotlight: Beena
This summer we’re highlighting our Counseling Interns. Masters-level interns are an important part of our work to train the next generation of Christian clinicians as they offer affordable counseling to clients. Get to know Beena Thomas!
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hey, I’m Beena! I’m grateful for Jesus and to be born into a Christian family. I was born in India and came to New Jersey in my early teens. I’m blessed to be happily married to my husband of 30 years, a loving and godly man, who shares his deep faith and values. Together, we’ve had the privilege of raising two young adults who are venturing into their own careers. I cherish spending time with my family. I am thankful that I can be part of CCCRD which provides support, guidance, and a safe space to explore one’s thoughts and experiences.
What was your journey to becoming a counselor?
This process started while serving in youth ministry with my husband at our local church and listening to teens talk about their problems. An 8th grader once told me, “You are a great listener and should seriously consider being a counselor. I think you’ll be great at it.” I brushed it off for many years, but God opened various doors. After youth ministry, we worked in collegiate ministry. Helping young adults in their walks of life was rewarding and the students asked a similar question: “Have you considered counseling others for a living?” Interesting, I thought! After my husband and I helped with pre-marriage mentoring at our church, I wanted to dive deeper into learning more about this space. I’m intrigued by people and how unique God has made each one of us. This curiosity led me to take online counseling courses. I wanted more, and now I am excited to get my degree and pursue licensure.
What’s your favorite movie? The Negotiator. I love suspense movies. It’s a classic in my book as it’s filled with intelligence, love, anger, and lots of action. Samuel Jackson and Kevin Spacey put on great performances as experts in this field.
Favorite food?
I love Thai cuisine! I like it because it reminds me of Indian food, with similar ingredients and herbs. It’s simple to make and packs a bunch of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.
Cake or pie?
I love both because I have a sweet tooth ☺️. I love carrot cake and love key-lime pie!
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy running, hiking with my husband and kids, walking in my neighborhood, meeting our neighbors, cooking, playing board/card games, watching movies and Netflix shows, reading, listening to podcasts, hanging out and laughing with family and friends, and lounging out in a pool.
Describe your approach to counseling.
I place a huge emphasis on the individual’s needs, centering each around their journey. I aim to create a safe and nurturing environment using a holistic approach, connecting therapy through psychological techniques and prayer. I want to use this space to empathize and genuinely understand, allowing clients’ voices to be heard, free of judgment. I want to guide my clients toward a path of acceptance and even enthusiasm as they deal with some very hard issues. I want them to experience growth, increased self-assurance, and happiness.
What elements of counseling are you most passionate about?
Helping individuals develop resilience while navigating through significant life changes. I want to work with young adults, middle-aged and older women, as well as couples struggling in their marriages, and empower them. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed or anxious in certain seasons of life, and during these moments even question the existence of God. My focus is to cultivate their inner strengths by inspiring hope, affirming their experiences, and making them feel supported, while carefully helping them discern the changes to move forward.
Any advice for someone considering counseling?
I think everyone can use counseling since it provides a safe and non-judgmental environment for someone to share thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Counseling can also help someone get a better understanding of their strengths and growth areas. It can help individuals navigate through challenges by developing coping strategies and fostering resilience. It can enhance interpersonal relationships by improving communication skills, resolving conflicts, and promoting healthier patterns of interaction. Counseling plays a crucial role in addressing and managing mental health concerns. It provides a professional perspective and provides guidance and support through a holistic lens.