We were lucky to catch up with Beth Freese recently and have shared our conversation below.

Beth, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you recount a time when the advice you provided to a client was really spot on? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

The best advice I’ve given to a client is that healing is nonlinear, and it doesn’t always feel good. Sometimes, when we start the journey of therapy, it can feel like things are getting worse before they get better. This often happens because clients begin to peel back the layers and face life’s adversities, realizing their experiences hold pain. It’s like taking off a veil that’s been hiding those painful truths, which can be both enlightening and incredibly tough.

I’ve had clients who felt discouraged when they hit these moments, believing they were moving backward instead of forward. I reminded them that this discomfort is part of the process. It’s not a sign of failure; it’s a sign that they’re bravely facing their truth. I encouraged them to create space for activities that bring a sense of calm, connectedness, and play while they navigate these emotions. It’s about balancing the hard work of healing with moments that ground and rejuvenate them.

One client, in particular, found this advice transformative. They were initially overwhelmed by the grief and sadness that surfaced during therapy, feeling as though they’d lost their sense of self. By embracing the idea that healing wasn’t a straight line, they gave themselves permission to experience their emotions without judgment. They began incorporating small, joyful activities into their routine, which helped them feel more connected and present. Over time, this allowed them to build resilience and navigate their emotions with more grace and self-compassion. It wasn’t an overnight change, but it was a profound shift that gave them the strength to keep moving forward, even on the more challenging days.

Beth, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey as a psychotherapist began with a personal experience in my teenage years when I lost a friend to untreated mental illness. This deeply impacted me and led me to a path of understanding human behavior and life’s challenges. I pursued a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in professional counseling, which fueled my drive to help people heal their pain.

Today, I’m the founder and CEO of Evolve Therapy, a private practice in Phoenix, AZ, specializing in working with individuals ready to transform their emotional and physical pain into opportunities for growth and healing. I offer individual therapy and therapy intensives, specializing in working with clients who feel they’ve tried everything but still seek deeper, transformative change.

Therapy intensives offer a unique, immersive experience, allowing clients to dive deep into their healing journey over several hours or days, accelerating progress in a safe, structured environment. Think of them as a “catalyst for change”—perfect for those who don’t have months or years for weekly therapy. These intensives are especially practical for those seeking rapid breakthroughs, helping clients address long-standing issues in a concentrated, focused manner.

My integrative, mind-body approach, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of emotional and physical pain, sets me apart. I’ve trained in brain stem-based and body-based therapies like Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), allowing me to guide clients with complex wounds or traumas. I help them process these experiences at both a mental and somatic level, which is crucial for lasting healing.

I’m most proud of my work and the individuals I have the privilege to help. My clients are often busy professionals, entrepreneurs, or adults seeking a more profound healing level. They entrust me with their mental and physical wellness journey, and it’s incredibly rewarding to witness their growth, resilience, and transformation.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients to know, it’s that I’m genuinely here for the messy, beautiful, and tough parts of your journey. Healing isn’t a straight line, and I don’t expect it to be. I’m not just a guide but a real person walking alongside you, ready to sit with you in the hard moments and celebrate your progress, big or small. It’s about meeting you where you are and helping you rediscover the strength you already have within you.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My reputation has been built through forming genuine, trusting relationships with both my clients and colleagues. It’s about showing up authentically, being fully present, and creating meaningful connections. By helping my clients feel truly seen and supported, they’ve often shared their positive experiences with others. My colleagues have also recognized my dedication, which has helped to foster a strong, professional network. This combination of genuine care and real relationships has allowed my reputation to grow authentically.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and knowledge, the most important factor is being genuinely human. It’s about meeting clients where they are and showing them that I’m right there with them in the process. I strive to walk beside them, offering support and understanding as they navigate their journey. By being open, authentic, and willing to share the real, imperfect aspects of life, I create an environment where clients feel safe and understood. This sense of shared humanity and warmth often goes much further in building trust and connection than any specific technique or expertise ever could.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.evolvephx.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolvetherapy_phx
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/evolvephx
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evolvephx/