We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Keisha & Nyema Bedell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Keisha & Nyema thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

When we set out to name our practice, we wanted something that truly reflected the journey of healing and growth that we aim to support. The word Cultivate immediately resonated with us because it symbolizes growth, transformation, and resilience, which are core themes in both counseling and personal development. To cultivate something means to nurture, prepare, and create the right conditions for it to thrive. This aligns with our belief that healing is a process, much like “breaking through the soil of life in preparation for growth”.

Keisha & Nyema , 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?

Keisha Bedell is from Cleveland, Ohio. She is a mother of three, a 19-year-old son and 8-year-old boy/girl twins and has been married to Nyema Bedell for 11 years. Keisha holds a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Health Studies with a certificate in Disability Studies and Community Inclusion, as well as a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Kent State University.

Keisha is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPC) and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and Trauma-Focused Motivational Interviewing (MI). She also has extensive experience in managing safety concerns through Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS). However, beyond clinical techniques and credentials, her true passion lies in helping people get to the root of their concerns and guiding them toward healing. Beyond work, she enjoys unwinding by binge-watching Netflix in her free time.

Nyema Bedell holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Kent State University and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. A Toledo, Ohio native and lifelong Cleveland Browns fan, he has learned firsthand how to endure disappointment—an experience that has strengthened his resilience and, in turn, made him a more effective therapist.
With a natural ability to connect with others, Nyema often found that people—sometimes even strangers—felt comfortable opening up to him about their struggles. Recognizing this as a calling, he pursued a career in mental health and has now been practicing for 16 years as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervisor designation (LPCC-S). He specializes in trauma-informed care and mood disorders, including depression, and is trained in EMDR. While he has a deep passion for working with men, his practice is inclusive, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds who are seeking growth, healing, and transformation.

We provide mental health counseling for individuals and their families servicing children, teens, and adults. We provide in-person and telehealth. We accept both commercial insurances, Medicaid and self-pay. Services we provide are EMDR and trauma therapy, ADD/ADHD Counseling, Anger Management, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Counseling for Anxiety, Counseling for New Mothers, Emotion Focused Therapy, Grief & Bereavement Counseling, Life Transitions, Men’s Issues, (OCD) Counseling, PTSD, Therapy for Depression Family Counseling, Divorce, Parent-child conflict, Problems between siblings, and Domestic violence. Our personalized approach ensures that each client receives care tailored to their unique needs, helping them achieve meaningful and lasting progress.

What truly sets Cultivate Counseling & Consulting apart is that we are a family-owned, husband-and-wife, clinician-owned practice, and we have personally experienced the benefits of counseling ourselves. We understand therapy from both sides—as therapists and as clients. This unique perspective allows us to connect with our clients on a deeper, more empathetic level, offering not only professional guidance but also personal understanding. Additionally, as a clinician-owned practice, we prioritize the well-being of our team. We believe that by supporting our clinicians, we empower them to offer the best possible care to our clients. When therapists feel valued, supported, and have room to grow, it reflects in the quality of care they provide. This commitment to clinician support ensures that our team is always at its best, which directly translates into better outcomes for the clients we serve.

We are proud of how effectively we work together as a couple, providing mutual support to each other and our team. One of the best things about our workplace is the environment we’ve created, where therapists feel supported and empowered to grow, whether that’s launching their own private practices or transitioning to another organization as great clinical leaders. With a diverse staff, we have the opportunity to help people navigate their daily challenges—it truly doesn’t get better than that. Our commitment to making therapy approachable and accessible ensures that individuals from all walks of life feel welcomed and empowered, fostering deeper connections that lead to meaningful progress.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Several books have profoundly influenced an approach to life, work, and leadership. The Book of Proverbs offers timeless wisdom for navigating everyday challenges while fostering a deep reverence for God. Good to Great by Jim Collins emphasizes the importance of striving for excellence and surrounding oneself with the right people—because success is often a reflection of those in close circles. Replenish by Lance Witt serves as a powerful reminder that sustainable leadership requires balance, highlighting the necessity of creating intentional rhythms of rest. Together, these books provide guidance for staying grounded, strategic, and purpose-driven in both business and life.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Nyema- There was a time in my career when I felt completely burned out and overwhelmed, to the point where I considered leaving the field altogether. However, I realized that my exhaustion wasn’t just from the work itself but from the environment I was in. By intentionally changing my surroundings and seeking spaces that fostered support and growth, I was able to regain my passion for the field and continue doing the work I love. This experience reinforced the importance of prioritizing well-being, both for myself and for those I support. I’ve learned that creating a supportive and uplifting environment is essential for reducing compassion fatigue and maintaining a strong sense of purpose.

Keisha There was a time when I questioned whether I would ever become a therapist. Struggling with test anxiety made the journey especially challenging. After years of education, it was overwhelming to think that a multiple-choice exam was the only thing standing between me and my destiny. Despite the frustration and moments of self-doubt, I refused to give up. I pushed through, knowing that my purpose remained the same and in the end, I achieved what I was meant to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cultivatecounselingconsulting.com/
• Instagram: @cultivate.counseling
• Facebook: Cultivate Counseling & Consulting

Image Credits

Kenan Gabriel