Garrett Beaman

About Garrett

To feel disconnected from ourselves and from our loved ones is profoundly painful.  It can take the form of tight-chested grief that tells us we’ve lost our meaningful, intimate connections - or a numb sadness that insists we never had the ability to create them in the first place.

These sensations and messages are often created by both the presence of negative experiences as well as the lack of positive, supportive relationships when we need them most. Within the disconnection, we fall back on familiar stories that tell us we are not worthy of love, growth, desire, or patience. Successful therapy involves recognizing the role these negative narratives play in our lives as well as the ability to change our stories for the better.

In practice, I work with individuals and couples struggling to find connection amidst emotional and sexual discrepancies, distressing sexual challenges, major life adjustments (e.g. parenting, betrayal, and loss), and questions regarding identity and purpose. My clients often have specific goals in mind, such as improving effective communication, increasing sexual satisfaction, healing from past relational wounds, and creating a stronger sense of self.

In session, I work to create a secure environment where clients are free to express their entire self, including the parts that feel contradictory, dishonorable, painful, or are difficult to name. My role is to listen intently, identify and process patterns that may no longer be serving my clients, and explore new ways of being within the safety of a healthy therapeutic relationship.

I have personally navigated disparaging stories and the cycles they create for many years in my past. Discouraging societal norms about male sexuality/emotional expression, unsupportive relationships, and unresolved shame convinced me I was worth little and deserved even less. However with the help of my own mature relationships and intensive therapeutic work, I've had some grounding realizations. First, change is always possible, and it must come from within. No one can do the work for you, but others can provide the safety and support to make the work possible. Second, challenging emotions are part of the human experience and deserve acknowledgement. Healthy expressions of shame, rage, disgust, and guilt can all be a valuable part of our healing process.

Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship struggles, life transitions, identity exploration, or are seeking deeper understanding and growth, I encourage you to reach out and see if I am the right counselor for you.

Background

I received my Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine at Boston University, where I began honing my interests in sex therapy, neuroscience, substance use counseling, and behavioral medicine. I have experience working in hospital settings with victims of violence, leading intensive outpatient groups for people with depression, and counseling people navigating drug and behavioral addictions. Supervision and consultation help me stay up-to-date on best practices, encourage introspection, and ultimately support the needs of all my clients.