Hello, my name is Bjanikka Ben, and I am a therapist based in Portland, Oregon. At A Beginner’s Mind Counseling, I approach healing through the lens of curiosity, non-judgment, growth, and learning. I aim to help individuals embark on a journey of self-discovery, where all parts of themselves can be equally felt, seen, and heard. It is important to foster the capacity for change and shift our narratives to better understand maladaptive behaviors and their roots, enabling us to actively engage in the healing process together.
My Story
Meet Wednesday! Wednesday is a cream-colored golden retriever who uses she/they pronouns. She adores her stuffies, playing fetch, cheese-flavored treats, and falling asleep to Chopin under her dad’s piano bench. Wednesday is an extraordinary and deeply special dog, not only as a service animal but also as a source of comfort to everyone she encounters.
In a therapeutic setting, Wednesday brings immense joy and calm. Her instinct to cuddle with clients who are struggling provides a gentle, powerful form of support. Sometimes words aren’t enough to offer solace, but her presence and that simple act of cuddling can provide profound reassurance and grounding.
Feeling her warmth and softness during tough moments is a soothing experience for clients. It’s a beautiful reminder of how animals can intuitively sense emotions and offer comfort in ways that humans sometimes cannot. Wednesday’s quiet, steady companionship enriches the healing process, creating a unique and calming atmosphere during sessions.
From My Journey to Yours- Growing up in a family where my father was also a therapist, I developed the capacity to listen… for hours. From a young age, I was naturally curious and creative, always eager to understand people, their cultural intersections, and the world around me. Over time, I came to realize that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and, like my father, I became a therapist. Graduate school provided me with the official tools and language to build upon the foundation I had already been laying throughout my life—creating spaces for listening with genuine curiosity.
By fostering these brave spaces, I aim to invite people to be vulnerable enough to open the door to their authentic selves. I believe that in order to heal and truly connect, one must approach both themselves and the world with humility, curiosity, and a nonjudgmental mindset. These values are at the heart of my work, and when my father and I reflect on our journeys, we both realize there was no better path for the quiet, curious, and creative young girl I once was.
What Are My Credentials? I graduated from the University of Oregon with a bachelor's degree in Psychology—Go Ducks! Afterward, I spent several years working in the community as a trauma-informed residential counselor for at-risk youth. In 2023, I earned a Master's degree in Professional Mental Health Counseling from Lewis & Clark College. I am currently working toward licensure as a Professional Counselor and aspire to become a clinical supervisor for individuals seeking licensure in Oregon.
Therapy with Wednesday & Me- Therapy can feel intimidating and even a little scary, especially if it’s your first time…but it can also be relieving, enlightening, and dare I say, fun at times! My goal is to create a space where, through curiosity, empathy, and a touch of laughter, we can work together to help you find happiness.
By fostering raw, honest, and open communication during our sessions, we can reconnect you to your authentic self. Using empathy, I aim to challenge and motivate you toward meaningful change. While my approach is grounded in traditional therapy, I like to add a creative twist by incorporating narrative, somatic, and play interventions for both adults and children, all within a trauma-informed framework.
This could include activities like taking a walk on a beautiful day, practicing progressive muscle relaxation, breathing exercises, spending time with Wednesday, or molding something out of clay. All these interventions are designed to help you recognize and release behaviors that no longer serve you, empowering you to move toward the healthier, more fulfilling vision you have for yourself.
More Than Just Talking- I started A Beginner’s Mind Counseling to give a voice to those who feel silenced and invisible. Growing up in Portland as a BIPOC girl in a world that offered little representation was challenging. I understand what it feels like to be powerless in a system that leaves you feeling unseen, silenced, or minimized—like an outsider in your own home.
As a therapist, my priority is to ensure that you feel seen, heard, and valued during our time together. Together, we have the power to create a space where your voice matters and your story is honored.