About Safe Space Connect
We are a collaborative team of counselors who believe in the power of compassion and are here to help people get through their rough patches. Our mission is to transform the landscape of mental health care, providing counseling services that respect and integrate our clients' diverse backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences. We hold a steadfast belief in the universal right to pursue and reach one's full potential in life. Our engagement extends specifically to immigrants, refugees, and individuals from various global communities, reflecting our broader commitment to inclusivity. Our approach encompasses not only advocacy and counseling but also a dedication to educational efforts, empowering individuals to find resilience and hope in their journeys.
We provide services in English and Amharic (አማርኛ).
Our Approach to Care
Compassionate & Individualized
Every person brings a different story, set of experiences, and goals to counseling. We work collaboratively with you to understand what matters most and shape care around your needs, strengths, and pace.
Culturally Responsive
Culture, family, faith, identity, community, and lived experience can influence how we understand ourselves and the challenges we face. We create space for those parts of your story to be recognized and respected throughout the counseling process.
Trauma-Informed & Evidence-Based
Our approach draws from established therapeutic practices while remaining sensitive to the ways trauma and past experiences can influence emotions, relationships, coping, and well-being. Care is provided with attention to safety, choice, trust, and collaboration.
Meet Our Counselors
Finding the right counselor is an important part of the therapeutic process. Learn more about our clinicians, their areas of focus, and the approaches they bring to care.
Dr. Ben Betsiha (ብንያም)
Founder
Dr. Ben Betsiha, bridging his Ethiopian heritage with his American context, serves as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) in the state of Texas. Additionally, he is certified as a Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and recognized as a National Certified Counselor by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NCC). Ben earned a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's degree in counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization (from CACREP Accredited Program), a master’s degree in clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from (from CACREP Accredited Program), and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision (from CACREP Accredited Program).
Employing a collaborative, strengths-based approach, Ben inspires his clients to reclaim autonomy over their narratives. He acknowledges the profound impact of cultural nuances, ensuring his therapeutic methodologies are not only culturally inclusive but also highly effective. At the core of his practice is the conviction that every individual deserves a safe and healing space to explore and overcome life's challenges.
With experience working with individuals, families, and adolescents across various life stages, Ben has supported clients facing a range of difficulties, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, self-esteem issues, trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation, substance and alcohol use, and more. Ben takes the time to understand each client and develops tailored interventions to meet their unique needs.
In his practice, the intersection of trauma-informed care and social justice is not just a technique but a guiding principle. Ben is dedicated to fostering a therapeutic space that champions inclusivity, empowerment, and meaningful progress, facilitating a journey of healing, personal growth, and transformative life changes for all his clients.
Beniam Aster Megabi Awoke Betsiha (Ben)
Ph.D., MA, MRC, NCC, LPC, LCDC, CRC
Phone: (903) 231-5010 or (903) 231-5486
Fax: (866) 477-2772
Dr. Tsigereda (ጽጌሬዳ)
Co-Founder
Dr. Tsigereda Teketele, affectionately known to her clients as "T," is redefining care in Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC). Her expertise is further solidified with a national certification from the National Board of Certified Counselors (NCC). Tsigereda earned a bachelor's degree in finance, a master's degree in counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (from a CACREP Accredited Program), a master's degree in library and information science, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision (from CACREP Accredited Program). Yet, Tsigereda's practice extends beyond mere credentials, embodying a mission of resilience and autonomy focusing on trauma-informed care and women's empowerment.
At the heart of Tsigereda's counseling philosophy is a commitment to fostering autonomy and liberation among her clients. She holds space for emotional and physical trauma, acknowledging their debilitating impacts and championing recovery for survivors. Her services, available for children and adults alike, encompass both individual and group counseling, providing a sanctuary for healing and growth.
Tsigereda's methodology is deeply person-centered, resonating with those she serves. She assists clients in refining their goals and creating robust action plans, empowering them to navigate their journeys toward those aspirations. This process isn't merely about recovery; it's about rediscovery and a reclamation of one's own strength and agency.
Moreover, Tsigereda stands as a fervent advocate for those often marginalized. Immigrants, refugees, and underserved communities find not just a counselor in her but a dedicated ally. She infuses her trauma-informed framework with an unyielding commitment to women's empowerment, embodying the principle that every individual — regardless of past trials and present struggles — deserves not only to heal but to thrive.
Tsigereda Teketele (T)
Ph.D., MA, MLIS, NCC, LPC, LCDC
Phone: (903) 231-5010 or (903) 231-5486
Fax: (866) 477-2772
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