As we step into 2025, it’s easy to get swept up in the wave of resolutions and to-do lists. But here at Core Values Counseling, we’re taking a different approach. This year, we’re focusing on meaningful connections, intentional moments, and creating dreams worth pursuing together. Whether that’s committing to a regular date night (Eric and I are excited about our Thursday nights!) or planning a family vacation, the start of a new year is the perfect time to dream, connect, and invest in what matters most.
Dream Big, Together
This year, we’re encouraging couples to carve out time to reconnect and plan for the year ahead. Maybe it’s a weekend away to reflect on your goals as a couple — budgeting, dreaming, or even mapping out small projects. Or perhaps it’s diving into something new, like exploring local hiking trails (there are so many to explore here in the Portland, Oregon area!) or taking up a shared hobby. Whatever it looks like, this is a wonderful time to dream big and set intentions for the months ahead.
Exciting Changes at Core Values Counseling
Speaking of exciting new beginnings, we’re thrilled to introduce two incredible additions to the Core Values team: Kylee Binkerd and Olivia Ramey.
Kylee Binkerd, Clinical Social Work Associate
Couples, Individuals, Children, Youth Counseling
Kylee has obtained an M.A. in Clinical Social Work from University of Kentucky. She obtained her B.A. in Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan University.
She has experience working with children in foster care, adult individuals with disabilities, anxiety, and depression and children/adults dealing with high trauma. She is also trained through Level II in the Gottman Method of couples counseling and is dedicated to identifying obstacles and walking through those challenges together. She desires to see her clients grow, flourish, and identify their strengths.
Kylee enjoys hiking with her family, exploring the great state of Oregon, especially the coast, and hanging out with her husband and family.
Olivia Ramey, Graduate Student Intern
Couples, Individuals, Teen and Tween Counseling
Olivia Ramey is a Master of Arts in Counseling candidate at Western Seminary. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, with minors in Spanish and Student Ministry, from Geneva College.
Olivia has 10 years of experience working in church ministry and non-profit youth ministry. As a counselor, she enjoys meeting with teens and tweens, young adults, and women. She also has experience in sitting with those facing life transitions, spiritual abuse, trauma, anxiety, grief, and loss. Olivia is also Gottman Level II trained.
She cares deeply about relationships and sitting with others weathering the ups and downs of singleness, friendship, dating, marriage, and family relationships. Olivia counts it a privilege to guide and encourage others doing the deep, healing work of counseling. She seeks to create a counseling environment of warmth, safety, and even fun. A self-identified “friendly introvert”, Olivia enjoys being active outdoors, cooking a good meal to share, and having quiet mornings at home.
Here at Core Values Counseling, we constantly strive to provide the most comprehensive couples therapy, marriage therapy, individual counseling, and more to our Portland, Oregon-area neighbors. As such, we’re beyond excited for the fresh perspectives and energy Kylee and Olivia bring to our team. You can view their bios and contact them directly here on our website. We hope you’ll help us warmly welcome them to Core Values Counseling.
Setting Intentions for the Year
As you set your sights on 2025, consider what dreams, both big and small, you want to pursue. Whether it’s a relationship you want to strengthen, a personal goal to accomplish, or a simple habit to embrace, this is your chance to step into the new year with hope and purpose.
Here’s to a year of connection, growth, and new beginnings. Let’s make it a meaningful one, together. Happy New Year!
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
