A therapist, a learner, a nature lover
Hi! Welcome to Purple Stone Counseling.
My name is Bitna Lee (she/her) and I’m a bilingual, bicultural, and millennial therapist based in Austin, Texas. I’m also a licensed clinical social worker in TX and VA. I spent my childhood in South Korea and moved to the US about 15 years ago. My curiosity about human beings and desire to help others led me to become a therapist.
I started working in this field in 2014. Before launching my private practice, I worked as a full-time therapist for six years in a university counseling center, an outpatient clinic and a non-profit organization. In my professional career, I met many clients with relationship trauma and self-criticism and I love working with those populations. I also enjoy navigating one’s intersectional identities from a multicultural and systemic perspective.
As a cisgender and heterosexual therapist, I recognize my privileges. I’ll embrace your values non-judgmentally regardless of what background you are from.
I enjoy traveling in my free time (I have traveled to more than 20 countries and counting!) and value my time with my husband and cat, Luna. I am always open to discovering inspiring art performances, being around nature, and trying new food.
Meet Bitna
Testimonials
“From my 18 year career as a social worker and therapist, Bitna stands out as a breath of fresh air in every conversation and collaboration. She is one of the most caring, funny, transparent and wise therapists with whom I have worked. She leads from her own inner strength and from her intrinsic respect for your story and can help you find that strength and respect within yourself as well.”
- Erica Coates, Assistant Director of Partnership Initiatives at Virginia Tech Cook Counseling Center, LCSW”
Education
B.A., Psychology, University of Michigan, 2013
M.A., Social Work, The University of Chicago, 2016
Professional Training
Level I GIM (Guided Imagery and Music therapy) training- May, 2022
Level I, II Sandtray Training (Texas Sandtray Association)- 2023
Somatic Experiencing Beginning I - April, 2024
Level III Sandtray Training (Texas Sandtray Association)- April, 2024
Professional Affiliations
Austin Group Psychotherapy Society (AGPS)
The Association for Music & Imagery (AMI)
Texas Sandtray Association
Purple Stone Story
We often learn from nature. Before amethysts (purple stones) were created, they had to undergo a series of chemical interactions such as erupting, cooling, crystallizing, and hardening. After a series of interactions, the stone finally shines as a solid stone with its unique color. Isn’t it similar to our life as we undergo various life events? There are life events we welcome; however, unexpected life events can discourage you or even bring complicated feelings and thoughts. Like stones in nature, I believe we are all unique individuals, which makes us become more ourselves. In purple stone counseling, I invite you to connect with your true self.