Therapists serving clients in Columbus, OH

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with nearly 30 years of experience. I am located in Florida where I began my career in counseling in 1994 as a residential therapist in a psychiatric hospital, followed by the roles of an outpatient therapist, clinical supervisor and program director at a substance abuse treatment agency. In 2001, I relocated to Ohio, where I worked for the next 13 years as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor - Supervisor, program manager and program administrator for a mental and behavioral health nonprofit organization. In 2014, I relocated back to Florida where I began my online practice. If you have any reservations about online counseling, I encourage you to give it a try. It is a highly effective and convenient therapeutic modality that can be accessed from the the comfort and safety of your own home or wherever you are at any given time. I can attest to this with utmost confidence based on my clients' positive feedback after providing services here for over 8 years. My clinical philosophy is one of a humanistic nature, with emphasis on the therapeutic relationship as the most essential building block of the counseling process. My therapeutic style is warm, interactive, attentive and compassionate. I believe that genuineness, unconditional positive regard and empathy are critical to the helping process. As needed, I am also direct and structured in my approach and tend to assign therapeutic homework or tasks to enhance the progression and continuity of the process in between live sessions or message exchanges. I have the ability to tailor and pace treatment to your individual and unique needs, and I am sensitive to evolving the process at your pace and convenience while still promoting and prompting advancement toward your goals. Furthermore, I take a holistic approach to health and wellness, with emphasis on achieving balance in major life domains. I believe that when needs, desires or aspirations are unfulfilled in one significant realm, the others are affected as well and this creates imbalance in one's life, leading to stress, anxiety, inconsistency, overwhelmed feelings, lack of self-care, somatic symptoms, etc. Lastly, in terms of professional characteristics and standards of care, I operate with the highest degree. I was esteemed throughout my career for my level of professionalism, ethical conduct, organization, efficiency and grace. My educational background includes: a bachelor's degree in psychology from University of Miami, FL; a master's degree in mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University of Fort Lauderdale, FL; and additional post-graduate coursework in career counseling, and the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of mental disorders at University of Dayton in Bexley, OH. I enjoy the ongoing pursuit of continued education, training and professional development through seminars in specialized areas, reading and self-study. I highly value knowledge, information and effective application of therapeutic theories, models, strategies, and techniques that may benefit the people I serve. My clinical experience includes working with various diverse populations and treatment modalities, and the full spectrum of issues and disorders ranging from the most simple to the most complex co-occurring conditions. I specialize in treating depression/anxiety/stress, substance abuse/addiction, emotional/physical/sexual abuse, trauma and grief/loss. I also have extensive experience with counseling issues in the following areas: LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Compassion fatigue & Addictions in general. Depression, anxiety and stress are some of the most common challenges faced by people who seek counseling. In this realm, I have worked with children, adolescents and adults in residential/hospital, outpatient and community-based settings. I have provided individual, group and family services, and have facilitated psycho-educational counseling groups and workshops on coping skills, stress management/reduction, emotion regulation, self-esteem and assertive communication skills. My approach though eclectic, tends to be rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which per evidence-based research, is very effective in treating these issues. This active intervention is problem-focused and goal-directed in examining the relationships between thoughts, feelings and behaviors; and modifying unhelpful or negative patterns of thinking that lead to self-defeating beliefs and actions, to improve coping and overall wellness. I also take a mindfulness-based approach to CBT (MBCBT) by encouraging the use of mindfulness practice and self-compassion. These tools help to address and validate one's personal experience with distress, pain and suffering; and diminish associated negative symptoms by focusing attention on the present moment. Learning how to self-soothe and regulate emotions through effective relaxation, calming and grounding strategies are significant components of my clinical approach to addressing depression, anxiety and stress. For over two decades, I have treated teens and adults who struggle with substance abuse and dependency issues. In 1998, I was humbly honored to receive Florida Alcohol & Drug Abuse Association's Professional of the Year award. I have provided these services in various settings and levels of care from the least to the most restrictive. As an outpatient alcohol and drug counselor, I worked with self-referred individuals as well as those who had been mandated to receive evaluation and/or treatment as a condition of probation, parole, work, school or a family/community member. I provided these services in individual, group and family forums. As a clinical supervisor and administrator, I had the opportunity to develop and oversee programming and staff in the specialized area of addictions. In a training capacity, I facilitated seminars to educate clinical staff in the areas of assessing, diagnosing and treating alcohol and drug problems. I am very passionate about working with people who struggle with addictions in general, one day at a time, toward a healthy recovery and lifestyle. Maintaining a strong emphasis on healthy coping skills, positive support systems and relapse prevention planning are key to my treatment approach in this area. In the delicate area of treating the effects of abuse and trauma, I have worked with child and adult survivors of emotional/physical/sexual abuse and violence. I have extensive experience working with acute and post traumatic stress disorder and have developed and facilitated group curricula that focus on reducing isolation, guilt/shame and self-blame; building self-esteem, positive support systems and coping skills; and increasing a sense of mastery and personal empowerment. I am also well versed at teaching survivors how to implement effective relaxation, grounding and anchoring techniques to help diminish anxiety and maintain a balanced state of arousal and focus in the present moment. Encouraging self-forgiveness is also very important to me in helping survivors let go of illegitimate shame or guilt derived from any unwanted responses to, or effects from the abuse. Throughout the healing journey, I am sensitive to guiding the process at a pace that feels most comfortable and safe to each person, and promoting respite from focusing on difficult material if/when it becomes too emotionally burdensome. To help prevent any inadvertent re-traumatization from occurring during the counseling process, I am especially conscientious and attentive to providing trauma-informed care. Throughout my career, I have helped children, teens and families work through grief/loss challenges. In my professional opinion, there is no one particular formula for grieving. Though there are common elements or phases of grief, everyone grieves differently. It is a very personal experience and individual response to coping with significant loss of any kind - death, separation/divorce, relocation, retirement, job loss/change, etc. Grief occurs in stages, which may come like waves in the ocean, ascending and receding at any given time and in no particular order. I am skilled at helping people understand this phenomenon and learn how to navigate these treacherous waters. I have expertise in providing compassionate support and effective strategies to aid individuals through this vulnerable and difficult time toward a place of healing and acceptance. Working with LGBTQIA+ counseling issues is a point of passion for me. I respect, admire, embrace and promote diversity, individuality and authenticity in my personal and professional life. I am LGBTQIA+ informed/educated and have experience with bullying, coming out, internalized homophobia, gender identity affirmation and transgender support. Mental health problems are difficult enough in their own respect, let alone compounded by LGBTQ issues. I have worked with a broad spectrum of concerns in this realm ranging from depression, anxiety, shame, guilt, secrecy and confusion associated with sexual orientation/attraction and gender identity to homo/bi/transphobia and HOCD (homophobic obsessive compulsive disorder). Furthermore, LGBTQIA+ couples and families have unique issues when it comes to navigating the legal, emotional and financial aspects of raising and/or restructuring a non-traditional family. On behalf of this community, I firmly believe that more support, education and advocacy are greatly needed. With all the significant strides that have been made toward raised awareness and acceptance in our society, there is so much more that we can do to achieve full empowerment and equality for all. I want to be a part of this valuable movement and growth journey by helping one individual at a time. I genuinely admire your initiative and courage to reach out for support, and look forward to working together toward your goals. With patience and commitment and dedication to this process, this is the first step toward a happier and healthier or more evolved you.

Hi! My name is Sirena and I'm a Licensed Independent Social Worker. I graduated from Ohio State with my Bachelor's Degree in 2008, from Capital University Law School with my JD in 2011, from Ohio University with my Master's in Social Work in 2014 and from the University of Cincinnati with my Master's in Healthcare Administration in 2019. Since then, I have practiced extensively with a variety of populations. I primarily work with adults, and have a lot of experience in trauma processing, couples work, and working with those who have both mental illness and a history of substance abuse. I have worked with teenagers and families, couples, individuals, LGBTQ, the elderly, and those with complex treatment needs. I believe in developing an integrative and collaborative relationship with my clients that is built on mutual trust and respect.

I'm a clinical psychologist licensed in Ohio with seven years of experience providing psychotherapy for a wide range of concerns. My experience includes working with individuals who have concerns with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, histories of trauma, PTSD, and interpersonal difficulties. I identify primarily with a cognitive behavioral approach, but incorporate skills from a variety of therapeutic orientations. Treatment can sometimes feel robotic, and I want to make sure that my clients are able to experience the opposite. People deserve a compassionate and caring therapist who meets them where they are. I believe that clients are the experts on their own experiences and I work to empower them so that they can create the changes they want to see in their lives. Taking the first step or trying again with therapy is incredibly difficult. Choosing a therapist that will be the best for your needs can also be hard. I am happy to discuss your expectations and desires for treatment and help you navigate more easily through this time. I look forward to working with you!

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio with 14 years of experience. For the last 9 years, I specialized in military and Veteran issues. I am certified in Evidence Based Therapies, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for depression as well as Prolonged Exposure therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Prior to my work with Veterans, I focused on severe mental illness and addictions. I have worked with Clients who have had an array of concerns including anxiety, depression, psychosis, addictions, trauma, abuse, and divorce. My approach to counseling is eclectic and incorporates an approach that is humanistic, psychodynamic, client centered, action-oriented, and cognitive behavioral in nature. Treatment goals are individualized and identified collaboratively. It takes courage to initiate change and I am eager to assist you in that process.

Greeting, My name is Manicka and I am here to do cultural healing work with African-American men and women impacted by trauma. I am here to help you identify the messages you received in your life that told you that you were unworthy of love, affection, attention and connection. If you've been looking for a compassionate professional to help give clarity to the challenges in your life, then I would like to speak with you. My experience lies in my ability to hold space for you and to help you identify the negative core beliefs that are getting in the way of you experiencing joy, peace, and happiness in your life. I am a facilitator of Emotional Emancipation Circles which help African Americans heal from the lies of white superiority and black inferiority. My work centers on teaching the tools needed for emotional healing, by reframing the way in which families and individuals see themselves and their challenges by reestablishing a sense of balance and connection to self and others.

I am a licensed independent social worker with supervision endorsement, with over 25 years of experience working in various roles: as a medical social worker; school social worker; and as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, grief and loss issues and more. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, solution focused and psychodynamic therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

The Initiation of counseling illustrates that an individual is ready to explore the possibilities of growth and refocusing on their strengths. Gaining the courage to attend the first session can be a major hurdle as we acknowledge that we are vulnerable and something is not working in our best interest. With the stigmatism of mental health, many individuals feel that if they seek counseling they may damaged. This is not the case. Counseling is about individuals seeking a safe environment in which they are able to be supported and gain skills to be able to function more optimally in which their lives can be so much more fulfilling. Change is fostered through acceptance and connection. Reconnecting relationships is a major agent of change, whether between the therapist and the individual, parents and their children, or between partners. My goal is to provide a nonjudgmental relationship that will allow for individuals, couples and families to foster healing, growth and repair. I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) who is certified in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) while also using rapid resolution therapy (RRT) and accelerated resolution therapy (ART) to eliminate the persistent symptoms left over from experiencing a traumatic event. I employ The Gottman Method with couples and play therapy with children. I also treat sexual and pornography addictions as I’m a certified sexual addictions treatment provider (SATP-C). I focus on various other modalities of therapy such as solutions focused therapy, logotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in order for the client to be able to manage stress, anxiety and depression in a more adaptive manner.

I am licensed in Ohio with 20 years of professional work experience. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. In addition to my professional training, I have a wealth of life experiences that make me uniquely qualified to address issues related to individuals and families from children through older adults. Helping couples find the connection and safety they need in their relationship in order to grow together is also a privilege and an honor for me. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you in your journey by providing you with the encouragement and support you need to grow and thrive.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 14 years. I have an undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of San Diego and a Master's Degree in Social Work from the Silver School of Social Work at New York University. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, parenting problems, career challenges, family separation, learning disabilities, and general issues related to adjustment/ and attachment, and general issues related to self-esteem . My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psycho-dynamic, trauma informed care guided by evidenced based practices. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. We will formulate goals together. I enjoy working with people on their thought process, actions/reactions, and how it relates to their life experiences. We can access how this helps or hinders your daily life. I believe that most people have experienced events in their lifetime, that when left ignored, directly impact our lives in the present. It is my goal to help you identify these events, and help my clients move through them. I formulate collaborative goals with each individual, couple, and family I work with, to identify pathways for working through issues from the past that hold us back from being our best selves. We will work to re-write a narrative that will allow you to heal, and live a life of fulfillment, joy, and satisfaction!! I believe that each person has unique impressions and experiences, and so my treatment is tailored to their individual needs. I have a client-centered approach and firmly believe that clients are the change-makers and have the power to guide their own recovery. It is my goal to provide an empathic and engaging style throughout treatment while providing a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space. I am trained to work with all ages and especially enjoy working with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I am sensitive to multicultural issues and welcome working and learning from people from a variety of backgrounds. I hope to work with you in exploring your emotions, concerns, and trauma/significant events to help you find some relief and develop long-term solutions that bring positive results. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

I am licensed in Ohio with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!