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.

I have had 30 years experience in the mental health and addictions field. I have worked with clients who are chronically ill as well as brief counseling . I believe that we all have the potential for recovery if we desire this for ourselves. My approach is to provide support , active listening and problem solving skills to my clients. I believe in taking each day at a time and being mindful of the world around us in all of our affairs. I am myself am in recovery from addiction and I understand the struggles and courage involved in making this decision to seek help and guidance. I hope to join my clients as an active ally in their recovery journey.

Hi there! My name is John, but everyone calls me JT. I've been a therapist here in Ohio since 2008 and I have expertise primarily in addictions, depression, and anxiety/stress. I have a masters degree in clinical counseling from Cincinnati Christian University and I love what I do. My counseling style is relaxed and non judgmental, while also not being afraid to gently confront clients when contradictions are noticed. I'm well trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, and more. I look forward to

Greetings! My name is Kimberly Butler. I am a Supervising Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the States of Ohio and Michigan with over 35 years of experience in the helping field. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues and transitions, parenting , career challenges, sexual abuse, trauma, grief, eating disorders as well as emotional abuse. Counseling 11 years in a group home for unwed mothers provided me with a wide range of experiences, including adoption. I have spent the last 24 years in private practice. Nearly 40 years of marriage and the raising of 8 children has added much substance to that experience giving me many opportunities to learn to show compassion and empathy. I believe in treating all people with respect and dignity. and do my best to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral and client centered therapy. I look forward to tailoring our dialog and your treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Know there is someone willing to walk with you as you begin your journey to healing and health. I look forward to working with you!

I have been a licensed social worker for 16 years. I have experience with working with many clients and situations throughout my career. Some of these include education, career/ employment, hospital (chronic illness, psychiatry, oncology, trauma),and woman’s health, both inpatient and outpatient settings. In these settings I have provided direct counseling. I have experience in working with young adults, middle aged adults and also older adults. I am very proficient in providing counseling to individuals who are experiencing life changes/adjustment, depression and anxiety. I am trauma focused counselor who uses CBT, solution focused, motivational therapy to meet the needs of the clients that I support. I enjoy counseling and enjoy helping my clients work toward their goals and wellness.

I am a licensed clinical social worker who will approach the challenges clients face using many different theoretical frameworks. What causes a lot of distress in people's lives often stems from a sense of feeling misunderstood along with a loss in personal agency. I will work to help clients identify and frame the struggles they face and then devise together a way to effectively address the issues that currently stand in the way of a contented life.

Hello, my name is Janice Sowell. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio and a License Professional Clinical Counselor in Kentucky. In 2023, I was approved to practice as a License Professional Counselor in Tennessee. I received a Master of Education with concentration on Professional Counseling and Human Development with specialization in Mental Health Counseling from Lindsey Wilson College, Columbia, Kentucky, in 2016. I work in a Trauma informed setting, providing therapy and crisis intervention. Much of my work has focused on treatment of various mental health issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, domestic violence, conflict resolution, sexual abuse, and grief. Hence, I will work from a place of compassion, authenticity, and collaboration. My goal is to provide a supportive environment where your initial concerns are explored, goals developed, along with discovering your strengths and resources as we move towards what really matters to you. My approach is elective, meaning I will use the best therapeutic approach for each individual client. I am primarily a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. I believe that our thoughts influence our emotions and behaviors. Therefore; I deem that the therapeutic relationship can be a vehicle for change. It takes willpower to seek a more gratifying and happier life that is necessary for a positive change to take place. I am here to support you as you make positive changes in your life, to achieve your goals. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to collaborating with you!

I have been a social worker and therapist for over 20 years. I have spent my career working with individuals of all ages from preadolescences to the elderly. It is my priority to provide a safe and comfortable space for those whom I assist. I am experienced with people from all socioeconomic backgrounds, cultures, LGBTQ, struggling with varying stressors ranging from family, work, grief, postpartum, crisis and trauma. My goal is to assist individuals in finding a sense of comfort and peace in their daily lives.

I am a family and clinical social worker licensed in Ohio with over nine years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, caregiving fatigue, chronic illness, intimacy concerns, and low self-esteem. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe you are the expert in your life experience, and will work together with you to develop goals and strategies to improve your overall quality of life. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, and strengths based approaches. I rely heavily on mindfulness based stress reduction strategies strengthen the work you do in and outside of sessions. I look forward to working with you!

Hello! My name is Jan Ricks and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida and a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Ohio. I recently moved back to Florida from Northern Kentucky where I lived for 16 years. I taught at the University of Cincinnati in the School of Social Work and when I retired (as an Emeritus Professor) we moved back to Florida. I am now focused on living my dream of providing therapy. I have been a Professional Social Worker for over 30 years, and I also have over 10 years of professional therapy work experience. I have experience working with many different populations including individuals and families, to inclued teens and adults: the elderly the LGBTQ+ community including any gender variant person (Transgender, Intersex...). I have extensive experience helping people move forward in a productive way. I have worked with people experiencing life changes, grief and loss, women's issues, and many other life challenges. I have traveled to many places in the State of Ohio and Florida, conducting workshops for the employees of the State who required recertification. I have also conducted workshops and classes for private agencies providing education about Transgender, Gay, Lesbian and Intersex communities. I recently taught at the University of Central Florida as an Online instructor in the MSW program for the School of Social Work. After leaving the University of Central Florida I began working as a therapist at Better Help. I truly enjoy my work and have found online therapy to be very effective. It offers many opportunities that are not available in an office setting. Most important is I believe in the resilience of the human spirit and the power of change, and I also believe that people have many strengths that will help them overcome challenges they are facing. I utilize a variety of therapeutic methods including Cognitive-Behavior therapy to help create the change that people need. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage and I am grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of creating that change. I am here to support you in that process. I also want to say that a therapist must be a good fit and I understand that reaching out can be difficult. I encourage you to take the leap! I look forward to meeting you!

I am licensed in Ohio with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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 & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Ohio with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am a licensed clinical social worker and therapist with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with a myriad of issues, but especially stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Ohio with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. 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 & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Ohio with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.