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 am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I have been licensed in Kentucky since 1997. I am also licensed in Ohio. I am a Board Certified -TeleMental Health Provider. My professional experience is eclectic and wide ranging. I have worked with a diverse range of populations and issues and I have expertise in areas ranging from anxiety and depression to post traumatic stress disorder. I have worked extensively with trauma from physical and sexual abuse, family and relationship issues, parenting problems and LGBTQ issues. I have significant experience working with the military. I have done education and career counseling. My counseling style is based on unconditional positive regard, which means that I always come from a strength- based perspective. My clients will be treated with respect and genuine care, compassion and concern. We will work together to create goals and find solutions. I also consider myself to be a holistic counselor, which means I try to focus on the whole person (mind, body and spirit.) "The part can never be well unless the whole is well." - Plato. My favorite quote from Maya Angelou says "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." MY mission is to help you find the best way to overcome and thrive in YOUR life. Together we can make that a reality.

I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker with over 28 years of experience. Much of my experience is in the Emergency Department, Partial Hospitalization Program, and Inpatient psychiatric settings. I enjoy working with persons from all walks of life who are looking for ways in which to improve their life including the way in which they are experiencing life in general. I have worked with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use, grief, trauma including abuse, relationship, and school issues. My counseling style is to assist you with finding your goals and ways to meet them. I am supportive and will challenge you to become the best you that you can realize. I will utilize approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, brief solution focused, and motivational interviewing styles. If an approach is not working for you I will be happy to work with you on finding one that may be helpful. I look forward to assisting you in reaching your greatest potential!

I am excited to start working with clients on this platform. I have been a counselor for over 25 years. While much of my experience has been in the area of addiction, I also worked for ten years at a community mental health agency. I enjoy working with clients with addiction issues, anxiety, depression, and adjustment issues. I have a pretty laid back style. I’m a good listener and am very solution-focused. I look forward to working with you to assist you in reaching your counseling goals.

I am an Independently licensed Social Worker licensed in the state of Ohio. I have been in the field for over 15 years having worked with a number of populations. I have provided therapy for both youth and adults with a wide range of presenting concerns. I have experience working with children in the foster care system as well as children involved in the juvenile justice system. Most of my experience providing therapy has been with adults struggling with addiction, trauma, life changes, depression, anxiety, and psychotic disorders. I take a client centered approach to therapy and believe that each individual should determine what their goals are! I will work along side you and assist you in achieving your goals on your timeline. I feel strongly about developing a therapeutic alliance which allows for an open, honest working relationship. I know it can be difficult to start this journey but I look forward to working with you and making these first couple steps seamless and helpful!

I am a Social Worker with over 25 years of experience. I have worked with people of all ages from many walks of life and would like to help you on your journey as well. My experience ranges from kids to adults with depression, anxiety, life adjustments, addiction and crisis intervention. My main focus now is working with women and adolescents. I will listen to your story and guide you to make your life more manageable. I am not here to tell you what to do but will give you skills and feedback to help you through this challenging time in your life.

Hi, my name is Ben Shores. I am an independently licensed social worker who has been in the field since 2003. I enjoy working with adults on a variety of therapeutic topics, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and family issues. I offer a client-centered approach in a warm, non-judgmental manner. Congratulations on taking this step to challenge yourself and seek positive change for yourself, I would love to work with you as your therapist!

I am a Licensed Clinical Therapist with over 10 years experience that has counseled hundreds of people dealing with everything from anxiety, depression, anger, worry, infidelity, fears, addictions, church hurt, spiritual abuse, grief and loss; and more. I’ve had the pleasure of counseling and improving the quality of life for many. I empower those who are hurting and struggling to find stability to overcome life’s curveballs and hurdles using CBT, DBT, Person-centered evidence-based approaches. Are you ready to move forward in life? Are you ready to heal? Are you ready to be free of those thoughts, worries, fears, and feelings that cause you distress. I offer a judgment-free, safe space, to process your trauma, feelings of being misunderstood, your past, your present in a way that builds you up to rise above your pain. Therapy is not a quick fix nor a magic button that makes all the pain go away overnight. Healing is process that takes time. You can only get out of it what you put in it. I am committed to the following: -Your treatment, well-being, stability and growth; -Being honest with you with gentleness; -Building you up and not tearing you down; -Providing a safe, judgment free, therapeutic environment; -Providing feedback to you and receiving feedback from you; -Having check-ins with you for follow-up on your progress; -Coaching you through life transitions while you develop the skills to do it on your own; and -Establishing healthy therapeutic boundaries as any clinician should. Aren't you ready to start feeling better?....you deserve to feel better and you don't have to be alone. I'd like to help you heal. Let's get started.

I am a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a supervisory endorsement in Ohio with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have helped many clients cope with depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, substance use disorders, and parenting issues. I generally take a holistic approach to treatment that strives to take the whole person into consideration. So, I help people change their thoughts, find motivation, change behavior, manage their feelings. As person-centered counselor, I treat every person non-judgmentally with dignity, and the respect everyone deserves because they exist. I also recognize individuality--your journey is not the same as another's; they cannot be treated the same way. I use techniques from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Behavioral Therapy (BT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Eye Movement Reprocessing and Desensitization (EMDR)--all evidence-based treatments. I believe that you are the expert of your story, that you have many strengths, that those strengths will assist you overcome things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage. I am encouraged for you that you have taken that step. I look forward to helping you overcome the challenges you choose to conquer.

I am licensed in Ohio with 40 years of professional work experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, caregiving, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I also have experience with the challenges associated with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion in a safe environment where thoughts, feelings, and topics of faith can be shared without fear of judgment. 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 a licensed supervising clinical counselor in Ohio with over 20 years of experience. For many years, I have worked in hospitals, stabilization units, community mental health, opioid treatment clinics and private practice settings. Along with formal training in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR); trauma focused cognitive behavior therapy (TF-CBT) and other fields my specialty areas include mental health counseling, child abuse treatment/prevention, trauma, race based traumatic stress, counselor development/supervision, self-care, and women’s issues. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, compassion fatigue, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. My counseling style is warm, supportive, validating, and collaborative. You set your pace. I believe in kindness and honesty with compassion, I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach is strength based and client centered. I tailor what I do according to your needs. You are the director of your counseling experience we will collaborate together to individualize your experience and address your needs. You are the expert of you and you have many strengths that will assist you in your journey. Taking the first step is the hardest and takes courage. I am here to walk the journey with you.

I am licensed in Ohio with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & career difficulties. 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 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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 3 years of professional work experience. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and do not require supervision. I work with people from age eight and up. I have experience working in a school setting as well. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. I do use cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapies. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am a licensed counselor/therapist in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with stress, anxiety, life stressors/changes, trauma, abuse, & depression. I also have experience helping people cope with addiction and relationship issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!