Psychologist Kara Anderson providing different types of therapy in Bairdstown

Kara Anderson

Clinician
License Type(s): MS, LMHC, PCC-S
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGrief
29 years offering treatment

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.

Psychologist Linda Levinson providing different types of therapy in Bairdstown

Linda Levinson

Clinician
License Type(s): MS,LPCC,LICDC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years offering treatment

After earning a dual degree in mental health and substance abuse treatment, I began to work with clients who were recovering from opioid abuse and co-occurring disorders. This gave me the unique capacity to help clients not only with addiction, but also trauma, stress, depression, low self-confidence, guilt & shame, anger, and anxiety among many other issues. In addition to general counseling services, I am seasoned in working with process addictions such as shopping, video gaming, Internet, exercise, gambling, and sex and love addictions. I have worked with many clients in the LGBTQIA community and value diversity for others and myself. I have the knowledge and skills to work with clients who struggle with sexual identity and help emotionally work through many issues that arise as a result of sexual trauma, grief or dysfunction. I also work with many clients who open and/or non-monogamous relationships. I believe that acceptance and empowerment is the foundation of this work. I use my accumulated skills to help you identify what is holding you back and how your past helps you identify your strengths to achieve the life you want. I can use a variety of approaches to fit your needs.

Psychologist Deborah  Devlin providing different types of therapy in Bairdstown

Deborah Devlin

Clinician
License Type(s): LSW, LPCC, LCDC III
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
25 years offering treatment

Hello ,I have worked in outpatient settings, in hospitals, on disaster teams, in home-based programs, and overseas for military members and their families. Deborah’s client-centered perspective utilizes tools of motivational interviewing, systems theory, developmental theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma focused, cognitive behavioral therapy. I holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Akron and obtained my master’s degree in community counseling from Malone University. Also, I earned a master’s degree in philosophy and am completing her doctorate at Walden University. Recently completed her dissertation research on post-traumatic growth and military members. I work with youth, families, individuals, and groups with mental health disorders and addiction disorders. My hope and goal is to help you move forward in your life in a meaningful and healthy way. I enjoy working with all ages across the life span. It is a strong and positive step to seek help. I look forward to meeting and working with you.

Psychologist Julie Toppins providing different types of therapy in Bairdstown

Julie Toppins

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
8 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Ohio with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, lgbt-related 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Maria Ponzi providing different types of therapy in Bairdstown

Maria Ponzi

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
20 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Ohio with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & intimacy related issues. 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!

Psychologist Lauren Gusman providing different types of therapy in Bairdstown

Lauren Gusman

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
8 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Ohio with 8 years of professional work experience, primarily with youth. I have experience in helping clients with parenting issues, child behavioral issues, anxiety, depression & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Ryan Moore providing different types of therapy in Bairdstown

Ryan Moore

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseEating disordersSelf esteemDepression
10 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Ohio with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Psychologist Kathryn Bell-Moss providing different types of therapy in Bairdstown

Kathryn Bell-Moss

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
24 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Ohio with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Lisa Leong providing different types of therapy in Bairdstown

Lisa Leong

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
4 years offering treatment

Hello! I am a trained clinical social worker with 16 years of experience. My experience is in major hospital systems in New York City, Houston, and New Jersey and the past three years specifically servicing BetterHelp subscribers. Most of my experience involves bringing tranquility, organization, and resolution to very complex and emotional situations. I utilize cultural sensitivity and my experience to navigate diverse backgrounds and work through the challenges being faced. In my work, I have been involved during times of stress and anxiety, challenging relationships, life changes, and many more. My goal is to listen to what is causing stress and offer the support needed to overcome it or manage it better. I hope to offer some tools to utilize in navigating these challenging situations for a more optimal outcome. I have traveled to various cities such as Bangkok, Paris, Madrid, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Cancun, Caribbean, London, Amsterdam, San Diego, Chicago, Oklahoma City, Memphis, Orlando, San Francisco, Montreal, Calgary, Banff, Edmonton, and more. During my travels, I mainly focus on learning about the culture and understanding the history of the area and its people. My passion is to help and coach people to be their best selves!

Psychologist Melissa Geiger-Dugandzic providing different types of therapy in Bairdstown

Melissa Geiger-Dugandzic

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
8 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Ohio with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with First Responders and veterans in addition to adults with Gambling addiction. 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.

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What types of therapists are available to clients in Bairdstown?

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Bairdstown that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.

Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform

Mental health therapists in Bairdstown available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Bairdstown therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Bairdstown therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Bairdstown region and in the state of Ohio.

How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?

Therapists in Bairdstown can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Bairdstown may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 

Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Bairdstown offering online therapy or in person?

Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.

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