Therapists in Kingston, 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 Emily. I recognize that talking about the issues which can deeply impact everyday life can be intimidating at times. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of Ohio. I am also a clinical supervisor and enjoy mentoring others. I have over 8 years of experience in multiple community settings providing therapy for individuals and families. I have experience working with clients who suffer from depression and anxiety, those who are experiencing stress in their lives due to change or traumatic events, and those experiencing relationship or career issues. I have a warm, flexible, and person-centered approach. I will seek to understand first and also support you in achieving your goals. I have an eclectic style and use a combination of motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, principles of dialectical behavioral therapy, and ACT. I am here to support you, to help generate solutions, and to provide feedback and encouragement. Small, positive changes add up and we will celebrate them! I also recognize the impact that trauma can have on individuals and family systems and provide treatment through a trauma-informed lens. I am a Christian and my faith plays an important role in my life. I am open to faith-based counseling if you choose and will respect your personal beliefs. It takes courage to reach out and seek help and I'm so grateful that you took that step. I am here to help you use the strengths you already have to make meaningful and practical shifts in both mindset and actions. I am so excited for us to begin working together. Please note that I am only licensed in Ohio and therefore am only able to provide services to clients who are residing in Ohio.

My counseling approach/style comes from a client/person-centered, Humanistic, non-judgmental point of view. I believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and that every person has the ability – within themselves – to not only enact change, but be their own change agent. I have 14 years experience in the behavioral health field (mental health, substance use, and co-occurring) in counseling individuals, couples, and children and families as well. I hope to help those on BetterHelp recognize the strengths within themselves and how they can use those strengths to make the progress they wish to see in themselves.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of Virginia and a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW-S) in the State of Ohio. I earned my Master’s of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University in 1996. I spent over 15 years in a public social service setting working with adolescents and their families. Most recently I have been in a school setting working with middle school aged youth. I have worked with a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, behavior problems, and the stress of parenting. My nonjudgmental, supportive and compassionate nature allows me to build and maintain therapeutic relationships. I have a client centered approach and would enjoy working with you to set both short term and long term goals in therapy. I could help you develop the skills and strategies you’ll need to overcome current and future challenges you may face

Let me be your mirror, by providing you with a reflection of who holds all the tools for solving your problems. I believe that we all have the answers within us. My job as a therapist is to support and provide different approaches to discovering those answers. I work to provide a safe and warm environment, where we can talk and work together at uncovering any questions you may have. I believe in taking a collaborative approach, utilizing the strengths and insights of each person, to help make positive change and provide hope for the future. My clients find me trustworthy, reliable and compassionate. We will work together to construct a plan that fits your own uniqueness. I consider myself to be an eclectic counselor. I’ve worked in the college, prison, school system and community setting.

Greetings, I'm Shannon Smith, Licensed Independent Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist. I hold a Master of Science and Social Administration with a focus on adult mental health from Case Western Reserve University. I have 10 years of experience in the behavioral health field and serve in dual roles, as a civilian therapist and social work officer in the Army National Guard. I'm passionate about my work and I understand the challenges of mental illness. My personal and professional experiences have provided me with an array of useful skills, such as attention to detail and meticulous listening. I use a person-centered approach to provide feedback in a gentle and empathic way, validating clients throughout. If you are struggling with hardship and overwhelming emotions, please know that you're not alone. I help my clients learn healthy coping skills to maintain a relaxed mind, body, and spirit. I believe in tailored intervention to meet each person's specific needs. I incorporate Christian values & Evidence-Based Practice to enhance the treatment outcome. Together we practice various techniques such as grounding, to reduce negative thoughts and emotions, making it easier to self-soothe. I consider myself very blessed to walk with people in their healing journey. It's an honor to hear unique testimonies of strength and resilience. I like to empower my clients to identify and embrace their strengths, becoming the best version of themselves possible. Sometimes all it takes is a little guidance to see yourself out of the dark and into the light. If you'd like to connect, please feel free to reach out, I'm happy to provide further information. May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you Jude 1:2

I am licensed in Ohio with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, bipolar disorder, depression and general life 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! My personal motto is "life begins at the end of your comfort zone!" I believe everyone benefits from therapy at some point in their lives. My therapeutic approach is tailored to fit your unique needs and desires. I take pride in guiding you on your journey of gaining insight and self-love to help you live a joyful well-balanced life. Let me help you navigate whatever issues you are currently experiencing. You are not alone! We will work together and you will be feeling better soon.

I am licensed in Ohio with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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.

I am a licensed therapist serving clients in both Ohio and Illinois. I’ve had the privilege of supporting adult women and men, teens and children in both individual and group settings. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, family conflicts, life transitions, grief and loss, attachment issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence and healing from traumatic experiences. I believe in a collaborative approach where we will work together to identify your goals, address challenges you’re facing and build upon your existing strengths. Seeking a path of growth and change is a courageous act and I’m honored to support you in that process. I look forward to working with you!

I am licensed in Ohio and Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 offer Christian Counseling, as well as non-religious counseling.