Therapists in Somerset, 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.

I specialize in helping people struggling with tough decisions, difficult people, and challenging situations by helping them to develop realistic solutions. Experience a supportive, individual and engaging approach to treatment with humor, access to a knowledge base and authenticity. I help clients to navigate their world of relationships by learning to "do less" and "be more." This starts by modeling a new and different relationship that is without judgment or unwanted advice. I will work with you in discovering your barriers to fulfillment and increase your belief in your capacity to change. We will accomplish this goal by establishing a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship. I have practiced as a licensed counselor since 1989 providing mental health, and substance use disorder services with extensive training in many modalities. My approach is tailored to your particular needs with a empathetic and trauma focused approach. I have taught masters level mental health counseling for over 20 years and my scope of practice and certifications also includes certification as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCPT).

I am here for you. I will never judge, condemn, or ridicule you. I am here to provide empathy, support, guidance, and validation throughout the counseling process. I work with a variety of clients who are struggling with wounds from the past, current stressors, and future worries. I specialize in the treatment of PTSD and C-PTSD, and I offer EMDR as a supplement to my regular counseling services. If you are ready to take the next step toward a happier, healthier YOU, I would love the opportunity to walk with you on this part of your journey.

“Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.” -bell hooks I am a licensed clinical social worker in Ohio, bringing over 5 years of experience from community health centers to urban schools in Columbus. My journey has connected me with people facing a spectrum of life challenges, from anxiety and depression to relationship issues and much more. I believe in walking alongside you on your path to healing and personal growth. My approach is an integrative blend of healing-centered, liberation-focused, culturally responsive, trauma-sensitive, and neuroscience-informed frameworks, among others, tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. I am committed to providing identity-affirmative care that honors the diverse identities, values, and experiences of all individuals, especially for those who hold marginalized identities. In an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment, we'll work together to explore, heal, and grow. If you are seeking support for coping and healing from trauma, I offer specific therapies aimed at trauma-focused treatment goals. Our collaboration will involve building trust, setting goals that resonate with you, and exploring your life stories as well as the many aspects of your mind in a way that feels right for you. Together, we'll honor the complexity of your experiences and the different 'parts' that make up your whole being. We’ll delve into attachment patterns, exploring mindfulness and somatic-based approaches, and, if appropriate, blending your cultural and ancestral traditions & healing practices to enrich our work. Empowerment and mutual respect are at the heart of my practice. We'll engage in open conversations, experiential activities, and mindfulness practices that foster self-awareness and emotional balance. I am dedicated to continuous learning, ensuring our work together benefits from evolving insights and techniques that cater to your unique journey. I am passionate about supporting you in developing insights, resilience, and skills that contribute to your personal growth. I’m excited to join you on this transformative journey towards self-discovery, healing, and a richer sense of well-being. Looking forward to working with you! If needed, please check out the "Working with Monica" page of my Google Site, that expands further on what you can expect while working with me and help clarify if I'm a good fit for your therapy goals and needs. Link => https://sites.google.com/liberation-pathways.com/monicalisw-betterhelp-ohio/home/working-with-monica ***COPY & PASTE THIS LINK TO STAY UP TO DATE ON MOST RECENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: https://sites.google.com/liberation-pathways.com/monicalisw-betterhelp-ohio/home/announcements ***For more information on my online practice policies, expectations and additional therapy-related resources, please visit my independent contractor Google Site here: https://sites.google.com/liberation-pathways.com/monicalisw-betterhelp-ohio/home (copy & paste into preferred browser) LIVE SESSION AVAILABILITY (My typical weekly, working days/hours for members who may request me specifically): ~Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays (10:30am-7:30p) & Sunday (10:30am-7pm): First available session starts at 10:30am; last available session starts at 6:45pm (6:15pm on Sunday)

I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with over 11 years of experience in counseling and hypnotherapy. I have worked with adult couples and individuals in community and private practice settings. I specialize in helping people make sense of the complicated challenges that life presents. Primarily using hypnotherapy for improving management of mind/body pain, supporting solutions to sleep problems and re-discovering purpose and value in life. If you are feeling like you're on an emotional rollercoaster, suffering from a racing mind or even trying to reverse sexual performance anxiety, I am here and there is hope. In a session, I will always bring respect, compassion and some practical strategies to empower you to find your path forward. It's ok not to be ok right now. I look forward to working together to inspire strength in mind, body and spirit.

I am licensed in Ohio with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 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 licensed in Ohio with 5 years of professional social work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma. I also have experience working with children and supporting parents. 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 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Assisting clients with finding work life balance and establishing or maintaining meaningful healthy connections. 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!