About Me
I am a mental health counselor licensed in Indiana with nearly 20 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, and career challenges.
My counseling style is fairly casual and non-clinical, in fact clients often comment on how comfortable they are with having conversation with me. I tend to avoid being overly clinical, though conversation is deliberate and purposeful. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral (CBT), dialectical-behavioral (DBT), psychodynamic and rational-emotive (REBT) counseling. Each person is unique and we will use the tools that are best for you and your situation.
It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you.
I look forward to working with you!
Specialties
- Stress, Anxiety
- LGBT
- Depression
Self esteem , Abandonment , Dissociation , Emptiness , Expats , Family of Origin Issues , Gender Dysphoria , Guilt and Shame , Impulsivity , Isolation/Loneliness , Life Purpose , Men's Issues , Mood Disorders , Read more...
Clinical approaches:
Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
Services Offered
Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video
Licensing
LMHC #39001707A (Expires: 2024-04-01)
LPCC #276908 (Expires: 2022-12-31)
Reviews
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Aaron Gardner. We don’t pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I've worked with Aaron for about a 1yr and he has helped me so much. Aaron is very responsive and will take the time to check in with you. He made me feel like my concerns and thoughts were valid and really listens.
Aaron was a very understanding therapist. He was able to identify with what struggles I was having and he gave me a different perspective on the things I was dealing with, which really helped me through tough situations. I really appreciate his help.
Aaron is a very kind and empathetic therapist. He puts in deliberate effort into making sure my needs are met and adjusts accordingly if I tell him that something we're trying out isn't working.
It would take an essay for me to fully express to the degree to which Aaron has helped me over the last year. His approach is professional, empathetic and informed. I have always struggled with my emotions and the last few years had been particularly difficult. I would find myself constantly up and down, controlled by trauma and chaotic thoughts. No matter what I brought to our sessions, Aaron listened with endless patience. No matter what I was facing he provided support and answers and a fresh perspective that helped me back onto a more positive path. Without Aaron I simply could not have survived the pandemic mentally and he has not only helped me grow stronger, calmer and more confident, but given me the tools to continue to grow and survive.
Aaron is passionate, coñcerned counselor. He has always been empathetic about whatever situation I have found myself. Feel like he is truly suited for counseling distressed people. Thank you Aaron.
Over the past 8 months Aaron has been fantastic for me and has helped me to turn my life. He made me feel comfortable and able to speak freely without any judgement. He offers clear guidance and helped me find ways to influence his teachings into my everyday life and I cannot say enough thanks for everything he has done for me.
I found Aaron to be extremely helpful with giving me the tools for getting to a place of acceptance with grace. In our sessions Aaron made me realize that it's a lot easier than I make it out to be. His way of communication and listening will make you feel heard in every way which made therapy sessions with Aaron to flow easily in that sense. I would reccomended him to anyone that is struggling in areas of their life where Aaron will find gentle ways to help you see your own situation from a new set of eyes. I didn't know that I was looking for something that was directly in front of me and Aaron helped me clear the path.
From the very first session I felt like Aaron really understood me on a level I didn’t expect from a counselor. And for that reason, sessions felt like one epiphany after another, and the metaphors and explanations Aaron came up with during our live video sessions will especially stick with me for a very long time. I learned useful skills to help me through tough times, and received compassionate support and encouragement.
I was apprehensive about therapy, just didn't understand how talking about stuff that makes me so upset, could end up being beneficial. But it was! And Aaron helped me realise that. I was in a pretty dark headspace and it was turned around surprisingly quickly just by talking about it and getting feedback on how to handle it and just validation. Just knowing that feeling that way is normal and we shouldn't be ashamed. Aaron helped me big time!
Amazing. Validates my thoughts and feelings. Helps me consider some new ways to look at situations as well
Aaron is so easy to talk to that it really feels like I’m just talking to a friend. He is very helpful and a great listener.
Aaron is great. He is very good at asking the right questions to help you figure yourself out. Highly recommend.
Aaron is super friendly and fun to talk to. He always keeps the conversation going and asks to hear more about specific topics. I am already a really mindful person, but he would give me different ways to view something or a different way to approach it. I would definitely recommend Aaron to a friend!
Aaron has a helped me through my borderline personality disorder. I am more aware of when I am going to have an episode. He has also given me more tools to use. I have been to a lot of therapists in the last 20 years and he is the best one I have seen. Highly recommend him to anyone.
Great listener. Flexible and understands my needs as a working parent.
Aaron is kind and caring. He listens attentively and is not judgemental. Aaron was the first counselor I was ever able to open up to in a "whole" way. I really appreciate all his guidance and perspective.
Even in a relatively short amount of time, Aaron has read through my ramblings and pinpointed main topics of focus, as well as given advice, insight, and comfort. He helped me reframe situations as I experienced them in real time. He offered different perspectives and asked questions for me to dig deeper. I also liked when he inserted little bits from his own personal life or other examples to which I could relate to or find interesting. I can definitely say that my first experience with counseling has been a pleasant one. Thanks Aaron!
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with Aaron! I love his counseling approach—he is very down to earth and it feels like talking to a good friend! He is personable and approachable.
Aaron is a good listener.
Aaron has helped me immensely since I started talking with him. Before I started with Aaron I was confused about myself and had a hard time accepting myself for who I am. Aaron has helped a lot; being a tentative listener and offered solid advice. I am really happy to have talked with him.
I've only been speaking with Aaron for a short time, but I feel that he really listens to me and is able to pinpoint what we need to work on in the midst of all my ramblings. He speaks in a very comforting manner and has provided some resources and tools to help with crisis management. I normally wouldn't be comfortable with a male counsellor, but I feel very comfortable with Aaron.
So far I am really enjoying my experience. Although I was very scared Aaron has actually made it a lot easier than I thought. I am really excited to see what is in store for the future and I’m happy I was matched with Aaron
Aaron is a really kind and caring person. He has a way of truly hearing out your daily concerns without feeling judged or insecure in anyway.
Aaron is my first therapist since I learned I had BPD last summer. I was nervous to start counselling with an often stigmatized label, but have felt really comfortable with Aaron from day 1. He helps me breakdown my behaviours and patterns of thinking in a way that is equal parts honest and respectful. I often leave sessions having a new lightbulb turned on in my head, because Aaron seems to always have the perfect analogy or explanation to help me understand concepts and coping strategies related to my struggles. Speaking of coping strategies, Aaron does a great job teaching me DBT skills and helping me figure out how I can practically apply them, which is essential to living with BPD. Overall Aaron is professional, personable, and adapts to client needs. I whole heartedly recommend him.
So far in my roughly 2.5 weeks of counselling with Aaron, Aaron has been very understanding, thoughtful, intellectually stimulating, and not too dry in his deliverance.
I've so far learned new things from him, and am beginning to explore my issues with fresh eyes.
Aaron is approachable, understanding and knowledgeable. He has listened and understood my issues without judgement and has been instrumental in my ongoing improvement. The variety of tools he has shared in my therapy has really helped me to understand myself and behaviour better, and we've used tools I haven't encountered before.
Aaron always has a targetted response to my concerns of the day, and helps me to reflect and evaluate.
10/10!
You freaking rock more than an 80’s hair band
I came to Aaron when I was at a very dark place emotionally, as there was a lot of things that were going wrong in my life. From the first moment we started having a back and forth, I could feel that he was really listening to what I was going through, and I took each and every piece of advice that he could give to me. Never felt as though I was being judged, and always felt as though I could be open and honest about what I was going through. After almost a year of being with him, I feel like my life has a better direction, and I am able to deal with the problems that may arise if I ever reach a dark place again.
The idea that it’s taken me months to be ready confront the issues that brought me to counseling in the first place (read as: the place where Aaron told I was within the first session) is baffling. I’m a licensed LCSW. I do this for a living ya’ll. I help people daily.
I’m a social worker. I counsel. I assist people getting connected to resources they may otherwise have. I know these techniques. I’ve been in Aaron’s shoes as the counselor.
I’ve been afraid to confront my issues. Aaron has gently, yet, forcefully, respectfully, yet expertly led me to a place where I am uncomfortable enough to be ready to be comfortable enough to confront and move forward from the trauma and recognize it for what it was and is no longer in my life.
I know that previous sentence may not sound as though it should make sense; however, Aaron’s approach to counseling is one that doesn’t fit a mold other than that of fitting directly to the counseled person. He doesn’t follow a specific “textbook” format like some other counselors out there. As we know, BetterHelp isn’t like most other counseling formats out there either.
Aaron truly has met me where I was and has walk-virtually- along side me m, in my pocket, in my car, in my headphones. He’s encouraged, challenged, and sometimes chased after me when I didn’t reply for a couple days
Aaron kept my head above water during a particularly difficult season of my life. I don’t know where I’d be without him. I’m so grateful for his support, guidance, and kindness.
Always respectful and very helpful
A friendly voice of reason. I've had a great experience with Aaron, he is very kind, understanding and very resourceful. Has helped me teach some goals already and was a very positive start to my therapy experience.
Aaron has been wonderful in the short time I've been with him. I had another counselor on Better Help before Aaron for a few weeks. While my previous counselor was more local, and would allow for potential in-person sessions, I am MUCH happier with Aaron. I've been with him for about two weeks and I definitely notice myself thinking back to things we have talked about and applying them to my real life.
Aaron is a great conversationalist and is skilled at building a therapeutic relationship (I write this review as a counselor in training).
He listens well, is completely absent of any judgement, and will take therapy whichever direction you would like to go.
I have been speaking with Aaron Gardner with a short while now, but I can easily say he's been the best person I've had both on BetterHelp and in general to talk to. He listens well and takes everything I say to him into account, I appreciate the way he works with me.
Aaron is fantastic, he is understanding, warm and kind. I feel relaxed talking with him and I wish I could share with him 24 hours a day.
Aaron just gets me. From his very first message I felt understood and comfortable to open up. With his very open, positive and warm nature, Aaron finds the perfect balance between listening, asking great questions, sharing scientific explanations and telling stories from his own life. He has been a great help over the past weeks and I would absolutely love to work with him again.
I like his advice and that he listens to my concerns.
So far Aaron has been very supportive and offered points of view I never imagined my mind going to. I look forward to continuing my sessions with him.
I like how Aaron approaches my situation. My anxiety level and also negative thoughts has been ruining my every day life. I do have work to do and I am confident that with Aaron guidance and helpful advices I will get through this and will take my life back :) Thank you Aaron!
So far Aaron has been wonderful. I enjoy talking with him.
I've been seeing Dr. Gardner for about five or six months now, and he's got a very interesting method of working. Rather than telling me what my problems are, he simply helps me talk through what's going on, so that I can figure things out on my own. It seems weird, but it's very empowering to realize that I've been fully in control of my recovery the whole time, and that every part of the healing process has been composed of MY ideas and MY follow-through. Knowing the whole thing is MY responsibility is surprisingly refreshing and a huge boost to my self-esteem.
It's only been a short while, but I love Aaron! He's fantastic, funny, compassionate and really makes me feel heard and seen.
Aaron is excellent!
I have only had 1 live session with Aaron thus far, but have messaged with him back and forth for a few weeks now and I can say I really enjoy speaking with him. I feel he listens to me and takes me seriously, which was a fear I had prior to coming to this site. He is very easy to open up to and share with!
Aaron has been a great counselor for almost a year. He's helped me navigate communication and relationship issues, become more mindful, and more recently how to manage conflict avoidance.
Aaron is a great listener and thoughtful in his responses, pulling from his own experiences to try and provide some relatable examples that have certainly helped me understand myself and certain situations better.
I have only great things to say about Aaron!
I’ve been working with Aaron for several months on work/life balance, goal setting & accountability, and relationship issues. Aaron is warm, friendly, and helpful. Working with him helped me to stay on track with working towards goals and staying focused!
Aaron has been an amazing counselor. I have referred him as well as the Betterhelp service to several friends and people that I come into contact with. I had to take a quick break due to my finances but was anxious to get back involved and work with Aaron on my issues. Highly recommend!!
He is an awesome counselor! Always supportive. He has taught me a lot.
He’s been wonderful. The techniques he’s teaching me are very helpful and I’m confident we are going to beat this together.
Aaron has made me feel very comfortable when I've felt like my problems were too dumb to be shared or repeated over and over again. He is there to listen and uncover the real thoughts behind my anxiety. He is patient and very understanding.
Aaron is my right guy at the right time counsellor. Full of good humor he is experienced empathetic and highly skilled. We were able to make a good connection quickly and I'm sure that's not unusual for Aaron. He's been a huge practical help to me in facing some pretty significant life challenges. I'm so pleased to have reconnected with therapy and had this positive experience. We'll have an ongoing relationship I'm sure. I would recommend Aaron unreservedly.
Aaron is amazing :)
Aaron takes time to listen and offer strategies for me to try to work on setting boundaries. He helps me empower myself. I have grown so much from working with him.
Aaron is great and is well attuned to the issues and questions raised to him. He helped me see things through and clearly within a couple of weeks which worked really well and I highly recommend him.
Aaron has been very patient with me! He has given me some great techniques to manage my anxiety and it has been helping!
Aaron is a fantastic counsellor. He listens, appreciates and understands and every advice and task he gives me to do is very personal and specific to me and my needs. He makes me feel comfortable and relaxed and I feel completely comfortable opening up to him.
Aaron makes everything seem more manageable even having started this program very recently. He has given me hope and another side to what I am feeling. He is very willing to listen in a non judgmental fashion.
Aaron is a great analyst. I feel he is able to connect with my thought patterns and show me aspects of myself I had’t seen. He knows when to push and when to validate. I’m thankful I found him and for the work we’ve done so far.
Great counselor.
Aaron is respectful, analytical and a good listener. While proffesional he is approachable and friendly. During our communication I could see he was paying attention and always looked for the best angle to approach a solution. I benefited from sessions with him.
He’s very genuine and wants to help out.
Aaron is excellent at what he does. He offers clear steps and guidance on helping me with my problems, is always happy to talk and I couldn’t ask for more from him.
When I first spoke to Aaron I was fully at ease. He listened carefully to my concerns and we talked about my situation. As he used real time examples, it helped me relate and I was able to open up to him. Thank you!
I would definitely recommend Aaron as he has helped me through talking, and he gave me some worksheets that have helped me.
Aaron Gardner is comforting, understanding, and always seems to have the right questions. He does an excellent job of helping me get past the thoughts that have been weighing me down.