Therapist RITA KANAREFF Photo

RITA KANAREFF, LPCC

Stress, Anxiety Relationship issues Family conflicts Trauma and abuse Depression
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About me

I am a clinical counselor and art therapist who specializes in the clinical treatment of trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and loss. I special in treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and I have advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). I obtained a bachelor’s degree from Cleveland State University in psychology and a master’s degree in art therapy from Ursuline College. I am a member of the Buckeye Art Therapy Association (BATA) and the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). My previous experience includes adjunct professor in the master's program for art therapy and counseling at Ursuline College and working with adults and children in inpatient and outpatient settings. I also have an online practice with adults who are experiencing trauma depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder and life transitions due to family relationship issues, gender issues, grief and chronic illness.

I enjoy getting to know the individual and match my skills with the best therapeutic approach that meets their unique needs. I have a holistic approach to treatment and my goal is to assist individuals in gaining insight and to gain coping skills that will improve the quality of their life.

Professional experience

18yrs in practice

Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Attachment Issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Blended Family Issues, Body Image, Chronic Pain Illness and Disability, Codependency, Control Issues, Coping with Natural or Human-Caused Disaster, Divorce and Separation, Domestic Violence, Eating and Food-Related Issues, Emptiness, First Responder Issues, Forgiveness, Gender Dysphoria, Guilt and Shame, HIV / AIDS, Impulsivity, Isolation/Loneliness, Life Purpose, Midlife Crisis, Military and Veterans Issues, Mood Disorders, Multicultural Concerns, Narcissism, Obsessions, Compulsions, and OCD, Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks, Personality Disorders, Polyamory / Nonmonogamous Relationships, Post-traumatic Stress, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-Harm, Self-Love, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Women's Issues, Workplace Issues, Young Adult Issues

Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Therapy

License information

OH LPCC E.0008276-SUPV

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for RITA KANAREFF. 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.

Rita is an absolute angel. She’s so kind and caring, but she also has a very strong sense of helping you prioritize topics when you get lost in them, as well as finding workable ways out of in-the-moment situations. I’ve only been with Rita for a couple weeks, but I already feel very at peace talking to her.

Written on Sep 22, 2022 after therapy with RITA for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue

She's really helped so far and I know there's more to come

Written on Sep 14, 2022 after therapy with RITA for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd

The few times I've met with Rita have been helpful and enjoyable.

Written on Jun 07, 2022 after therapy with RITA for 3 weeks on issues concerning lgbt, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and eating disorders

For this being my 1st time ever speaking with a therapist I didn’t know what to expect but I’ve truly enjoyed speaking with Rita. I look forward to our future sessions!

Written on Apr 13, 2022 after therapy with RITA for 2 weeks

So lovely, intuitive, kind and good at what she does!

Written on Apr 12, 2022 after therapy with RITA for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching

Rita phrases things in a way that is relevant and makes me think. From coping mechanisms that no longer work to nurturing my own growth and development, my sessions with Rita leave me feeling empowered and centered as I navigate the triggers and the trauma. We've only had a few sessions together and already my life is going in a far better direction. Thank you Rita.

Written on Mar 01, 2022 after therapy with RITA for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life