Therapists serving clients in Terrace Park, 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.

My name is Michael. I have been providing therapeutic services since I graduated with my Masters degree in 2015. I am a firm believer that therapy is a highly personalized journey, and I am humbled by those who allow me to walk this journey with them. I engage an eclectic approach to therapy in order to meet the needs of many individuals. I have most expertise working with children and adolescents and those who have experienced traumas in their life. I do also work with young adults and adults as well, focusing on issues like depression, anxiety, trauma, and a variety of other issues. Thanks for viewing my profile.

Thanks for checking me out; it’s important to find a good fit! Research shows that it’s the quality of the Therapeutic Relationship that determines success in therapy, not the practice model or the credential of the therapist, so be sure and work with someone you really feel comfortable with. Because of that fact, I bring humor, kindness and empathy in a down-to-earth conversational style. I may throw some nerdy brain science at you, here and there, but therapy can be fun, no matter how challenging the issues may be. I can tell you that I draw from Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused Therapy, but again, that’s not what predicts success, it’s how well we vibe. While I’m settled in Ohio now, I’ve lived all over the country from the Northeast to the Southwest, and also abroad in both Europe and Asia. My lifetime experience around the globe fostered an appreciation for different cultures, ethnicities and customs, and I truly feel enriched by diversity in all things. Both my BSSW (Summa Cum Laude) and my Masters in Social Work (MSW) came from The Ohio State University, and indeed, I am a happily Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), and have spent the past five years working as a Dual Diagnosis Therapist, which means I treat both Mental Health and Addiction. As a Desert Storm Veteran, I can speak military jargon and am well versed in military culture, so if you’re a veteran, or close to someone who is, I feel uniquely qualified to help. Other populations I enjoy working with are people of color and diverse ethnic origins, people on the spectrum who are not neuro-typical and people preferring alternative lifestyles. I am also a Certified Ally to the LGBTQAI community. Whether you're dealing with anxiety and depression, or have experienced trauma and loss. You can feel better and I'd really like the chance to help you get there. Even just one session can make a difference, so I hope you give yourself a chance. You deserve it!

I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker, Supervisory Designation, and have been working in the field of social work for over 10 years. For much of my career, I have provided ongoing therapy and brief interventions in outpatient Behavioral Health settings for individuals, couples, families and groups. I have also been a Level I and Level II Certified Clinical Trauma Treatment Professional during my time in the field. In addition to my experience working with individuals in learning to manage the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), I have also helped people address difficulties with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and social anxiety. In addition, I have extensive experience working with Substance Use Disorders, Anger Management issues, Bipolar Disorder, and Personality Disorders. Additionally, I have considerable experience in working with grief and bereavement issues, chronic pain issues, adjustment disorders; as a result of major life changes, illness, or injury, as well as with relationship conflicts, communication difficulties and low self-esteem issues. I enjoy helping people process their concerns, recognize and build upon their strengths and learn to manage their bothersome symptoms more effectively. My goal is to assist people in decreasing their limitations, finding meaning and purpose in life, as well as in moving toward self-acceptance, so that they can live healthier, more productive and fulfilling lives.

I am an independently licensed clinical counselor with sixteen years of experience. I strive to help clients feel safe, comfortable and respected, and help them work through challenges in their lives. I have experience with a wide range of problems, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, relationship issues, parenting, grief and loss, anger issues, domestic violence, impulse control, OCD, personality disorders, phobias, sleep issues and bipolar disorder. I am TF-CBT certified (trauma focused CBT). My treatment approach is warm, interactive and non-judgmental. I utilize CBT, DBT, solution focused, trauma informed and person centered therapy, structured to meet the unique needs of each person. If you are ready to begin your journey to healing, I am here to help every step of the way!

I am licensed in Ohio with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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 licensed in Ohio with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & 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.

I am licensed in Ohio with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship 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. 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 3 years of professional work experience. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and do not require supervision. I work with people from age eight and up. I have experience working in a school setting as well. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. 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. I do use cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapies. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!