I have run my own private practice, Safe Haven Counseling, in Hilliard Ohio since 2010.  I have been a part of COCA for several years, I began my involvement to  network with other counselors and to contribute to our counseling community.  I am certified in EMDR, trained thru level 3 of the Gottman relationship trainings and I have my LPCC-S. I enjoy attending new trainings to keep me fresh and current in the field. I am currently learning more about Internal Family Systems.  My practice currently is composed of couples and individuals. 

I have my own private practice in Dublin, Ohio.  My career in counseling began in the 1980s when I volunteered as a helpmate for a partial hospitalization program assisting with recreation therapy and art therapy.  Later, I graduated to a paid part-time recreation therapist position at a 30-day drug rehab for adolescents.

From those beginnings until now I have worked as a hospital psychiatric screener, an outpatient therapist at community mental health clinics and agencies, a social worker for Children and Families, and a Military and Family Life Counselor.

My favorite position is the one I have now, specializing in the treatment of adults and adolescents suffering adjustment disorders, depression, and anxiety.

I am deeply passionate about serving others who have been impacted by loss. It was not my academic or clinical training that drove me into this work, it was the painful loss of my son. Through my own healing journey, I developed a desire to help others move beyond the pain caused by loss.

I enjoy walking alongside others as they find healing through the Grief Recovery Method®. I am grateful for the opportunity to support people as a counselor who are grieving a variety of losses including death, divorce, break-up, infidelity, miscarriage, infertility, financial and job loss, addictions, moving, loss of health, physical injury, and loss of hopes, dreams, and expectations.

I also help people with anxiety, burnout, career counseling, depression, men's issues, relationship issues, phase of life problems, spiritual & religious problems, and substance use problems.  

I received my bachelor’s degree in Human Ecology from The Ohio State University and my master’s degree in Education and Allied Professions from the University of Dayton. I am qualified as a Certified Trauma Resiliency Practitioner with the National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children. I am also a Board-Certified Telehealth Professional With the Telebehavioral Health Institute. I have over a decade of experience as a LPCC-S. I have supervised students at the University of Dayton through their counseling practicum and internships. I have also supervised LPC’s working towards their independent licensure and LPCC’s working to obtain their supervisory designation. I have over 16 years of experience working in both community mental health and private practice settings. I started my own solo practice, Safe Harbor Columbus, last year. I treat children, adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and/or trauma. I will be presenting a training for the Central Ohio Counseling Association June 17, 2022.

Gayle Garcia is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) working at Affirmations Psychological Services. She is receiving clinical supervision from Heidi Carter, LPCC-S, LICDC. She earned her Master’s degree at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI. Being born and raised in Michigan she and her husband made the decision to move to Columbus, Ohio so she could pursue her doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision at The Ohio State University, where she is currently working on her dissertation, hoping to complete it soon.

Gayle sees the work she does with clients as collaborative process and client centered. She works to build an authentic and safe space for her clients to heal and grow. She recognizes that change is hard and honors where her clients are at in the change process. She uses various modalities to help her clients succeed in reaching their mental and emotional wellness goals. Whatever intervention she decides to use it will be from a trauma informed, identity affirming, socially just perspective that honors the client’s story. Gayle has experience working with all ages and is willing to work with most presenting concerns, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, body image issues, and relationship issues. She has a passion for children and adolescents. For the past year she has been working at a hospital outpatient program for adolescents in crisis. Before that she worked with college-aged students who were in crisis and connected them with university and community resources. She has also worked in an elementary school as a mental health counselor.

Healing Without Limits Counseling and Consulting, LLC (HWLCC) is a counseling and consulting firm focused on aiding in healing the community through mental health treatment, enhancing the mental health system, and changing society's perspective on mental health. HWLCC envisions a world where no one has to suffer in silence from mental illness due to stigma or have to wait until they’re in crisis to receive attention/support. 

Couples Counseling

Is your relationship feeling more like a friendship these days? If you've noticed the spark fading away or are considering pre-marriage counseling as a proactive step, I'm here for you. Whether you're navigating the complexities of divorce and seeking an amicable co-parenting approach or just want to enhance your connection, I can help. As a therapist trained in the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Developmental Model, and Discernment Counseling, I bring a range of proven techniques tailored to your unique needs. Certified as a Sex Therapy-informed Professional, I aim to support you in achieving your relationship goals, whatever they may be. Let's work together for a happier, healthier connection!

My Private Practice

As the owner of a private practice, I find immense joy in excelling in every aspect of our operation. For me, counseling is not just a job; it's a passion and a calling. That's why our practice is dedicated to offering top-notch care that considers both the big picture and the small details. From creating a serene office environment to providing a straightforward and streamlined paperwork process, we aim to make your experience as comfortable as possible. Our collaborative treatment plans are carefully thought out to ensure excellent care at every step of your journey. Your well-being is our priority, and we're committed to delivering exceptional support in every aspect of your experience with us.

Helpful Links

Please visit my website or business Facebook page for more information, and don't hesitate to contact me with questions.

Miscellaneous

In my free time, I enjoy playing and watching sports, spending time with friends and family, and relaxing outdoors.

Melissa Watson, LPCC-S is a clinician and Associate Clinical Director at Keller Counseling & Associates. Melissa earned her Masters Degree at The Ohio State University in the Counselor Education program and completed her Bachelor’s degree also at The Ohio State University in Human Development and Family Studies. Melissa is currently serving as Past President on the executive board for Central Ohio Counseling Association. Melissa is experienced working with adults, adolescents and children to treat depression, anxiety, trauma, stress management, life transitions, relationship/family concerns and parenting stress. Her approach is goal oriented, client centered with a focus on client’s strengths and wellness. Melissa uses techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help develop a framework for positive and maintainable change. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys reading, playing sand volleyball, going to sporting events and spending time with family, friends and her dog, Darby.

Throughout my career, I have worked in every level of care and can help my patient navigate the complicated world ahead of them, both inside and outside of the world of mental health. Having worked in crisis oriented organizations, I have seen those through their darkest times and seen their successes and ability to reach their goals, as defined by them. A firm belief I have developed is that as intimidating as whatever your particular challenge is, you can overcome it.

Having worked at various organizations, I am a firm believer that while something does not have to be perfect, it has to work. As your therapist my goal will be to join you on your journey to healing and reaching your goals. My philosophy is that if you are in therapy with me forever, I am failing and not serving you. Working at a clinic for Mood Disorders and Anxiety I have focused on various interventions to help people as opposed to being married to any single approach. I fully recognize and respect that the patient's life is their life and I am there to help with my training. We will move at your pace, whatever that is, to help get you to your goals. Having worked as a supervisor and clinician at various organizations, I have learned how to see the entire landscape of mental health and life challenges to help whoever enters my office.

Having worked in the crisis setting and high acuity settings, I have developed a firm belief that everyone has an incredible amount of resiliency and an ability to return from whatever crisis they are experiencing at that moment. It does not matter what caused a person to suffer, what matters is how we can work to get out of that challenge. Throughout my career, I have led with my heart which had led me to work to help those in my community, the LGBTQ+ Community. As a community, we have faced adversity and challenges and are rising above it. My hope is to help those who just need that extra help. It has never been in my personality not to challenge or confront whatever is coming at me and I will be the therapist beside you helping you in your fight.

I am a Licensed Social Worker currently working under the supervision of C. Brown, LISW-S of Wild Blooms Wellness. I have experience as a mental health therapist since 2009 when I received my Master's degree in Social Work. I primarily use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) and other trauma modalities with adults to process traumatic events and assist with decreasing symptoms including depression and anxiety. 

I specialize in the treatment of young adults, and adults who have experienced a range of struggles in life. I am Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR is specifically used to target symptoms related to trauma, phobias, depression and anxiety.

I've worked in multiple settings which has given me experience and the ability to look through different lenses. I am LGBQ+/TGNC affirming and informed. I work to offer a safe space for you to speak openly about issues. The hardest part is making the initial contact. I am available quickest through email, please don't hesitate to reach out!

The Center for Autism, Assertiveness & Social Skills

Founder

Specializing in Autism/Aspergers in Adults, Catholic counseling, Logo Therapy, & people who are overly intelligent.

My name is Nicolas Smith, and I currently am employed with Ohio Guidestone as a Behavioral Health Specialist and Counseling Intern. I work with children from ages 5 years old to 18 years old both in school and outside of school as needed. I also work with adult clients who are diagnosed with mental health and/or substance use disorders. 

I graduated with my Bachelors in Psychology and Criminology from Capital University in 2020. Currently, I am enrolled at Heidelberg University pursuing my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and projected to finish in December 2023. 

I currently have my Counselor in Training license, with plans to take my LPC exam at the end of 2023. I also have my Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant Preliminary license and will apply for my Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant 2 license this summer.