Quanishia Gibson is a Graduate Student at Geneva College in the Marriage and Family Therapy Track and co-founder of Family Counseling & Mental Health nonprofit The Daughters Den. Gibson is committed to beginning internship in January 2024 at Victory Mental Health Services under the training of Velecia Luckette, LPCC-S.

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 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!

After almost 25 years of education (MSW & MBA) and experience, Linda has developed an approach to counseling that draws on an individual’s personal strengths. She works with adults at any age but specializes in older adults and caregivers.  She has helped clients with issues of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, grief, OCD, life transitions, developing coping skills and other concerns. She utilizes a number of techniques and therapies including patient centered, strength based, CBT, validation & reminiscence therapy, and mindfulness.  Linda has been certified as a PTSD therapist, an Aging Consultant and is trained in EMDR.  Her approach is open, accepting, honest and affirming.  Linda’s goal with each client is to find “fuel for their soul” in hopes to help them move forward. She enjoys hearing each person’s story and witnessing their personal journey towards healing.

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.

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.

Lesley, a licensed professional clinical counselor with supervisory designation, is the proud owner of Bridges Counseling. Lesley’s mission is to help people live intentionally and wholly, even when life presents challenges and pain.  

Lesley believes that counseling is not a “quick fix” to the struggles of life, but by using an empathetic and results-oriented approach she works with her clients to ensure goals are identified and a therapeutic plan is outlined to push forward toward healing and progress. She strives to serve her clients by balancing behavioral and cognitive approaches, equipping clients with effective behavioral strategies as well as helping to process mental blocks and trauma.

Lesley’s professional experience consists of over 15 years of working with populations she is passionate about helping, including working with adults and teens, students at the collegiate level, with survivors of sexual assault, couples entering marriage as well as those facing times of struggle, working through infidelity and those dedicated not only to saving, but improving their marriage. She has been a speaker for churches, women’s groups, collegiate and business functions.

Lesley holds a B.A. in Business Management & Economics from University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio and received her M.A. in Clinical Counseling from Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina. She is currently enrolled in classes at Liberty University working toward obtaining her doctorate degree in Marriage & Family Counseling.

In addition to her work as a Counselor, Lesley has experience working with clients as a Certified Coach and trained Mediator. Lesley is honored to be a part of the Central Ohio Academy of Collaborative Divorce Professionals as a Family Coach.

Lesley holds counseling, coaching and mediation sessions in the Worthington office of Bridges Counseling of Ohio.

C. Rosie Bauder, PhD, MPH, LPCC, NCC

Hello! I am Dr. Rosie Bauder, and I am the past president of the Central Ohio Counseling Association.

I am a Postdoctoral Scholar at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center with the STRIVE program. I earned my Ph.D. in Educational Studies with a specialization in Counselor Education in the spring of 2021, my BA in psychology from Boston University in 2015, a MA in Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine from Boston University’s School of Medicine in 2017, and an MPH in 2020 from The Ohio State University.

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of Ohio and a National Certified Counselor. I also work in private practice in the greater Columbus area at Keller Counseling and Associates. I work mostly with clients around suicide, self-injury, sexual trauma, and eating disorders.

I look forward to meeting you!

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.

As you go about processing your life transitions, losses, anxiety, and general struggles, please know that I consider it an honor and a privilege to hear your story and help YOU find the solutions and answers.