I have no high school degree and yet earned a Ph.D. in business administration.  I worked as an apprentice and, yet taught MBAs as an adjunct professor.  But once I survived cancer, I reevaluated my live, went back to school, earned a M.A. in Clinical Counseling and never looked back.

I always found purpose in any of my professions, which resulted in increased competence and enjoyment.  I used to wonder about that.  I now recognize that I had always been on the path of becoming a psychotherapist.  Whether working as an apprentice or as a professor, my desire was to bring relief from pressure, chaos and pain.  With end goal of sharing and delivering administrative, academic and emotional comprehension of theories and realities.  Resulting in a joyful and restful calmness in the people I work with.

I like a good challenge.  Always have.  I like seeing people getting support, growing and benefiting from it.  Always have.  And I love it when I have something to do with that.  Always have. 

In my time as a psychotherapist, I have found that I work best with people over 50 and under 30 - to help them overcome whatever ails them.

I'm a new para-counseling coordinator for an afterschool program.  This has launched me passionately into finding out more about my job from many angles.  I look forward to networking!

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 the business manager of Teal Saguaro Wellness.

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!

As a holistic mental health therapist specializing in trauma and grief, I focus on uncovering the root causes impacting your well-being. Whether you're a teen navigating life changes or an adult seeking clarity, my approach integrates mental and physical health. Together, we'll explore holistic solutions, including EMDR therapy, to promote healing and transformative growth. Let's embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery, understanding your unique journey and fostering holistic well-being.

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. 

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.

Hi, I am a counselor in training at CCU. I look forward to starting clinical work this fall.