Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Lakewood, OH

I earned both my Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University. My background includes experience in university disability services as well as several years working closely with children and families in foster and adoptive care. Since transitioning into outpatient therapy, I’ve focused on providing thoughtful, accessible mental health care that meets clients where they are.

I work with children and adolescents (ages 11+), adults, couples, and families navigating concerns such as ADHD, behavioral challenges, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship or family stress. My experience in foster and adoptive care gives me a strong foundation in attachment, identity, and family systems, allowing me to support both individuals and families in meaningful ways.

I have been licensed as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor since 2004 and have held a supervision designation since 2015. I have also held a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor with a supervision/training designation license since 2018. I have maintained a private counseling practice in Chillicothe since 2000 and I continue to work with individuals and families in that capacity. I have dedicated my career to helping others and to working with the community to ensure the well-being of families and children.

My communication style

My communication tone or approach tends to be direct but laid back. We are in session to work together not have me tell you what to do or where you need to go

I am a Licensed Independent Social worker in Ohio. I earned my Masters in Social work from the Ohio State University. I specialize in working with clients with anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress, trauma, and adjustment. I'm experienced working with children, adolescents, and adults.

I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have over 5 years of experience treating patients in the outpatient and telehealth settings. I have experience treating patients throughout the lifespan but particularly enjoy treating women who often are too busy to take time to focus on their own mental health. I am very honest and direct with my patients and enjoy empowering them to help themselves. I am open-minded and love to listen to my patients tell me their story without fear of judgement. I have background in working both in community mental health and for a large privately owned mental health organization. I fully believe in the importance in taking a collaborative approach to treating my patients.

I am specializing in treating the mental health of adolescent females and women ages 16 and up. Focused areas of treatment include maternal mental health, post-partum mental health, ADHD treatment, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, grief and trauma.

I am also focusing on treating healthcare professionals, first responders and busy individuals who often cannot get to an appointment due to their schedule requires working Monday thru Friday until 5pm. I am offering non-traditional appointment times to accommodate those needing a non-traditional appointment time. Mental health is just as important as physical health and should be treated as such.

As a counselor, former counselor educator, and advocate, I bring decades of experience working with individuals, couples, families, and communities. I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship concerns, life transitions, employment concerns, disability issues, self-esteem challenges, trauma, and issues related to identity, culture, and faith. I am particularly passionate about supporting African American individuals and families while creating an affirming environment for people from all backgrounds.

I am from a rural area in Ohio. I have a master's degree in social work with primary focus on trauma, LGBTQ+, and individual and couples therapy (couples therapy is private pay only, effective 08/25/2026). I have lived experience as a survivor of trauma and as part of the LGBTQ+ community. I have worked in the field of social work for over 27 years, primarily regarding trauma. I have worked with children, adults, seniors, couples, and families.

I have nearly 30 years of experience in private practice, and I bring a warm, down-to-earth style to the work I do with adults and older adults. I earned my bachelor's degree in Psychology and my master's degree in Counseling Education from Ohio University, and I have spent my career helping people navigate anxiety, depression, grief, life stressors, and women's issues. Many of the clients I work with are used to being the one everyone else counts on, even when their own needs have gone unheard. My goal is to offer practical, compassionate support that helps you feel more steady, understood, and confident as you move through whatever season of life you are facing.

Reaching out for therapy can feel intimidating — especially if you’re afraid of being judged, misunderstood, or unsure whether therapy will actually help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, emotionally exhausted, stuck in unhealthy patterns, or like you’re barely holding things together on the outside, you’re not alone.

My approach is warm, direct, practical, and collaborative. I help clients not only process emotions, but also understand why certain patterns keep happening and how to create meaningful, lasting change. Together, we focus on building emotional awareness, healthier coping skills, nervous system regulation, and stronger relationships.

Many of my clients struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, emotional overwhelm, relationship stress, attachment wounds, self-esteem issues, or difficulty managing intense emotions. I work to create a space where clients feel safe, supported, understood, and empowered to move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

If any of this resonates with you, I’d be honored to support you in your healing process.

I am open and honest with all my clients. I have an LISW and have work in the mental health field since I was 21, starting with working in direct care in a child residential facility, to a Workshop for intellectually disabled adults, assistant to psychologist who performed psychological testing, to 4 years as a therapist. Personally I am married with 2 wonderful children and prefer to read novels on my free time.

Hi! I am a licensed professional clinical counselor in Ohio whose passion is watching people heal and grow into the humans they were put here to be. My formal education comes from Ohio University in Athens, OH, with a master's degree in education - clinical/mental health counseling. My life education comes from being a person in long-term recovery for 15 years. I look forward to accompanying you on your search for you.