Grief counselors and therapists in Westlake, OH

I have been a clinician for over 25 years, work with clients to try to figure out what is needed now and am willing to do that with you

Are you feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, disconnected in your relationships, or worried about your child or family? Maybe you’ve been carrying stress, anxiety, grief, conflict, or painful life changes for so long that you barely recognize yourself anymore. You may have spent years trying to stay strong for everyone else while quietly struggling on your own. If so, you are not alone.

I offer a warm, compassionate, and supportive space where you can slow down, feel heard, and begin to make sense of what you’re going through without fear of judgment. With nearly 60 years of professional experience working with individuals, couples and families, I understand how deeply emotional pain, relationship struggles, family stress, loss, and life transitions can affect people.

I have extensive experience working with at-risk adolescents and young adults facing challenges such as self-harming behaviors, trauma, addictions, and family conflict.

I have worked successfully with adults navigating substance use concerns, chronic pain and other health difficulties, caregiver burnout, grief, various forms of loss, and major life transitions.

In addition, I work with couples facing communication difficulties, separation, infidelity, divorce and other relationship challenges, as well as families dealing with parenting stress, illness, addictions, cultural adaptation, and significant life changes. I am also able to support families with young children who are experiencing developmental difficulties, health challenges, or acting-out behaviors and I provide pre-marital counseling for couples who are about to tie the knot. Throughout our work together, I strive to help clients build greater self-awareness, strengthen relationships, develop healthier coping strategies, and move toward a greater sense of balance, connection, and emotional well-being.

I believe the most effective care comes from a strong, collaborative partnership. I approach each person as more than a diagnosis, and I value honesty, accountability, and mutual respect in the work we do together. Change is possible—I’ve seen it firsthand—and I’m here to support you in becoming the version of yourself you want to be. My background includes both a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Nursing from Walsh University, and I bring that clinical foundation into thoughtful, individualized care.

I received both my Bachelor of Science in Social Work Degree and my Master of Social Work degree from The Ohio State University, and am licensed in both Indiana and Ohio. I have over 25 years of experience working in the field of mental health with children, teens, adults, and seniors, as well as couples. I have experience working with marital issues, pre-marital couples, depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, and stress management.

I have served individuals experiencing mental health symptoms and co-occurring disorders for 20 years. I am a social worker, a therapist and an independent provider for individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities.

Parts-work meets trauma treatment: heal from anxiety & trauma and regain peace with IFS-EMDR. My name is Akemi, psychotherapist in Ohio. I have deep appreciation for and training in IFS and EMDR, and also incorporate CBT and mindfulness. Born in Japan, I’ve lived and worked in the US, UK, and the Middle East. My former training in art history, archaeology, ancient languages shaped my passion for human experiences. I've transitioned to help people like you reconnect with your parts, embrace who you are, and step forward with purpose.

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