Hello, my name is Kelli Gunn and I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Ohio who's dedicated to fostering positive change and well-being in the lives of my clients. With a strong educational background, including an associate's degree in education, a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bowling Green State University, I bring a comprehensive understanding of human development across the lifespan and therapeutic techniques to my practice. With eight years of experience in the helping profession and six years in clinical practice, I have honed my skills in providing compassionate and effective counseling services. My work extends beyond traditional therapy settings, as I have extensive experience working with an array of populations and individuals facing a wide range of challenges. My approach is deeply rooted in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based practices. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to explore their challenges and strengths. Through a strengths-based and client-centered approach, I aim to facilitate personal growth, resilience, and healing. My impact on the clients I serve is reflected in their progress, resilience, and enhanced well-being. By providing tailored interventions and unwavering support, I empower clients to navigate life's challenges, develop healthier coping strategies, and cultivate fulfilling relationships. I am committed to continuing my professional development and advocacy efforts to ensure equitable access to mental health services for all individuals in need.
In our first session together, we'll start with introductions and casual conversation before diving into the specific challenges you're facing and laying a foundation for the journey ahead. My primary aim for our initial session is to capture a general snapshot of who you are and your life experiences thus far, as well as begin to build rapport and assure your comfortability and motivation for growth and change going forward. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions and ensure a strong therapeutic relationship.
I believe my greatest strengths lie in my extensive experience and multifaceted approach to counseling. With a background deeply rooted in social services, I have dedicated years to advocacy work, particularly with survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. I take pride in having created my own domestic violence prevention and intervention model and program, tailored to address the unique needs of those affected by such trauma. Moreover, my significant training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) equips me with effective tools to assist clients dealing with severe persistent mental illness and personality disorders. I am adept at integrating humor and fostering connectedness in therapy sessions, creating an environment that prioritizes equality and comfort between client and clinician. My commitment to ethical standards is unwavering, ensuring that each client receives the utmost care and respect. Empathy and compassion are at the core of my practice, and I am dedicated to going above and beyond to support the well-being and growth of each individual I work with. By combining my expertise, dedication, and genuine care for my clients, I strive to provide comprehensive and impactful counseling services that promote healing, resilience, and empowerment.
I integrate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as a cornerstone approach to helping clients navigate life's challenges. DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness strategies, fostering a balance between acceptance and change. Through DBT, we work on building coping skills, regulating emotions, and enhancing interpersonal effectiveness, empowering ourselves to live a more fulfilling and resilient life. DBT allows us to cultivate a supportive environment where we can explore and implement practical strategies for managing distress and creating meaningful change.
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a fundamental framework to address client's concerns and facilitate personal growth. CBT focuses on identifying and restructuring negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be contributing to distress or difficulty. Through collaborative exploration and evidence-based techniques, we work on understanding the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and actions, empowering us to develop healthier coping mechanisms and achieve our goals. We cultivate practical strategies to challenge unhelpful beliefs, manage stress, and promote lasting change, fostering resilience and well-being in our lives.
I incorporate a strength-based approach to support clients' personal development and well-being. A strength-based foundation in therapy emphasizes identifying and harnessing individuals' existing strengths, resources, and abilities to navigate challenges and achieve their goals. Through collaborative exploration, we focus on amplifying inherent strengths and positive attributes, fostering resilience and empowerment. We cultivate a strength-based perspective that highlights capabilities, promotes self-discovery, and encourages progress towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life journey.
I embrace a compassion-focused model to foster healing and growth, centering on cultivating self-compassion and extending empathy towards oneself and others. Through compassionate exploration and evidence-based techniques, we work on nurturing a kinder and more accepting relationship with ourselves, acknowledging our inherent worth and resilience. We work on strengthening a compassionate mindset to promote emotional healing, foster self-care, and harness deeper connections with others, ultimately enhancing our well-being and overall quality of life.
I implement an attachment-based approach to support clients in developing healthier relational patterns and enhancing emotional well-being. Attachment-based counseling focuses on understanding the impact of early relationships and attachment experiences on current interpersonal dynamics and emotional regulation. Through compassionate exploration and relational insight, we work on fostering secure attachment bonds, promoting trust, and resolving attachment-related challenges. We gain a greater understanding of attachment styles and patterns, fostering greater intimacy, resilience, and fulfillment in relationships, ultimately facilitating personal growth and healing.