Hi, I'm Joe Ropelewski, LCSW, and I have been successfully providing therapy to individuals, couples and families for 25 years. Since graduating with my Masters of Social Work (MSSA) degree from Case Western Reserve in 1999, I have gained knowledge and skill in helping people make changes that work best for their lives. I also have a great deal of lived experience, having raised 4 children, survived cancer, suffered depression and anxiety, and also lived with chronic pain...YOU are the expert on yourself, though, and I will respect your power to make your best choices.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

During our first few sessions, I will ask a lot of questions so together we can understand you and your problems better. You can expect to explore how and when the problem presents itself, and what has and has not worked in the past. We will work together on a plan of how you feel we can best address those problems. YOU are the expert on yourself, and I will always respect your choices! By the end of our first session, though, you can expect to take away some practical tools to help you quickly begin your journey to living a more fulfilling life. You will always feel supported, sometimes challenged, but never judged.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My approach is centered around helping you leverage your strengths, ensuring that you receive personalized and compassionate care. I have been called "down to earth", and "non-judgmental" by previous clients, so you don't have to worry about me being "stuffy" or uncomfortable in sessions. I believe in creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe exploring your emotions. I am passionate about this work because I personally understand the hopelessness of depression and anxiety, having struggled with it myself. I strive to learn what makes you unique, and how we can use that to help you navigate your challenges and achieve personal growth.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I specialize in working with people with a history of trauma (physical, sexual, emotional and medical). Those of us who have experienced trauma, often struggle with our relationships, having frequent outbursts of anger, substance use, depression and anxiety. Of course, trauma is not always the cause of these difficulties, and we can explore that more in depth, as well. I also help people struggling with chronic pain and medical issues, as I understand the long-term consequences these issues cause firsthand.

About Joe Ropelewski