Licensed to practice in Indiana and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Child or Adolescent, Couples Counseling, Trauma and PTSD and 10 more.
New to Grow
Hi! I am Ciera! As a licensed mental health counselor, I believe everyone deserves a kind space to feel better and grow stronger. Taking the step to reach out is brave, so I’m proud of you for being here! I earned my master’s at Indiana State University and bring three years of caring experience to Ember Life Counseling. I specialize in helping kids with play-based support, trauma recovery, anxiety, relationships, and life changes in ways that feel right for you. I’m warm and energetic, and I’d love to welcome you!
In our first session, I’ll create a super relaxed, friendly space where you can just be yourself. We’ll chat about what’s brought you in, what you’re hoping to work on, and I’ll share a bit about how I work so you feel comfortable and heard right away. Together we’ll start setting simple, realistic goals, like feeling calmer, building stronger relationships, or processing tough stuff, so you leave with hope and a clear next step. I’m energetic and caring, so expect warmth, laughs when it fits, and real support from day one.
I create a warm, friendly space where you feel safe and truly heard with no judgment, just real support. I love using Narrative Therapy to help you rewrite your story in a more empowering way. I use Play Therapy with kids to help them express their feelings through play. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, trauma, relationships, or just feeling stuck, we’ll work together with simple tools to build confidence, peace, and hope.
I’m deeply committed to offering support that feels warm, flexible, and deeply caring. Many of my clients come to therapy when life feels heavy, confusing, or no longer quite right. Some are looking for gentle, practical tools to help them through difficult emotions or situations, while others simply want a safe, caring space to explore their story and rediscover their own strengths and inner light. I work with clients of all ages, and I always adapt my approach with care to meet each person right where they are. With younger clients, our sessions often include creativity, play, and a sense of lightness. With adults and older adults, we may focus on building helpful skills, gently processing experiences, or finding renewed meaning and hope in this chapter of life. I draw from Narrative Therapy, CBT, and DBT to create a compassionate, supportive path that honors each individual’s unique journey.
Other specialties
I identify as
Narrative
In our work together, I see your life as an ongoing story that you are constantly writing. Narrative therapy helps us slow down and look at that story together, not just the difficult chapters, but the full picture of who you are, what you value, and what kind of life you want to create. When a problem has been taking up a lot of space, it can start to feel like it defines you. In our sessions, we gently separate the problem from who you are as a person. We explore how the problem has been influencing your life, your relationships, and the way you see yourself. At the same time, we look for moments, even small ones, when you pushed back against the problem or when things went a little better than expected. These moments are important because they show us what you’re already capable of and what matters most to you. Our conversations are collaborative and respectful. I ask thoughtful questions that help you notice parts of your story that may have been overlooked. Together, we explore your strengths, your values, and the relationships that support the kind of person you want to be. Over time, we build on these parts so your story becomes richer, more hopeful, and more aligned with the life you want to live. You stay in charge the whole time. You are the expert on your own life. My role is to walk alongside you with curiosity and care, helping you reconnect with your own wisdom and open up new possibilities for the future.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT because it’s practical and gives you clear tools you can start using right away. In our sessions, we look at the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. When something feels difficult, we work together to notice the thoughts that are showing up and how they’re affecting what you do. Sessions are focused and collaborative. We pick real situations from your life, break them down, and test out new ways of thinking or responding. You’ll often leave with small, doable steps to try between sessions so you can see what actually helps. My goal is to help you build skills you can use on your own. Over time, you’ll feel more confident noticing unhelpful patterns earlier and choosing responses that move you toward the life you want.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use DBT to help people who struggle with intense emotions, difficult relationships, or feeling overwhelmed by distress. It’s a practical, skills-based approach that teaches you concrete tools to handle tough moments more effectively. In our work together, we focus on building four main skill areas: staying present when things feel intense, getting through crisis situations without making them worse, understanding and managing strong emotions, and improving communication in relationships. Sessions are structured and active — we learn and practice these skills together so you can use them in real life. DBT balances two important ideas: accepting where you are right now while also working toward change. You don’t have to choose between the two. We’ll work as a team to figure out what skills are most helpful for you and how to apply them in your daily life. Many people find DBT gives them a sense of control and stability, even when emotions feel very big.