Golden Rule Therapists in Ohio

Hi, I'm Richelle. I'm a licensed professional clinical counselor with over ten years of experience helping individuals improve their mental health and quality of life. I have worked in a variety of settings, including online therapy. Right now, life may feel hard. You’ve faced many challenges that seemed to have come out of nowhere, and you're constantly doing your best to navigate through them. You struggle to set healthy boundaries and often feel overwhelmed. Asking for help isn't always easy. You may say to yourself, “What will people think? I can figure it out on my own.” It’s tough because you usually go at it alone, carrying the load and bearing the burden. However, deep down inside, you know that something isn't quite right and that you could use some support. Does this sound familiar? As someone who has been there before, I understand how tough it can be to take that first step to reach out. While you may feel like you have to handle everything yourself, these are the times when reaching out for help can give you some direction and help you find your path forward. The truth is, it takes strength and courage to say, “I need help.” And when you do, you'll find that you have the inner strengths and abilities to make meaningful change in your life. Together, we can work to discover those strengths and create a path forward that's tailored to your unique needs and goals.

I am an LPCC-S and LCDC III specializing in working with adults who are navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, addiction, depression, various life stressors, relationship challenges, etc. I have been passionate about mental health and community behavioral health since 2014, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have built my career around supporting individuals through some of the most difficult and transformative periods of their lives. Throughout my experience, I have had the opportunity to work with people from a variety of backgrounds and with many different life experiences. I believe that every person’s story is unique, and I strive to provide a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment where clients feel comfortable being open and honest about what they are experiencing. I approach therapy with compassion, respect, and genuine curiosity about each person I work with. My goal is to help clients better understand themselves, recognize their strengths, develop healthy coping skills, and feel empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives. I believe that seeking therapy is a sign of strength, and I am honored to walk alongside my clients as they work toward healing, growth, and a greater sense of well-being.

Kiersten DeFord, LISW-S : Licensed Independent Social Worker Supervisor Designation After receiving my masters in social work from Wright State University, I have had the privilege of walking alongside individuals for the past 8 years as they navigate both the heaviness, and hope life brings. Their challenges and the quiet transformations. Based in Dayton, I serve clients across Ohio through virtual therapy, and I’m passionate about creating a space that feels safe, kind, and human. My approach is deeply reflective and rooted in kindness. I believe therapy is less about “fixing” and more about creating space for discovery, healing, and growth. Together, we’ll explore the patterns, emotions, and stories that shape your life—at a pace that feels safe and honoring to you. My goal is to help you not only manage difficult seasons, but also cultivate deeper self-understanding, resilience, and compassion for yourself. I see therapy as a space where you don’t have to carry things alone. My role is to sit with you, listen deeply, and help you untangle the thoughts and feelings that may feel overwhelming. I’m not here to tell you who to be, but to walk alongside you as you figure out what feels right for your life. Clients often describe me as grounding, and compassionate, with an energy that makes it easier to open up. I strive to create a space where you can breathe, reflect, and feel truly heard—like talking with someone who cares about you and your story, and supports you while you reconnect with your strengths and move toward the life you want to create.

Welcome to my practice. I am dedicated to creating a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can explore challenges, build on your strengths, and work toward meaningful change. My approach is collaborative and solution-focused — I believe that you are the expert on your own life, and together we’ll identify practical steps to help you reach your goals. Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, or personal growth, my goal is to help you find clarity, resilience, and a sense of balance.

With over 21 years of experience in the mental health field, I am dedicated to helping adults navigate life’s challenges and find healing. As an LPCC licensed in both Ohio and Kentucky, I specialize in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, and self-esteem issues. I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Cincinnati, and my approach integrates a deep understanding of human emotion with a genuine desire to create meaningful change. My therapeutic style is warm, approachable, and often includes humor to help create an open and supportive space for growth. I use trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices to help clients process past experiences, build resilience, and reclaim their sense of safety and control. Validation, empathy, and humor are key tools I use to make healing feel not only possible but hopeful. Together, we work to foster lasting change, create healthier coping strategies, and develop a stronger, more empowered sense of self. Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, transformation is always within reach. I am here to walk with you, every step of the way, toward a future filled with healing, strength, and peace.

Welcome! You have taken an important step by beginning the process of finding the right therapist for you. Reaching out can feel scary, vulnerable, or uncertain at times. My hope is to create a safe space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, experiences, and goals. My approach is to work alongside you with compassion, respect, and curiosity. I am committed to maintaining your confidentiality and supporting you in a nonjudgmental manner. I look forward to getting to know you and supporting you on your journey.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 14 years of experience in helping others. I am an Army veteran and have served children, adults, couples, military members and their families. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and have seen great results when using this method with my clients. I am also trained in grief therapy and have dealt with grief on a personal level, which I believe helps me to be more empathetic for my clients going through major life changes.

I understand that starting therapy can be scary! I work hard to build a safe, non-judgemental space for my client's to feel seen and supported. Through evidence based practice, I work with my clients to challenge and change unwanted thought patterns and behaviors, specifically focusing on anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and body image disturbances. I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Supervisor designation (LPCC-S) in the state of Ohio and have worked in Outpatient private practice, school-based, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) settings. Outside of therapy, I love being with my family and our rescue pittie, reading, hiking, and drinking lots of coffee. Thank you for taking the time to read my bio and consider me as your therapist, I hope we can work together towards making positive change.

Hi, I’m Meagan. I work with adults who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of their next steps — especially when stress, anxiety, or major life transitions start to affect confidence, relationships, or daily functioning. I take a practical, supportive approach to therapy, helping you understand what’s getting in your way, identify your strengths, and develop skills you can actually use in real life. My goal is to help you feel more confident, grounded, and capable of managing challenges as you move toward the life you want.

Hi, I’m Taylor! Do you struggle with balancing the responsibilities in your life? Do you have trouble completing daily tasks and managing your relationships? Are you feeling overwhelmed day to day? Life can be difficult to manage. I love helping anyone who is trying to balance parenthood and postpartum life, but enjoy working with anyone experiencing life transitions. I mix cognitive strategies with solution-focused techniques to promote healthy coping skills, challenge negative thoughts, and create space for change to make life just a little more manageable. Whether you are facing depression, anxiety, relationship challenges or problems with executive functioning (things like focus, task initiation, prioritization, and motivation), I can help guide you to finding ways to tackle your challenges. I would love to team up and help you achieve your goals in therapy!

As a social worker therapist grounded in mindfulness theory, my dream client embodies a spirit of openness and motivation for change. This individual recognizes the challenges that come with personal growth but approaches therapy with a willingness to explore and confront these difficulties. They appreciate the journey of self-discovery and are eager to gain insights that can lead to meaningful transformation in their life. In our sessions, I envision a collaborative environment where they feel safe to express their thoughts and emotions. They understand that progress may not always be linear, yet they remain committed to the process. This client values the therapeutic relationship and seeks guidance to cultivate greater self-awareness, resilience, and mindfulness in their daily life. What I cherish most about this ideal client is their ability to reflect on their experiences and actively engage in their healing journey. They inspire me with their courage to face discomfort and their desire to learn and grow. Together, we would explore various mindfulness practices and therapeutic techniques, fostering a deep connection that empowers them to embrace change with compassion and patience. Ultimately, my dream client is someone who is not only motivated to seek help but also appreciates the support and insight I can offer. In this partnership, we would work hand in hand to navigate the complexities of their experiences, celebrating each step toward a more fulfilled and mindful existence. This collaborative spirit of growth and understanding is what makes the therapeutic journey profoundly rewarding for both of us.

Hello! I hold a doctorate from the University of Kentucky. I bring a unique perspective to my practice as a retired military veteran and I understand that asking for help can be hard, but it is a place where you don't have to carry everything. I enjoy working with young adults, adolescents, and older adults as they navigate challenges and work toward personal growth. I’m passionate about supporting you through life transitions, and my approach is collaborative, supportive, and tailored to meet you where you are. If you're looking for a safe space to be heard, understood, and supported, I’d be honored to walk alongside you in your journey. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, oppositional defiant disorder, borderline personality disorder, anger management, and trauma, using evidence-based approaches to help clients build resilience and develop effective coping strategies. Whether you’re managing the stress of a significant life transition, recovering from trauma, or seeking support for emotional well-being, I’m here to guide you on your journey toward healing and empowering growth.

Hi, I'm Morgan. My schedule has officially reopened to new clients! I know how isolating and tough it can feel when life gets heavier than you can carry or when you're constantly second-guessing yourself. I'm here to help untangle the tangled, and to help you find real relief from the pressures you're feeling. My clients are often people who appear to have it "together" on the outside but feel anxious, disconnected, or stuck on the inside. You don't have to do this alone.

I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision Designation dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. With over 25 years of experience, I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and mindfulness-based approaches. I am passionate about empowering clients to rewrite their inner narratives. I blend evidence-based techniques with genuine empathy. Whether working in private practice, community settings, or telehealth platforms, I remain committed to fostering mental wellness and emotional strength. I believe healing begins when people are given a safe, non-judgmental, and welcoming platform to receive guidance, support, and the tools needed to draw upon their own personal strengths to overcome the barriers that stand between them and their quality of life.

I have learned over the years that therapy needs to be a place where you feel safe and supported without judgement. I am compassionate and supportive but willing to be direct in my guidance. I want to partner with you to help you gain a better understand of yourself and how you interact with the world around you. I have extensive experience working with people in the mental health field. I’ve worked the psychiatric emergency room at the University of Michigan, doing crisis outreach in Charlotte, North Carolina and within the community here in Ann Arbor. Through my 8 years of working as a social worker I have learned how to connect with people who have been a lot of distrust of others and have been hurt over and over. I am patient in building a relationship with you and hold no judgement for the choices you have made in the past.

I’m a licensed professional clinical counselor who started her degree at the University of South Florida. I’ve worked from treatment assistant to supervisor. I have worked with those suffering with substance use disorders, trauma and panic disorders and even parents of children with special needs. My goal is to help people learn real time tools to help manage intense emotions and overcome pervasive patterns that prevent healthy relationships. Since I have worked in the social services for over 20 years, I have a wealth of knowledge. Asking for help is a first step toward a better understanding and improved functioning.

I am an art therapist and LPCC-S (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor - Supervisor). I have been working in the mental health and addiction world for over 20 years. I have had the pleasure of joining forces with children from the age of 3, to children the age of 87. I come from a family that has a long line of veterans and first responders. I have a strong passion for supporting our veterans and first responders but am open to partnering with anyone wanting assistance in life. I welcome any in person sessions as I am very much an empath and thrive when I can feel each person’s emotions in person. I own my own practice, Freedom Wellness Center LLC, in Canal Fulton, Ohio. The link to my website is at the bottom of this page. If you have Medicaid insurance, you must contact me first to schedule an appointment with me. I have had a high amount of people not showing for their appointments and had to put a hold on all new Medicaid referrals until I can speak to you in person first to ensure you are serious about attending your appointments.

Hi! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor -Supervisor (LPCC-S) in Ohio. I earned my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health from The University of Akron and my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The University of Toledo. With a diverse background in hospital settings, community mental health, schools, and private practice, I’ve developed a wide range of skills to support individuals of all ages through various challenges. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with children, adolescents, and adults, addressing a variety of concerns, such as adjustment disorders, ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, autism spectrum disorder, depression, anxiety, stress, relationship distress, life transitions, and PTSD, among others. My approach is compassionate, flexible, and client-centered, tailored to each individual’s unique needs. I focus on helping clients develop coping strategies, build resilience, and work through their specific struggles. By creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment, I empower my clients to make meaningful changes, improve their mental well-being, and achieve growth and healing in their everyday lives.

I am a compassionate and experienced Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC-S) with over 20 years of experience and dual credentials in mental health and substance abuse treatment in Ohio. I support adults navigating challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, relationship struggles, grief, and low motivation—helping clients feel safer, more grounded, and capable of change. My approach is collaborative and practical, offering both emotional support and evidence-based strategies to empower clients as they work toward meaningful, lasting growth. I was drawn to this work by my beloved family member, who lived her life with a mental illness. Watching her courage taught me early on that healing happens in relationships—when we feel seen, safe, and supported. Outside the office, you’ll find me experimenting in the kitchen, planning my next travel adventure, or getting some fresh air and exercise. These keep me grounded and curious—qualities I bring to our work.

Hello! I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Ohio. I have been licensed and practicing for 24 years. My professional experience is quite varied. I have worked in medical settings, in a college counseling center, private practice, overseas with new US families arriving in country, and school. I believe that my clients have the answers in them on how to improve their lives. My job is to help them uncover those answers and live to their fullest best life.

I became a counselor because I believe the pieces of our individual stories often become so tangled that it takes someone else to help us sort out and realign our lives. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Supervision designation (LPCC-S). I have been in private practice for over a decade, primarily helping clients who are struggling with eating disorders and disordered eating. I also work with individuals struggling with other issues including grief, trauma, and anxiety.

I am a licensed professional clinical counselor with clinical experience serving a very diverse population after working for 5 years in crisis services for a major metropolitan children's hospital. While there, I was able to gain significant experience using a wide variety of interventions from CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, solution focused brief therapy, and strategic family therapy to help children, adolescents, and their family's during the aftermath of their child's mental health crisis. I look forward to translating those interventions and skills to helping my clients develop coping skills, identify maladaptive patterns of thinking and behavior, improve communication with supportive loved ones, and create realistic life goals for themselves then develop a plan to reach them. I am very open to feedback from my clients as to what would be helpful for them and how they like therapy to be structured. However, I am not conflict avoidant and I gently challenge my clients to step outside of their comfort zone because I truly believe no one would come to therapy if they weren't seeking change. I also believe that therapists are "in the business of putting ourselves out of business." I don't want my clients to need me forever so I aim to help them help themselves. In my free time, I dance (tap, ballet, and contemporary as well as just bopping around to music while I cook or clean), hike, and spend time with family or friends. I love to travel and aim to do as much of it as I can. I love learning whether it is about people, different cultures, new therapy styles, recipes, styles of dance or historical events. I also really enjoy cleaning and organizing for myself or helping others with those tasks.

Dawn Jones-Wilson is a licensed professional counselor who strongly believes that growth is crucial to her clients' success. Dawn earned a Master of Education in Counseling and Human Development with a focus on mental health counseling from Lindsey Wilson College. Over the past 15 years, she has provided counseling services to diverse populations in a variety of settings.  Dawn is passionate about helping people find the courage to pursue their goals and reach their full potential. In order to be the best therapist she can be, she is dedicated to continuously growing.

Hi! In my work over the years, I have had the pleasure to see my clients succeed at life! I am compassionate, non-judgmental, and we will meet wherever you are and take you wherever you want to go. I look forward to working with you! Specializations Addiction and/or Substance Use Concerns, Anger Management, Anxiety, Couples Counseling, Depression, Family Therapy, Grief, Health Psychology, Parenting Issues, Relationship Issues, Sleep Health, Women's Health. In our sessions, you can see into my home, and it is as if you are right there with me. No filters, no staring at a wall behind me. You will be inside of my home office as if it were in person. At our sessions I take notes that I give to you at the end of our sessions, so you have have something tangible to take with you, as well as links to resources such as podcasts, books, take home exercises (never mandatory though!) to help you progress in between sessions to make our time together more valuable. I used to be in direct service many years ago and then moved into training EAP providers and offering trainings for Mental Health providers to maintain their licenses, but during the, "Great Hiatus," I saw that people needed help. So I came back to be in the trenches. You are in good hands! I am also a student of positive psychology, but I have the ability to empathize deeply and really be right there with you. Almost all of my clients have experienced breakthroughs and by the end of our time together are enjoying their lives again and feeling competent to problem solve and develop coping tools, and resiliency.

Hello, I'm Charles. With 24 years of professional experience, I am dedicated to helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, and depression. My approach is rooted in the belief that you are the expert of your own story, and together, we can harness your strengths to overcome the challenges you face. I am here to support and empower you every step of the way. I hold a Master of Arts in Community Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, both from Kent State University. As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I have specialized training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. My extensive background includes working with individuals, families, and groups, addressing a wide range of mental health issues such as PTSD, addiction, ADHD, and more. In my private practice, I focus on online individual and couples therapy, emphasizing stress management, emotional regulation, and trauma resolution. My previous role as a Residential Therapist at OhioGuidestone allowed me to provide comprehensive care for children and adolescents with severe emotional problems, develop treatment plans, and offer clinical supervision. Throughout my career, I have been recognized for my contributions to the field, receiving the Clinical Service Award in 2004 and multiple inductions into various Sports Halls of Fame. These accolades reflect my commitment to excellence and my passion for helping others. Outside of my professional life, I value open-mindedness and creativity, which I bring into my therapeutic practice. I believe in developing and communicating personalized plans for your growth and development, ensuring that our work together is both effective and timely. If you're ready to take the first step towards positive change, I invite you to reach out. Let's work together to create a path towards a more fulfilling and happier life.