Our team.

Jason Morris MSW, LISW is an IFS Level One trained therapist who specializes in helping people connect with different parts of themselves in a more compassionate way. He also specializes in relational issues, attachment wounds, and couples work. His clients would describe him as warm, humorous, open, and compassionate. He is also a Level Two Gottman trained therapist.

Rachelle Dunno MSW, LSW is an RLT trained therapist who uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people manage difficult thoughts and behaviors. She specializes in working with couples. Her clients would describe her as safe, open, direct, and honest.

Cara Swain MSW, LSW has over 20 years of experience in therapy, mentoring, and counseling. Over the years they developed a sensitivity to the concept of each person being the expert of their own experience. Cara approaches everyone as someone worthy of love and respect, regardless of present or past behavior. They see their role as a therapist to be one of discovery, support, and encouragement.

Cara strives to create a brave environment with their clients. One where they can truly be themselves without judgment or expectations. They believe that communication is paramount for creating healthy relationships on every level. They work with people of all ages. They also work with couples and families. They are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Emma Southwick MSW, LSW, has 7 years of experience in behavioral health. She specializes in collaboration with the client, helping them explore the impact and interaction of thoughts, feelings and behaviors in their lives through guided conversation. Emma aims to end each session by identifying positive changes for the client to implement or work towards, giving them the tools to improve their daily life. Emma's clients have described her as compassionate, humorous and non-judgemental, qualities that make her work compatible with clients from all walks of life. She has high levels of experience working with students, veterans and substance use clients. Emma welcomes new clients from adolescence to adulthood, as well as relationship counseling for adult couples.

Malakai (Kai) is a five year old Bernese Mountain Dog/Siberian Husky mix. He is a certified therapy dog with Alliance of Therapy Dogs. When he’s not working, he enjoys running, swimming, and hanging out with his moms and (animal) siblings. Kai is a great listener, an avid cuddler, and an all-around positive support pup.

Lee earned their Master’s of Social Work through Simmons University in 2019. Previously, they obtained a Bachelor of Music from Bowling Green State University. Lee has been a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Ohio since 2019 (S.1904157).

Lee began their social work career working with children who experienced trauma and their families. They have specialized training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and are working toward certification. In addition to TF-CBT, Lee is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), working toward certification in this as well. They inform their practice with The Polyvagal Theory and Internal Family Systems Therapy.

Lee has clinical experience working with children, teens, and adults from diverse backgrounds. They enjoy utilizing creative therapeutic approaches and interventions, often incorporating art, music, or play into sessions. They take a client-centered and strengths-based approach to working collaboratively with their clients.

Lee strives to hold a safe and brave space for all clients and truly hear what they have to share. Lee embraces the individuality of each clients’ self and story and works to empower clients to embrace themselves as well. Lee’s areas of specialized interest and training include abuse and trauma, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and working with the LGBTQIA+ Community.

Hailey Thanasiu BSW, LSW earned her degree in Social Work at the University of Toledo in 2018. She brings a passion for working with children as well as teens, with an empathetic, humorous and transparent approach to the client relationship. Hailey creates a safe and supportive environment for her clients to thrive in, and tailors her approach to each of her clients unique needs and interests. Her goal is to empower her clients with the tools and strategies to build resilience and confidence, as well as better manage issues that are affecting them.

Gaby Hawkins is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Ohio. She has been working as a licensed professional since 2019. She received an undergraduate degree in Social Work in 2018, and a Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2019, with a focus on mental health.

Gaby has experience working in the community mental health field with all ages. She has worked in both group and individual therapy, and in community outreach and advocacy. Gaby’s specialization is in skills building with adolescents and adults to assist in managing challenges with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and environmental and occupational stressors. She utilizes solution-focused techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, motivational interviewing, and approaches her practice from a person-centered and strengths-based way. She also enjoys incorporating mindfulness and muscle relaxation in her sessions to promote a calming and supportive environment.

Gaby hopes to cultivate an environment where her clients can feel supported and accepted just as they are. Her style can be best described as client driven, compassionate, eclectic, and goal oriented. Gaby hopes to help her clients reach their goals through exploring their strengths and utilizing those strengths to assist them in managing their challenges.

Paula Rettig, MS, LPC, LCDC II has been working in the mental health field for over 15 years. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from BGSU and from there found her way to focusing on individuals and their emotional and mental health needs. Paula earned her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling in 2016. Over the course of her career she has worked in a variety of settings to advocate for individuals and families. She takes a client centered approach to individual therapy and uses a variety of approaches to best meet the client’s needs including CBT, ACT, SFT, and Narrative Therapy. Paula has a passion for working with adolescents, emerging adults, and older adults. Her clients would describe her as compassionate, accessible, authentic, humorous, resourceful, and a bit unconventional. She strives to meet the client where they are and persevere alongside them, providing perspective and tools, as they unearth and work towards their identified goals.

I am a licensed social worker who graduated from the University of Toledo with his BSW and earned my MSW in my hometown at the University of Houston. I have worked in a variety of settings and with a diverse group of people. My experience includes working within mental health with the diagnoses of anxiety, depression, PTSD, Bipolar and substance abuse use. I have provided individual therapy, couples counseling as well as groups for a range of topics. I have been able to explore the LGBTQIA+ community and participate in leading a training for clinicians on how to better assist this community. I have also been able to speak about intimate partner violence across Ohio and in the city of Houston.

The relationship between client and therapist to me is about the understanding that everyone has struggles, it is a part of the life experience and to seek help outside of family and friends for whatever those struggles may be is one of the hardest, most vulnerable and most courageous things that a person can do. I believe that we are all people and we are here to learn from each other. Therapy is an interaction between two people that allows you the client to be supported as you explore your healing journey. I have an understanding that we are all connected and have stories to tell. I see being a therapist as a privilege, honor and pleasure as you are allowing me to see you for who you are while you share yourself and story with me in what could be the most difficult time of your life. It is my mission as a clinician to create an environment where you can feel accepted, understood, supported, seen and not judged for where ever you are in the moment. The ultimate goal is for you to be able to show not just me but all people who you truly are without feeling any shame or guilt about whoever that person may be and the healing process you are in.

Jess (she/her) has obtained her Masters of Social Work and is a Licensed Independent Social Worker. Jess has experience working with youth, teens, young adults and families. Jess specializes in assisting youth and young adults with learning and building the skills to manage anxiety, depression, anger and adjusting to life changes.

Jess is passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community and has experience with ensuring a safe space, connecting clients to resources and empowering clients to share their journey in a heterosexual/gender-normative world.

Jess utilizes Solution-Focused techniques and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, while maintaining a person-centered and strengths-based approach. Jess understands the importance of processing traumatic experiences and the weight it can hold on one’s life; Jess feels it’s important to create a calming environment, where clients can feel safe and secure to speak, openly. Jess works to hold a creative and open space for children, teens and young adults using resources, education and interventions to support the client with reaching their goals.

Benjamin Bowling, MSW, LSW, is a licensed social worker with a Master's degree in Social Work from The University of Toledo. Ben has experience working with adults navigating mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use disorders (Harm Reduction), and life transitions big or small. In his private practice, Ben utilizes a client-centered approach, integrating therapeutic modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and trauma-informed care to empower clients in achieving their personal goals and improving their overall well-being. Passionate about fostering growth and healing, Ben is committed to providing a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can build resilience and work toward meaningful change at their own pace

Hello, my name is Robin and I have 20 years of experience in mental health, assisting individuals and families through life situations and transitions in a nonjudgmental and safe space. I am often described as very “real“ and “genuine.” I use candor and humor to help clients feel comfortable in engaging in the therapeutic process. Using a direct, yet compassionate approach I empower others to identify their strengths and how to effectively utilize them to develop and meet goals, and needs to improve their quality of life. I am a generalist who takes pride in meeting my clients where they are, and creating unique ways to help them through their therapeutic journey.