Our team.

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. My approach is warm, empathetic, and trauma-informed—I prioritize creating a space where you feel safe, heard, and understood. Healing isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, so I tailor therapy to your needs, integrating humor, authenticity, and a deep commitment to meeting you where you are.

I specialize in working with teens, adults, couples, and families facing challenges like trauma, addiction, relationship struggles, and mental health concerns. I’m trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to help clients regulate emotions, break cycles of avoidance, and navigate discomfort in a way that fosters growth. My goal is to help you feel more in control of your story, with tools to manage life’s challenges in a way that aligns with your values. Your story is worth telling. 

“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.” — Fred Rogers

Hi, my name is Amy. I bring over 20 years of experience in mental health and addiction treatment. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals through a wide range of life changes—from their first experience in therapy to living in recovery homes and achieving long-term recovery in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

My approach is centered on meeting you where you are, collaborating to develop meaningful goals, and equipping you with the tools and skills needed to navigate life’s challenges. Those I’ve worked with often describe me as open, compassionate, direct, caring, and positive.

I’m here to support you on your therapy journey and help you achieve your goals. Let’s work together to create the change you’re seeking.

Hello! My name is Mustafa (They/He), and as a licensed social worker and therapist, I do my best to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can truly feel heard. Together, we can navigate the twists and turns of life by building upon your skills and experiences while developing new ones that will help you for years to come. To help you process your experiences and build skills, I model my practice off a few evidence based modalities that include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and psychoeducation.

I graduated from The Ohio State University with my Bachelors of Science in Social Work and later received my Master of Social Work from The University of Michigan. Throughout my working life I have engaged with a diverse range of people in a multitude of settings and enjoy working with people from across the lifespan from young adults to older adults. I especially welcome and affirm those in the LGBTQ+ community or with non-traditional relationship experiences. In my free time I enjoy painting, writing, trying new foods, or walking my dog (Blinken). I look forward to working with you!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lee earned a Master’s in Social Work from Simmons University in 2019 and a Bachelor of Music from Bowling Green State University. They have been a Licensed Social Worker in Ohio since 2019 (S.1904157).

Starting their career with traumatized children and families, Lee specializes in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and is pursuing certification in both TF-CBT and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Their practice incorporates The Polyvagal Theory and Internal Family Systems Therapy.

With clinical experience across various age groups and backgrounds, Lee employs creative therapeutic methods, integrating art, music, and play. They utilize a client-centered, strengths-based approach to foster collaboration and empowerment.

Lee aims to create a safe space for clients, valuing their unique stories and identities. Their specialized interests include abuse and trauma, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and support for the LGBTQIA+ community.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jason Morris MSW, LISW-S is an IFS Level Two trained therapist who specializes in helping people connect with different parts of themselves with more compassion. He also specializes in relational issues, attachment wounds, and couples work. Jason is Gottman Method Level 2, RLT, and IFIO (IFS Level 2) trained for couples work. He also briefly studied with the Couples Institute. His clients would describe him as warm, humorous, open, and compassionate. Jason often imagines himself as a Gangster Carebear who gives shame the Carebear Stare as he assists his clients to resolve inner conflicts that are interfering with their lives.