Our therapists provide couples & marriage counseling in Toledo, OH

My name is Jeff Miller, and I have been in the mental health field for over 30 years. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master's degree in Social Work. My experience is varied—beginning in Cuyahoga County investigating allegations of abuse and neglect with extensive Juvenile Court involvement, then expanding to children and teens in foster care, residential treatment, and adoption settings. I have also worked with adults managing chronic or acute mental health conditions and dual diagnoses. I am open to working with most concerns, though depression and anxiety—often rooted in trauma and loss—are what I most typically address.

Building a therapeutic relationship and aligning with clients to find their “path” to healing is at the heart of my work. I help normalize certain feelings, and approach each person without judgment. I am honest and respectful of what a client can manage at any point in the process. Trust is developed and earned over time, and I fully understand that.

I look forward to meeting you and will always start from where you are. Our journey together will hopefully bring new understandings and positive life changes.

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with over 25 years of experience as a therapist. As a seasoned clinician, I have worked with diverse populations across the lifespan including adolescents, young adults, couples, and seniors. I work with people struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship issues and many other obstacles we all face. I know how difficult it can be to ask her help; it can be uncomfortable, and requires a great deal of personal courage. I truly feel that it is a privilege to help others endeavoring to navigate life's challenges. 

I strive to provide a judgement-free space for my clients to feel seen and understood. I use evidence-based therapeutic techniques, drawing from CBT, DBT, ACT, psycho-dynamic therapy, among others. I believe in building on your strengths to improve your confidence and help you become the best version of yourself you can be. 

Again, I commend you for seeking help, and invite you to take the next step by setting an appointment. Our first meeting will be relaxed as we get to know one another. Therapy will go at the pace you are comfortable with. I look forward to meeting and working with you!

MarLa Bell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with individuals in various roles. She is passionate about improving the lives of individuals and communities by serving as an "interrupter" of systems and barriers to social health needs. MarLa's professional experience along with her mission to ensure others thrive has created a unique skillset. She is a mom of 2 with ample experience navigating life through adversity. MarLa specializes in leadership stress, trauma-informed care, major life transitions (i.e. military, college, and parenting), family conflict, daily stress, and mild depression.

MarLa completed her Master of Social Work (LISW) from Cleveland State University (Phi Alpha Honor Society). MarLa does not use a cookie-cutter treatment approach, and instead gets to know her clients and what works best for them. Some approaches she uses include mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing.

MarLa understands that the gaps between what we want our life to be and what it actually is can create anxiety, uncertainty, worry, stress, and depression. She wants to teach others to put more focus and energy toward what we have control over while giving less emotional energy to what we have minimal control over. She wants you to thrive!

Lauren A. Carsten is an independently licensed clinical mental health counselor (PCC) and earned her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Carroll University. Prior to moving back to her native Ohio, she completed BAs in both psychology and behavioral science (an interdisciplinary degree encompassing human behavior through sociology, anthropology and psychology) from San Jose State University in California. She holds competencies treatment of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and grief, and has experience and training using trauma-informed practices. She also has extensive experience working with multicultural populations as well as the LGBTQQIAA population and has given trainings in these areas with a focus on sensitivity and accommodations to treatment approaches. She has also completed the certificate program for Substance Abuse Counseling from the University of Cincinnati and is able to integrate that training into current treatment when needed. She is adept at the treatment of individual clients, couples, as well as families and groups, and welcomes clients to incorporate other people into their sessions if needed and appropriate. Her style is generally relaxed and casual and ascribes to the Gestalt model of client interactions but does pull from several different approaches to find the more efficacious approach for each client individually.

I am a licensed independent social worker (LISW) with 26 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship concerns, family conflict, and healing from toxic or abusive relationships. I also have extensive experience providing counseling, crisis support, case management, and diagnostic assessment, including work within school-based settings. My approach is compassionate, trauma-informed, and focused on meaningful, lasting change.

I earned my master’s degree in social work from Cleveland State University. I take a person-centered, meet-you-where-you-are approach and tailor treatment to each client’s goals. I integrate cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution-focused strategies, motivational interviewing, and other evidence-based modalities as appropriate.

I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you feel truly seen and understood. You do not have to face life’s challenges alone. Together, we will work at a pace that feels right for you to build coping skills, deepen insight, and foster healing, resilience, and personal growth.