Our counselors provide therapy in Toledo, OH

I am a licensed independent social worker (LISW) with 13 years of experience supporting clients across all ages, backgrounds, and life circumstances. I specialize in working with individuals navigating mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions. I draw on both traditional and holistic approaches to help clients feel grounded, empowered, and authentic in their healing journey.

I earned my master’s in social work from Cleveland State University. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and herbal medicine-making. I also incorporate Ayurvedic-Informed Practices when appropriate as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.

I create a calm, supportive space where clients feel comfortable expressing their truth and exploring new possibilities for healing. I value collaboration, authenticity, and the dedication clients bring to their own transformation. I welcome the opportunity to partner with you as you take the next step in your mental wellness journey.

I am a licensed independent social worker (LISW) with over 29 years of experience helping adults and adolescents navigate grief, trauma, mood disorders, relationship challenges, and ADHD. I have worked across diverse settings, including hospital-based psychiatry, counseling centers, grief programs, nonprofit leadership, foster care and adoption agencies, and homeless shelters. These experiences have shaped my compassionate, relational, and holistic approach to care.

I earned my master’s degree in social work from New York University. My clinical approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and evidence-informed, integrating methods such as EMDR, relational dialogue, and trauma-informed care. I also provide practical strategies to support individuals and couples managing ADHD, grief, and trauma-related challenges.

Healing happens most powerfully within authentic relationships. I offer a supportive space where you can feel fully seen, heard, and respected as we work together to understand challenges, reconnect with strengths, and move toward resilience and growth. You do not have to face life’s struggles alone, and I would be honored to support you on your journey.

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with over 12 years of experience supporting individuals through life’s most difficult challenges. I specialize in helping clients work through trauma, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, anger, anxiety, depression, and borderline personality disorder. My goal is to create a therapeutic space where you feel seen, supported, and empowered to take meaningful steps toward healing and growth.

I earned my Master’s in Counseling and Human Development from Lindsey Wilson College. I’m trained in dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. My approach is collaborative, flexible, and tailored to each person’s strengths, needs, and goals.

Building trust, fostering resilience, and supporting lasting change are at the heart of my work. I believe every individual has the capacity to heal and thrive, and my role is to guide that process with empathy, honesty, and respect. Together, we’ll create a path that aligns with your values and vision for your life.

I am a licensed independent social worker (LISW) with 18 years of experience supporting adolescents, adults, and older adults through life’s challenges. I work with individuals navigating life transitions, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, and physical or mental health concerns. My goal is to create a supportive space where clients feel understood while working toward improved well-being and quality of life.

I earned my master's degree in social work from Cleveland State University. My approach is holistic and client-centered, recognizing the strong connection between mental and physical health. I focus on helping clients build practical skills, strengthen self-awareness, and develop tools that support personal growth and lasting change.

Starting therapy or beginning again with a new therapist can feel overwhelming. I strive to meet you exactly where you are, offering empathy, understanding, and a judgment-free environment where you can speak openly. We will identify your goals and work toward restoring balance, rebuilding what feels lost, and helping you move forward with confidence.

Gidget Rupert is an Independently Licensed Practical Clinical Counselor with over 13 years of experience working with clients. She enjoys assisting clients in meeting their goals for treatment. She has experience working with adults and teenagers. Gidget has specialized training in anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and self-esteem disorders.

Gidget completed her Master’s in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling at Ashland Theological Seminary. Gidget utilizes multiple approaches to therapy to find what works best with each client. Some of these approaches include solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness.

Gidget prioritizes building trust, active listening, and understanding with her clients as she meets them where they are. Reach out today to schedule an appointment!

Dr. Gabriel Somarriba is a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. He specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship issues, men’s mental health, and adolescent concerns. He is dedicated to helping clients find clarity and healing through a variety of evidence-based modalities tailored to individual needs.

Dr. Somarriba earned his Master of Science and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Divine Mercy University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at MetroHealth Medical Center. His integrative approach includes interpersonal therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, logotherapy, and positive psychology.

Dr. Somarriba believes psychotherapy is a journey of healing through insight, empathy, and growth. Rooted in the idea of the “wounded healer,” he helps clients navigate emotional challenges and make empowered decisions by fostering understanding, authenticity, and mutual transformation.

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.

Shantrice Bradley is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is deeply committed to supporting adults navigating the complexities of anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship issues, and major life challenges. She draws from a blend of empathy, cultural sensitivity, and evidence-based practices to foster healing and resilience in every individual she works with. Her passion lies in creating a therapeutic environment where clients feel understood, empowered, and equipped with the tools they need to overcome challenges and thrive in their lives.

Shantrice earned her Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bradley University. In her program, she gained experience working with a diverse client population with various concerns. Shantrice utilizes treatment approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy, and person-centered therapy.

Navigating mental health challenges can feel overwhelming. Shantrice is compassionate and understands the courage it takes to seek support. Shantrice wants to offer a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. If you're ready to take the next step towards greater well-being, schedule an appointment with her today!

Nan Little is a Licensed Clinical Counselor with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She loves working with young adults, adults, and couples in untangling the challenges of living a rewarding life. Her specialties include working with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, complex trauma, dissociative disorders, eating disorders, boundaries, life transitions, and relationship issues.

Nan completed her Master of Science in Education, Community Counseling focus at Capital University. Nan's wealth of experience, coupled with her intuitive and curious nature, offers clients a unique opportunity for growth. She turns clients' insights and "a-ha" moments born of collaborative work into actionable, memorable behavioral and emotional changes.

Life is hard. Therapy can feel strange. We are all doing our best to figure it out. Let Nan help you untangle, move forward, and live (not just survive). You will definitely laugh, most likely cry, and feel really messy at points, and it is absolutely okay. If you would like to try and figure it out, reach out and get scheduled.

Katherine Pixley is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with over 13 years of experience. She works with individuals on the entire life spectrum, engaging them in building needed confidence and skills to address concerns such as anxiety, depression, parenting, and life transitions, along with other mental, emotional, and physical health diagnoses. Katherine supports and guides clients in connecting the impact of their experiences with external behaviors.

Katherine graduated from Antioch University New England and holds a Master’s in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling. She combines traditional approaches such as person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy with dance/movement therapy, EMDR, and internal family systems.

Building trust in therapy is key to accepting where you are and committing to move in a new direction. Katherine seeks to create a non-judgmental space for this experience to grow and strengthen. If you’re ready to take the first step toward a more hopeful future, schedule an appointment with Katherine today!

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.

Winter is certified by the Ohio Counselor Social Worker and Marriage and Family Board as well as the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professional Board. She specializes in trauma and uses EMDR. Winter also specializes in depression, anxiety, addictions, life stressors, and relationship issues. Her goal is to help others see their full potential and help them heal from their barriers in life. 

Winter has a Master's Degree in Professional Counseling and has worked in the Mental Health field for 15+ years. She has worked in the mental health field for 15+ years and in a variety of clinical settings: case management for the chronic mental ill; working with the DD population, IOP groups, and drug/alcohol education. 

Melissa Elbert is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) with over seven years of experience working with clients in their communities as well as in office. She is passionate about assisting clients meet their goals for treatment. She has experience working with adults and couples. Melissa has post graduate training in CBT, DBT, anxiety disorders, trauma-informed care, ADHD, and CPT. Melissa specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders including alcohol use and opioid use.

Melissa completed her MSSA at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University. Melissa utilizes multiple approaches to therapy in order to find the right fit for each individual client. Some of these approaches include CBT, DBT, CPT, and trauma-informed approaches.

Every person has their own special needs. Melissa is a client-centered therapist that will work with you and your goals to determine which approach best suits your needs. You are the most important person in each session. If you are ready to make a commitment to yourself for better mental health, schedule with her today!

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!

Becky Caione is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with 15 years of experience in the mental health field. She is enthusiastic about helping adults and couples address the challenges they are facing and feel more positive and fulfilled. Becky specializes in depression, anxiety, grief, end-of-life/hospice, coping skills, relationship issues, and major life transitions. She has worked with a large variety of diverse client populations. She is a married woman with experience in navigating life's changes, pressures, and stresses, which also enables her to offer the support her clients are seeking.

Becky completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the California University of Pennsylvania. Becky utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused and faith-based therapies.

Everyone has a unique journey. Becky is confident that she can support you as you cope with your individual struggles and gain some new perspective. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today!

Jen started out working with adjudicated youth in a day program, and then spent ten years working with both youth and adults in an outpatient mental health agency. During those ten years, Jen worked with people of many different ages, races, social groups, and gender identities. This experience was invaluable as she learned that everyone is different, has different needs, and has more potential than they may realize.

In addition to years of volunteering in her community since she was a teenager, Jen has a Bachelor of Psychology and a Master of Marriage and Family Counseling, both from Wright State University. Jen interned, worked, taught, and later managed at an agency that provided therapy, day programs, group therapy, case management, and substance use treatment for people of all ages.

Jen brings her years of experience and her education to the session to partner with her clients. While she is the professional in the session, she sees her client as the expert in their own life. Jen and her client work together to explore and identify the problem, what they want to do about it, and how to work toward that outcome. Some people come to therapy struggling with shame or embarrassment, and need to connect with their therapist before they can open up about the really hard stuff. Jen encourages her clients to set the pace, and empowers them to speak up if they need something different. Schedule your intake appointment to start your partnership.

Ashley Taylor is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of Ohio with 10 years of experience working with adolescents and adults seeking help with a variety of issues including trauma, PTSD, anxiety, OCD, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, and life transitions. She believes in an approach that is warm, authentic, and collaborative, and that every situation, individual, and couple is unique. 

She completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wright State University in Dayton, OH. Ashley utilizes an eclectic blend of therapy modalities, ranging from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), eye-movement desensitization, and reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients better understand their concerns and build skills for change. 

Ashley is committed to working with you to understand what you want out of your life, relationships, and counseling experience. Ashley does not discriminate based on political affiliation, spiritual affiliation, race, sex, gender, or other self-identified affiliation.

Ryan Fernandez is both a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with 5 years of experience as a clinician. He is passionate about empowering diverse individuals, couples, and groups to accomplish their mental health goals. Ryan specializes in self-esteem issues, relationship issues, grief, spirituality, substance-related and addictive disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, personality disorders, depressive disorders, and anxiety disorders. Ryan has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Carroll University.

Having focused on substance use disorders in graduate school, Ryan recognizes the importance of meeting his clients where they are and treats them holistically using evidence-based techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, rational emotive therapy, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, and existential therapy.

We can’t change what we do not acknowledge. Ryan doesn’t believe in making judgments, moralizing one's decision-making, or condemning one's behaviors. Counseling is like going to the gym: you ultimately get out what you put in. He wishes to guide you in learning more about yourself. If you are ready to change your life, schedule an appointment with Ryan!