Meet Your Therapist
Being in nature is not only a part of my practice, it is a part of who I am.
“Healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous step.”
~ Mariska Hargitay
A little about myself
My name is Amber, and I am a licensed professional counselor under the Ohio Counselor, Social Work, and Marriage & Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT). I am currently under the supervision of Brian Valasek, LPCC-S and Margaret Pennington, LPCC-S.
When I decided to become a therapist, it began with my desire to help others. Through my education and my experiences I have learned that being a “helper” and a “healer” is beyond what I thought it entailed. As a helper, I will provide the skills and tools that align with your goals to improve your mental health, relationships with others, family dynamics, and reaching your ideal wellbeing. I could not put into words myself, but connected with a quote from Maryam Hasnaa:
| “A healer does not heal you. A healer is someone who holds space for you while you awaken your inner healer, so that you may heal yourself.”
I have been so grateful to be allowed on the journey of my clients. I only hope to continue to make an impact in our world through strengthening the values of connection, collaboration, and health.
Away from my job, I would describe myself as a creator, visionary, tiny environmentalist, and “forever learner”. I enjoy developing projects, some that I may never finish - but enjoying each imagination as it comes to me. I have a passion for serving youth and families impacted by foster care / child welfare. I have had experience working in a residential setting as a houseparent, where I created connections and memories that are meaningful to me. I am a proud dog mom, of a loving 6 year old rescue - Pax. He has been the best companion through my own life transitions and big emotions! We later met my now husband, and have been an adventurous small family taking trips to visit new areas, learn and grow, as well as enjoy as many hikes as we can!
School | Stetson University
Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Graduated | 2020
License | C.2204540
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
The two gratitudes of beginning therapy
First, to thank yourself for the time you are investing in you, your mental health, and your entire wellbeing. Searching for a therapist to share your story with can be hard. So I hope to encourage you to continue to prioritize you!
Second, is in sharing my appreciation for allowing me into your life to find healing and growth. It will be my pleasure to journey with you through whatever chapter life may be presenting to you.
Utilizing Nature and Whole Health Mindset
Walk and Talk therapy is considered a nature based therapeutic approach. Taking therapy outside can have many benefits, as well as poses some risk and limitations - just like any other therapy.
Being outside and walking has many benefits to both your physical and emotional wellbeing! Evidence shows that being in nature can improve mood, decrease blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels (a stress hormone), increase serotonin and endorphins, and gain vitamin D. Walking puts therapy in motion! There is quite a bit of research on movement, somatic exercises, and bilateral stimulation, and their effects of the brain and mental health. Movement can encourage emotional release and connect our thoughts and feelings. Walking can foster a growth mindset, increase self-esteem, and decrease sedentary thinking. Walking is also a simple form of bilateral coordination. Bilateral stimulation is used through “stimulating” both right and left side of the brain and has been found to help with emotional processing, reduce impacts of stress and trauma, and calm the nervous system. Walk and talk therapy is assisted with mindfulness practices, mind-body awareness, and traditional skills and tools that are used in traditional talk therapy.
Some of the risks and limitations posed in Walk and Talk therapy include: not being in a private office, exposure to dangers and unpredictability of what is outdoors, and potential injury. However, as your therapist it is my job to protect your confidentiality to the best of my ability through picking low populated trails, and developing a plan with each client in the occasion we pass people (including one’s you may know). In the best of my ability, I will also be aware of protecting your safety and wellbeing (as well as mine). Our sessions can also always be transitioned to meeting indoors or virtually in the case of severe weather, or other needs.
In addition to offering “Walk and Talk” therapy, I prioritize working on holistic health with my clients. Mental and emotional health is just one aspect that impacts your entire wellbeing. I incorporate the use of the Wellness Wheel ( https://www.headspace.com/mindfulness/wellness-wheel ) to discuss treatment plan and goals with my clients.
