Therapists
Syrèa Thomas
MSSA, LISW-S (she/her)
Click to read Syrèa’s bio
Sam Fersky
MSW, LISW (she/her/hers)
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Connor Moore
MSW, LISW (he/his)
Click to read Connor’s bio
Michelle Rogers
MSSA, LISW-S (she/her)
Click to read Michelle’s bio
Neffertee Richards
LPCC
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Sharon Bankes
M.Ed, LPCC-S
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Danielle Ruben
MSW, LISW-S (she/her)
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Chelsea Paxton
MS, LPCC (she/her)
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Cynthia Heindel
M.Ed., LPCC, CDCA
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Morgan Morrison
MSW, LISW (she/her)
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Jennifer Williams
MS, LPCC-S
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Leah McLain
MSW, LISW (she/her)
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Colleen O'Brien
MSW, LISW (she/her/hers)
Click to read Colleen’s bio
Emily Giametta
MSW, LISW-S (she/her/hers)
Click to read Emily’s bio
Michelle Patrick
M.Ed., LPCC
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Lori Baker
MSW, LISW (she/her)
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Anita Burdick-Denham
MA, LPCC (she/her)
Click to read Anita’s bio
Christine Rinehart
MSSA, LISW-S (she/her)
Click to read Christine’s bio
Ford Morrison
Click to read Ford’s bio
Rey Burdick-Denham
Click to read Rey’s bio
Jennifer Williams
MS, LPCC-S
In-office Telehealth
Jennifer is a Supervising Professional Clinical Counselor and earned her Bachelor’s degree from The University of Findlay studying Psychology with a Health Emphasis. She earned her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling through Wright State University.
Jennifer has learned to work with individuals from varying backgrounds and different diagnoses, spending her time and care with families in a community mental health setting. She brings knowledge and expertise in the area of solution-focused therapy to help each individual come to a full understanding of their potential. Jennifer loves to help youth, families, adults, and couples overcome obstacles, such as struggling with communication, interpersonal conflict, problematic behaviors, or other mental, emotional, or behavioral health concerns.
Jennifer considers it a privilege to walk alongside clients who are healing and provide space for them to feel safe and comfortable while working toward positive changes in their lives. Alongside offering traditional counseling, Jennifer can incorporate faith-based or Christian counseling at the request of the client.
Chelsea Paxton
MS, LPCC
In-office Telehealth
Chelsea is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Bachelor’s of Science in Middle Childhood Development and Education from The Ohio State University and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. She has training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and is working on the training and experience for Play Therapy. Chelsea has worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, and community mental health.
Chelsea specializes in working with children and adolescents, ages 5 to 17 to address depression, anxiety, trauma, behavioral concerns, grief, and new adjustments to life.
Chelsea uses a client centered approach, where comfort is first and foremost. At the beginning of the treatment process, the focus of sessions is on trust and rapport building. Working with children is her passion and Chelsea is creative in how she uses Play Therapy techniques to address challenging topics. Side by side with the family, treatment goals are determined and techniques are acquired that will help support the child at home. Chelsea offers both in-person and telehealth sessions and she looks forward to working with you and your family!
Cynthia Heindel
M.Ed., LPCC-S
In-office Telehealth
Cynthia is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervision designation. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies and Gender History from Ohio University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Loyola University-Chicago. Cynthia has received advanced training in Crisis Intervention, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Relaxation Techniques.
Cynthia has worked in a variety of settings in community mental health, inpatient and partial-hospitalization programs with adults, adolescents, children, and their families. Her specialties include working with ages 15+ with issues related to depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, parenting, LGBTQ issues, and various life changes such as divorce, maintaining sobriety, and history of trauma.
Cynthia’s therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness and somatic strategies. She is passionate about psycho-education and utilizes a strength-based, solution-focused approach to help clients to recognize their goals and work towards them in an effective way.
Michelle Patrick
M.Ed., LPCC
Telehealth
Michelle Patrick is an Independently Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Counselor Education from Ohio University. Michelle has been independently licensed in both Ohio and Kentucky for over 20 years.
Michelle has extensive experience with family therapy, children and adolescent trauma and behavioral therapy, ADHD, PTSD and anxiety. She has also worked with young adults with learning disabilities and individuals on the autism spectrum within a college setting. Michelle has completed military sensitivity training and prolonged exposure therapy to work with active and retired military as well as their families.
Michelle’s therapeutic approach is a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy with the incorporation of mindfulness. Michelle encourages the client to focus on attaining small goals one step at a time in dealing with their current life issues. The emphasis on solution-focused therapeutic goals enables the client to move to their highest level of stability within a brief period of time.
Anita Burdick-Denham
MA, LPCC (she/her)
In-office Telehealth
Anita Burdick-Denham is an independently Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Oregon State University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Saybrook University. She has training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Internal Family systems, and WPATH standards of care for Transgender health.
Anita has worked in a variety of settings, such as community mental health and primary care, both in the community and outpatient settings. She works with children (10 years or older), adults, families, and couples in an outpatient capacity, with specialties that include depression, anxiety, parent and relationship conflict, family therapy, sexual orientation or gender exploration, and the LGBT community. As a former collegiate athlete, Anita understands the difficulties that plague athletes with their performance.
Anita uses a person-centered approach, working on building solid relationships between client(s) and therapist, while also empowering the client to engage in the therapeutic process. She primarily uses CBT but also applies Internal Family Systems to help clients explore deeper rooted roles that play an important part in our lives. Anita has a passion for working with the LGBT community to explore gender and sexual expression. She can provide support and letters that meet WPATH standards for transgender medical intervention.
Neffertee Richards
LPCC
In-office Telehealth
Neff seeks to provide culturally competent counseling to all individuals. She has worked in a variety of settings, including youth group homes, schools, hospitals, and private practices. She has experience working with individuals, children, families, couples, and groups.
Currently, Neff specializes in working with adult individuals and couples. Neff also has a focus on treating trauma. Trauma can be challenging to work through and many people don’t recognize how their trauma has affected them. Neff is here to help!
Neff brings a variety of approaches to therapy, based on the client’s needs. Some approaches she uses include CBT, Motivational Interviewing, DBT and Solutions-Focused Therapy.
Neff believes that counseling is a journey where client and clinician work together to reach a healthy and positive result. Transitioning into new phases of life can be challenging and she believes that, with guidance and a willingness to work, individuals can achieve the life that they want.
Danielle Ruben
MSW, LISW-S (she/her)
In-office Telehealth
Danielle Ruben is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision Designation (LISW-S) with over 20 years of experience. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign. Danielle has worked in a variety of settings providing therapy to children, adolescents, their families, as well as individual adults. She strives to provide support to individuals and families during times of crisis, life changes and work-life balance. In addition, Danielle created a focus to support families and patients coping with children’s issues related to substance and eating disorders. Her desire to provide support through these difficult periods is a consistent theme throughout her career in the behavioral health field.
Danielle practices solution-focused therapy and motivational interviewing, while working collaboratively with clients to identify goals and develop tools for optimizing mental health and wellness. She focuses on improving clients’ resiliency to maintain well-being long-term and believes using a strength-based approach to help bring change and growth to her clients. Danielle also believes that success in a counseling relationship comes from providing a nonjudgmental, safe space for individuals, couples and families. When meeting with her, they will be heard and she will guide them to work towards healing in a way that works best for them.
Morgan Morrison
MSW, LISW (she/her)
In-office Telehealth
Morgan is a licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from The University of Findlay and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Michigan State University.
Morgan has experience with diverse populations including children (ages 6+) and adults with various mental health diagnoses and symptoms. She provides individual, group, couple and marriage (including monogamous and ethical non-monogamous relationships), and family therapy. Morgan specializes in working with people going through transitions. This includes but is not limited to those experiencing grief, starting a new career, struggling with sexuality or gender issues, beginning new relationships, ending relationships, those experiencing “empty nests”, and others.
Morgan’s approach emphasizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Skill Building. She also incorporates a variety of skills from other evidenced-based practices including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, family systems, Humanistic, Motivational Interviewing, and Person Centered therapy. Morgan likes to outline small measurable goals with clients to help them feel each successfully. Most importantly, she believes that the clinician and their approach must meet the client where they are in their journey, creating a safe space to address issues that arise in life without judgment.
Morgan is often accompanied by her spoiled rotten cattle dog mix, Mira.
Lori Baker
MSW, LISW (she/her)
Telehealth
Lori Baker is a Licensed Independent Social Worker who received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from The Ohio State University. Lori’s desire to support individuals and families has been the constant theme throughout her nearly 30-year career in the behavioral health field. The majority of Lori’s career has been in private practice, however, she previously worked in community mental health and higher education where she specialized in providing home-based therapy; intensive therapy to children in therapeutic foster care; and was a part-time Social Work instructor at Ohio University’s regional campuses.
Lori has been in private practice since 1996 and works with children, adolescents, adults, and their families. She primarily uses CBT and talk therapy, but also uses family systems, mindfulness and psycho-educational approaches. Lori feels privileged to support clients struggling with interpersonal conflict, relationship issues, problematic behaviors and other mental, emotional and behavioral concerns. She believes that involving families in treatment is the best way to impact lasting and positive change. When needed, Lori also works with collateral contacts to further support therapeutic goals. Through building strong therapeutic relationships, Lori helps her clients navigate towards positive growth and healing.
Leah McLain
MSW, LISW (she/her)
In-office Telehealth
Leah is a Licensed Independent Social Worker. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from The Ohio State University. Her experience includes working with children, adults, and families within community mental health, schools K-12, and inpatient/outpatient hospital settings.
Leah specializes in working with individuals (13+) and couples seeking relief from symptoms and stress related to depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship conflict, grief/loss, as well as those moving through a life transition.
Leah uses an integrative therapeutic approach that is client centered, trauma informed and incorporates interventions rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Part’s Work and Attachment-Based theories.
Leah believes therapy is a collaborative process and she strives to create a safe and supportive environment that empowers clients as they work toward finding healing, balance, and achieving their goals. She believes therapy is a place to get curious about your past and present, in order to create new pathways for the future.
Ask Leah to invite her dog, Holly, into your session!
Connor Moore
MSW, LISW (he/his)
In-office
Connor is a Licensed Independent Social Worker who obtained his Bachelor’s of Social Work and Master’s of Social Work Degrees from The Ohio State University.
Connor specializes in working with young adults, and is able to treat ages 15 and up. He works with clients struggling with issues related to anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, and managing life transitions.
Connor takes an existential approach to therapy, working with clients to explore themselves and to ask the deep questions of life, meaning, and fulfillment. He uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to assist his clients in cultivating self-compassion, empathy, and understanding within themselves. By combining this with a mindfulness based approach, he is able to help clients live in the present moment and take value driven action to make the most of their lives. Within the session Connor also utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.
Connor believes in the importance of honest introspection and genuine human connection in the pursuit of an authentic life.
Michelle Rogers
MSSA, LISW-S (she/her)
In-office Telehealth
Michelle Rogers is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with a Bachelor’s Degree in social work from Malone University and a Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University.
Areas of expertise are crisis intervention, trauma, relationship building, communication and coping. Her approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a heavy emphasis on solution focused and strengths-based treatment.
Michelle is trauma informed and values collaborating with clients to create a safe and supportive space for growth. She works with individuals ages 15 and up who may be experiencing anxiety, depression,communication barriers, life changes, interpersonal conflict, and coping challenges. Michelle focuses on confidence and resiliency building to promote healing.
Both in person and telehealth sessions are available.
Brittany Taylor
MA, LPCC (she/her)
Telehealth
Brittany is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Cedarville University and a master’s degree in Professional Counseling.
Brittany uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy through talk therapy and experiential therapy, using EMDR, which helps people heal from current or past hardships. Brittany also has extensive experience in treating alcohol and drug addiction issues.
Brittany specializes in working with adults (18+) and teens (13+) seeking help from symptoms of stress, anxiety, women’s issues, life changes/transitions, and trauma through Attachment Based Therapy, CBT, and trauma-based therapies. Brittany offers a safe and non-judgmental space for those in the LGBTQIA2+ community. She looks forward to meeting you!
Sam Fersky
MSW, LISW (she/her/hers)
In-office Telehealth
Sam is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ohio University. She has training in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness Interventions and over 10 years of clinical experience.
Sam has worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, inpatient detoxification, and community mental health. She enjoys working with therapy participants ages 15 and up to address issues related to depression, anxiety, grief, and major life changes.
Sam is passionate about providing holistic, affirmative services to support therapy participants in the healing process. She uses trauma-informed interventions and prioritizes creation of a safe space to facilitate healing and empowerment. Sam believes in meeting therapy participants where they are on their journey to facilitate growth and progression to wellness. Finally, Sam feels that engagement in community, restorative activities, and nurturing relationships can be invaluable resources on the therapeutic journey.
Colleen O’Brien
MSW, LISW (she/her/hers)
In-office Telehealth
Colleen is a licensed independent social worker. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at the University of Dayton. She then went on to receive her Masters in Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health from the University of Pittsburgh.
Colleen has worked in Outpatient and Residential settings focusing on both substance use and mental health. Colleen looks forward to working with adolescents ages 12 and older, families, and adults while at Gahanna Counseling. She has experience working with those struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and life changes.
Colleen utilizes different treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. She looks forward to creating a positive, comfortable space where all feel welcome. Colleen will work to empower her clients to learn skills to implement outside of sessions. She will work to create strong therapeutic bonds to aid clients in achieving their goals and strengthening their mental health.
Syrèa Thomas
MSSA, LISW-S (she/her)
In-office Telehealth
Syrèa Thomas is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Bachelor’s Degrees in Comparative American Studies and History from Oberlin College and a Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University.
Syrèa has worked in a variety of settings providing therapy for adolescents and family of a diverse background focusing on those who have been marginalized whether as a member of the BIPOC or LGBTQIAA+ community. She brings knowledge and expertise in the areas evidence based and trauma informed interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy combined with an approach that honors a client’s life experiences in a humanist approach.
Syrèa utilizes a client centered approach where she walks alongside clients who are healing, and she provides a safe space for them to explore themselves and implement positive changes. Syrèa enjoys working with young people (14 and up), young adults, and families. She specializes in major life transitions in early life, generational trauma, sexual orientation and gender exploration, and the LGBTQIAA+ community to help build resilience, confidence and promote healing.
Emily Giametta
MSW, LISW-S (she/her/hers)
In-office
Emily is a licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision Designation who received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from The Ohio State University. Emily has been practicing for 25 years and has experience in both public and private sectors. Emily has provided leadership and expertise in implementing trauma restorative care in a variety of settings such as public health, residential, corrections, inpatient psychiatric care, partial hospitalization, community mental health, and first response adolescent community teams. Emily engages clients with a heartfelt approach and deep understanding to address concerns and create positive pathways. Emily supports clients with cultivating resilience, building stronger mental health, and more skillfully managing problems of daily living.
Emily’s area of expertise are anxiety, depression, trauma/grief, burnout, anger management, relationship issues, parenting strategies, women/gender issues, coping with challenges of life transitions (child birth, loss of a loved one, ending a relationship/divorce, post-secondary, and college related stress).
Emily specializes in working with adults (18+) and teens (14+). Emily offers a safe and affirming space for those in the LGBTQIA2+ community. No matter their background or lived experience. Emily welcomes clients to work together to build resiliency and healthy lifestyle changes.
Emily has a passion for working with those in helping professions like counselors/social workers, nurses, teachers, health care workers, and first responders. She provides a variety of strategies for managing secondary traumatic stress and uplifting the importance of wellness and self-care.
Emily integrates evidenced-based interventions including cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and trauma-informed care, combined with an existential and humanistic approach.
Christine Rinehart
MSSA, LISW-S (she/her)
Christine started Gahanna Counseling in 2009 after years of experience working with adults, children, and families in a community health setting. Gahanna Counseling was founded on the principle that clients deserve to receive therapy in an environment that is comfortable, respectful, and accessible. Our clinicians love what they do and are good at it! Our specialties include work with children, families, couples, and adults.
Christine manages the practice and continues to provide case consultation and support to both clinicians and clients. Feel free to reach out to Christine for questions about the practice, training opportunities, continuing education, or joining our practice as a clinician.
We look forward to meeting you!
Ford Morrison
In-office Telehealth
Rey Burdick-Denham
In-office Telehealth
Let us introduce you to Rey! (You know, like Rey from Star Wars). She has never met a ball or person she didn’t like. Don’t let the mohawk intimidate you! She loves to snuggle and hangout on the couch during sessions with her mom, Anita.
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All rights reserved.
540 Officenter Place, Suite 180
Gahanna, OH 43230
Phone (888) 336-1772