At some point, you may have said to yourself, “It wasn’t supposed to be this hard.”
Whether it’s just that other people made it look easy, or real economic hardships have taken their toll, you’re probably here because you want to figure it out. Maybe your relationship isn’t going the way you thought it would. Maybe you’re tired of always being the one to have to figure it out, whatever “it” is. Maybe you’re noticing your emotions in ways you never did before. Maybe you looked around one day and realized that your lifestyle doesn’t seem to fit right, and you’re curious how you got here.
Individual counseling is an option. There is something about connecting with another human that brings a realness to our experience. What makes counseling different from talking with a friend or other loved one is that as a counselor, it is my job to center your experience–every time, the whole time. There is no judgement, only acceptance. The result? If we do our job right, as a counselor, the parts of you that have been trying to get your attention for years will feel safe enough to come forward and finally be heard. (Not ready to go that deep? That’s okay, too–quick fixes are entirely valid; we’ll work it out together.)
Through my work at Bluebel Counseling, I provide individual counseling services for adults and motivated teens throughout Ohio. This can be in-person at my office in the Madisonville area of Cincinnati, OH, or online counseling via a secure telehealth platform for those elsewhere in Ohio.
The good news is--you're in good company! Welcome to the human experience. The even better news is--it can get better. We were built to work through these very challenges.
Even though our condition (humanity) may be the same, our experiences have differed. There is no “one size fits all” therapy. Your unique blend–of relationships, values, choices, personality traits–all factors into the work that we do together.
Clients commonly seek individual counseling for:
That said–it’s okay if you don’t know what’s “wrong” when you first seek counseling! Sometimes folks come in–no diagnosis, no clear explanation of what they’re looking for, just a gut instinct that there is something to explore. Part of my job is holding space for us to figure that out–together.
Something you’ll discover pretty quickly about me is:
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with you.
Most likely, if there’s something you dislike about yourself or the way you interact with the world, it was shaped by the world. Your world: your caregivers, your supports (or lack thereof), your environment. It might be as simple as having a nervous system or brain that deserves more support than the current environment offers. (Hint: That’s not a “you problem”--that’s an environmental or systemic issue!)
When approached from the perspective of “you’re not the problem”, it opens up a world of possibilities. This doesn’t mean we’re just looking to shift the blame, or escape accountability. It means we side-step the shame, the sense of internal defectiveness–things that tend to just get in the way, anyway. We say, “Okay, this is how I am, at least right now–what happened, and what can I do?”
When we understand why we are the way we are, we can offer ourselves grace. We learn to hold space for ourselves. Achieving this kind of self-awareness and emotional maturity means that we can learn to be self-healing, in time. Knowing our own validity also empowers us to pursue the supports we need and deserve in life–whether that is a job that can accommodate our nervous system, boundaries in our relationships, or the ability to say “no” to pressure that no longer serves us.
Every person’s therapy looks a little different.
Some sessions involve untangling a difficult conversation that happened earlier in the week. Others involve exploring childhood experiences, understanding emotional reactions, practicing new communication strategies, or identifying values that can help guide future decisions.
Depending upon your goals, our work may include:
I draw from several evidence-based approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and other approaches as appropriate for your goals and preferences.
Many of the individuals I work with identify as neurodivergent or suspect they may be.
You do not need a formal diagnosis for us to explore questions surrounding ADHD, autism, executive functioning, sensory processing, masking, burnout, or other neurodivergent experiences.
Rather than asking, “How do we make you appear more neurotypical?”, my work often focuses on understanding how your brain naturally operates, identifying environments that support your well-being, and helping you build a life that fits you more authentically.
Whether you’re newly exploring your identity or have known for years, therapy can provide space to understand yourself with greater clarity and less self-judgment.
No. Many people begin counseling because they know something feels difficult but aren’t sure why. Exploring questions of identity, neurodivergence, or emotional well-being does not require a formal diagnosis.
That's okay! Since I do not work with insurance, a diagnosis is not necessary. The only exception is if you intend to pursue reimbursement from your insurance provider (e.g., by a superbill).
Not at all. Many clients seek therapy because they want to better understand themselves, strengthen relationships, improve communication, or create a more intentional life before problems become overwhelming.
That’s perfectly okay. One of the first things we’ll do together is identify what feels most important and begin building a shared understanding of your goals.
Yes. I offer both in-person counseling in Cincinnati and telehealth throughout Ohio.
Note: If using telehealth, you must be in the state of Ohio at the time of services rendered. You must also be in a safe, private location with a strong Internet connection. No malls, no driving, no open-walled library rooms, etc. :)
The short answer is, it varies. Research has shown that the most progress statistically happens between sessions 6 and 12. That said, some folks may find adequate relief from one session (I’ve been one of those people myself), while others continue with therapy for years (I’ve also been one of these people).
Early on, I consult with you on your goals, and then we check in on those periodically to ensure that we are meeting your needs.
Free 15-minute compatibility check available -- let's see if we're a good fit.