Counselors ...

Finding the right counselor for you is key to successful therapy. It is important that you feel comfortable and confident your counselor's credentials, counseling style and personality. Call our office and one of our Client Care Staff will help you determine the best match based on your unique circumstances and situation. Additionally, you may find the list below of counselor biographies helpful as you choose.

  Brian Davis, LISW, SAP, Executive Director
  Lisa Davis, RN, MA, PCC
  Todd L. Garman, MA, PC
  Emily Heselton, MA, PC
  Kala Johnson, CT
  Joe Johnston, MDiv, MAMFT, IMFT
  Marie Lang, ATR-BC
  Dolores Marr, MA, PCC
  Lynsey Pearson, CT
  Ezekiel Peebles, CT
  Judy Schlueter, RN, MA, LPC
  Kendra J. Smith, BSW, LSW
  Sharon Walls, RN, MA, PCC
  Amanda Washel, MS, MA, PC
  Kim Welsh, MA, PCC
  Holly Wood, LISW,


Brian T. Davis, LISW, SAP

Executive Director, Co-Founder

Education / Credentials: Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University, Licensed Independent Social Worker, Substance Abuse Professional

Specialties:

Substance Abuse

  • Assessments / Counseling / Aftercare
  • DOT / SAP Services for safety-sensitive employees
  • DUI/OVI & Court-ordered services
  • Suboxone supportive therapy / Opioid dependence
Men's Issues
  • Sexual problems / addiction
  • Parenting problems
  • Couples work
  • Work and career stress
Teen Issues
  • Behavioral and social problems
  • Drug and alcohol problems

Lisa A. Davis, RN, MA, PCC (no relation to Brian Davis)

Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from The Ohio State University, Master of Arts degree in Clinical Pastoral Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary.

As a Registered Nurse and Professional Clinical Counselor, Lisa is deeply interested in helping people find healing for the broken parts of their lives.

Sometimes the hurt from a difficult marriage becomes unmanageable and it's time to seek professional counseling. Lisa helps couples and families sort out troubling and complicated issues and discover lasting, practical solutions for harmony in their relationships.

As a step-parent in a blended family, Lisa also has a personal passion and commitment to help blended families achieve wholeness and manage the unique struggles they often face when parents, children, and step-parents come together as a new family unit. Services available include individual and group counseling for parents adjusting to life with their children after divorce.

Parenting teenagers can be frustrating and leave you feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. Lisa particularly enjoys helping teens and their parents work through the conflicts and challenges that can often arise during these years.

Lisa specializes in helping police, fire, and EMT personnel cope with job related stress. Ms. Davis is the wife of a police officer and understands the challenges and stresses you face everyday. Her goal is to help you get through and beyond your issues and back to a healthy, fulfilling life.

Please call when you need a speaker for your group, Lisa enjoys presenting on a variety of topics for schools, churches, women's groups and retreats. 614.888.9200.

Specialties:


Todd L. Garman, MA, PC

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Theology from Boston College, Master of Arts degree in Clinical Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary

Todd is currently the Pastor of Student Ministires at Vineyard Grace Fellowship in Newark, Ohio. He has worked extensively with teens throughout his career, including behavior management, parent / adolescent conflict, and mood or anxiety disorders. A former stand-up comedian, Todd frequently uses humor in his work with young people to build trust in the counseling relationship.

Additionally, Todd specializes in counseling men with sexual addictions or sexually compulsive behaviors. Recognizing that pornography, affairs and illicit sexual activity are undermining what it means to be a man, husband, and father, Todd takes a direct but compassionate approach to helping men recover. A restored man himself, Todd is knowledgeable of the behaviors and emotions that accompany sexual addiction, including: manipulation, lying, shame, guilt and denial. Having been there himself, Todd knows and is living what it takes to be restored. He is in this way safe and empathetic, while also taking a direct, straightforward approach to recovery.

Emphasis:

  • Adolescents
  • Depression / Anxiety
  • Sexual Addiction
  • Men's / Couples Restoration

Emily Heselton, MA, PC

Education: Masters Degree in Clinical Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary.

Emily's areas of specialty include working with children, adolescents, and their caregivers. Childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood have become increasingly confusing and difficult times, and that's even without any extra "curve balls" thrown into the mix - like depression, anxiety, family break-up, grief, school problems or abuse. Ms. Heselton believes, as difficult as things might get, there is reason to be hopeful.

Parents and caregivers, can find a fresh perspective, professionally informed decision making, and the trust you need to navigate through difficult times. Emily works with you and your child to discover underlying causes of emotional and behavioral concerns and find practical, long-term solutions.

It may seem hard to believe, but even after divorce it is possible to find happiness for you and your children. Call Emily at 614.888.9200 to learn more about our unique Surviving and Thriving Parent / Child Support Group, which allows parents & children, grades 1-5, to attend together but meet in separate peer groups to learn valuable post-divorce coping strategies.

Emily Heselton's educational background and years of experience with teens and kids in a variety of settings has given her a strong basis for working with families in need.

Specialties include:

  • Children of Divorce
  • Behavioral / Emotional Problems
  • Depression / Anxiety
  • Anger Management / Child
  • Identity Issues
  • Faith-based counseling
  • Sexual abuse
  • Play therapy
Don't see what you are looking for? Please feel free to call me with any questions about your unique situation. 614.888.9200


Kala Johnson, CT

Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Franklin University, Current: Graduate student at Liberty University's Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling

Counseling Internship at Directions Counseling Group emphasizes working with a variety clients including: adults, students, couples, and youth struggling with relational, emotional and /or behavioral concerns. Counseling involves application of various theories of counseling pertaining to social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral issues.

Through her own personal experience of healing Kala has gained a passion for helping people work through relational and emotional difficulties and achieve wholeness in their lives. Kala holds key leadershipher place of worship and continues to serve as a lay-counselor in her congregation.

Issues:

  • Couples and Relational Counseling
  • Women's issues
  • Depression
  • Anxiety; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Self esteem

Joe Johnston, MDiv, MAMFT, IMFT

Education: Master of Divinity, from Westminster Theological Seminary, Master of Marriage and Family Therapy from Reformed Theological Seminary

Joe Johnston has been in private practice as a clinically licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor for the past 18 years and is an Independently licensed Marriage and Family Therpaist in Ohio. Joe holds a Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy from the Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi and a Masters of Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Joe specializes in working with issues from a relational perspective. He enjoys working with whole families (including teens) and couples in marital conflict, recovery from infidelity, and men who struggle with sexual issues. Joe's extensive training and unique passion have also equipped him to help individuals suffering from extreme forms of abuse and anxiety. Joe Johnston is known as a proven speaker and is available for speaking engagements designed to move his listeners to think in new ways about their relationships, about God and about culture. Joe has been happily married 32 years and has three grown children.

Specialties:

  • Marital Conflict / Family Conflict / Adolescent-Parent Conflict
  • Sexual Intimacy - Couples
  • Sexual Addiction/Compulsive Sexual Behavior
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Reparative Therapy
  • Recovery from infidelity
  • Complex Trauma / Dissociative Disorder
  • Anger Management
  • Spirituality

Marie Lang, ATR-BC

Registered Art Therapist - Board Certified

Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Ohio State University

Marie Lang received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Ohio State University. She completed the Art Therapy Clinical Internship Graduate Training Program at Harding Hospital in Worthington, Ohio. Her professional experience includes over 15 years of work with a variety of populations and issues including: grieving children, dual diagnosis, mood and emotional disorders, geriatrics, homeless individuals, and individuals with eating disorders. Art/Play Therapy helps people express their thoughts and feelings about issues and to address their problems through a variety of art forms such as painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, photography, poetry, and journaling.

Specialities:


Dolores Marr, MA, PCC

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Theology from University of San Francisco, Master of Counseling, Theology and Christian Ministry degree from the Franciscan University.

Dolores has offered pastoral counseling for over 20 years including time as the Professor of Pastoral Theology for the Deaconate Program in Gallup, New Mexico. She has also been active in leading Life in the Spirit seminars for over 25 years.

Specialties:


Lynsey Pearson, BA, CT

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies and Psychology from Denison University, Current: Graduate Student at the University of Dayton's Master of Science in Education in Community Counseling

As a graduate student and intern at Directions Counseling Group, Lynsey is engaged in the practice and application of various theories of counseling pertaining to social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral issues. Lynsey enjoys working with children, adolescents, adults, families of children with special needs, families coping with loss, and couples. Her background experience includes working as a Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and in the field of autism, specifically with newly diagnosed families. Mr. Pearson believes that families of children with special needs and developmental disabilities need as much support as their children do and will be offering a support group for newly diagnosed families. Additionally, she believes that everyone can overcome their struggles when given the appropriate tools and support. Lynsey's goal is to provide those tools and support to help people reach their full potential.

Issues:

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Couples Counseling
  • Teen and Young Adult Issues
  • Emotional/Relational Issues
  • Grief/Loss
  • Parents of children with autism support

Ezekiel Peebles, BA, CT

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from The Ohio State University, Current: Graduate student at the University of Dayton's Master of Science in Education in Community Counseling in Columbus, Ohio

Counseling Internship at Directions Counseling Group emphasizes working with a variety clients including: adults, students, couples, and youth struggling with relational, emotional and /or behavioral concerns. Counseling involves application of various theories of counseling pertaining to social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral issues.

Ezekiel's background includes working as a Program Coordinator and Youth Specialist for troubled and delinquent youth. His experience includes providing community support and counseling services to youth and families based on assessed needs and strengths of clients; modeling appropriate values through interaction with youth in structured settings and instruction of anger-management groups to juvenile delinquents. Additionally, Ezekiel has worked with adult clients through individualized treatment planning and cognitive-behavioral groups. Ezekiel is no stranger to trials and tribulations and believes the tremendous obstacles he has overcome have given him wisdom and an appreciation for life while also strengthing his desire to help people reach their full potential.

Issues:

  • Couples counseling
  • Student related issues
  • Anxiety and Depression
  • Teen and young adult issues
  • Emotional / Relational issues

Judy Schlueter, RN, MA, LPC

Education: Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Clinical Counseling from Ashland University.

Judy Schlueter earned a nursing degree from St. Mary's/Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Her Youth Ministry education is from Cardinal Stritch College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She received her Master of Arts Degree in Pastoral Counseling from Ashland University (Ohio) with concentration of theology credits for this degree from the Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio.

Judy is also the director of the Bethesda Post Abortion Healing Ministry. She facilitates women's Bible study groups and youth, young adult and women's retreats. Judy has spoken at conferences on the topic of Post Abortion Syndrome (P.A.S.) Judy has an active history of community involvement which includes: working with pregnant teens, conducting childbirth education, developing and leading youth ministry programs and many years of offering individual and group support for those impacted by an abortion experience. She has been married many years and is the mother of eight children and grandmother of many wonderful grandchildren.

Speciality include:


Kendra J. Smith, BSW, LSW

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Capital University, Licensed Social Worker

As a Licensed Social Worker, Kendra has worked with children and adolescents in various settings, with social, emotional, behavioral, and family issues. She enjoys working with children and their families to strengthen the family as a whole and give support to those involved. When working with children, Kendra believes that it is not only important to make changes to improve daily living, but also changes that will have positive, long-term affects.

One type of intervention Ms. Smith uses involves incorporating dance and body movement into the therapy. This helps children to learn to increase focus and concentration while following directions and enjoying the opportunity for creativity. Focus is put on breathing and movements to recognize emotions, control impulsive behavior, manage stress, and redirect aggression. Awareness of their body can also give children a sense of self-control, which is an important step in improving behaviors.

Kendra currently works with children 3 years of age and up. Please call Kendra if you would like to find some relief for the stressors of parenting a challenging child. She looks forward to the opportunity of helping your child overcome obstacles at home, school and in the community.

  • Self-Awareness
  • Self-Control
  • Child / Teen Behavioral Problems
  • Family Transitions
  • Foster Care / Adoption Issues

Sharon Walls, RN, MA, PCC-S

Education: Bachelors degree in Nursing, Capital University, Masters Degree in Clinical Pastoral Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary.

As a nurse and professional clinical counselor Sharon Walls has been helping people get better for over 30 years. She cares about the quality of her clients' lives and believes there is real relief for issues such as depression, anxiety, relational conflict, and post traumatic stress. Sharon is especially concerned with helping people recover from traumatic stress that is related to sexual abuse, violence, injury, and on-the-job incidents.

Sharon also offers the component of Spiritual Direction, for those who request it, in the counseling session. Her experience, personally and professionally, has taught her to believe that God has the ability to restore and heal.

Sharon Walls is available to speak at your church, women's group, or workplace on issues such as sexual abuse, relationships, trauma recovery and more.

Sharon has been married for 28 years and has 3 grown children.

Specialties:


Amanda Washel, MS, MA, PC

Education: Masters Degree in Human Development and Family Science, Master's Degree in Counselor Education, The Ohio State University

We all face struggles that seem to have no end. Amanda Washel decided to become a psychotherapist when she realized how much support it took to pull through her own struggles. She believes we are all "works in progress."

Amanda's goal is to help you progress through, around or beyond the issues that keep you from growing as a person. She offers counsel for a variety of issues including teens and women struggling with eating disorders, body image issues and depression and anxiety. She also understands the difficulties moms can experience such as postpartum depression.

If you are experiencing or have if you have a history of emotional or physical abuse you owe if to yourself to find a better way to work through it. Ms. Washel believes that God has something better for us all. Therapy sessions can help you discover your potential and find the solutions that work for you.

There is an answer to your situation. It may take some time to discover, but Amanda believes you truly can find peace. In fact, she feels that it's not just her opinion; it's a promise from God. (Phillipians 4:19) More than anything else, Amanda wants you to have a sense of hope. Counseling is not an easy way out but a life-changing process that begins with a willingness to change. You may call her directly with any questions as she would be happy to speak with you prior to your scheduling an appointment. You can reach her at: 614.888.9200.

Amanda and her family are long-time residents of Central Ohio


Kim Welsh, MA, PCC

Education: Masters Degree in Counseling, Liberty University

Kim Welsh considers it an honor and privilege to work with you and she takes the responsibility and role of counselor seriously. Kim realizes that by the time you call for counseling life may have become overwhelming to you. She helps clients find solutions and manage their life through a foundation of her many years of education, her varied professional experience, and her own personal trials and triumphs.

Ms. Welsh works with a variety of issues, as listed below, with special emphasis on women's issues, couples and individuals dealing with separation and divorce, and parents of troubled teens. In working with couples Kim is experienced in marital and premarital counseling and holds a special certification in the nationally known and scientifically researched PREPARE/ENRICH program. This program offers couples a wonderful opportunity to explore and discover important keys to having a successful relationship.

If you are experiencing the emotional fall-out of divorce, please contact Kim. She understands, from personal experience, this is a painful time for you. Kim welcomes the opportunity to help you reshape your life, recover and move forward in a positive way.. .

Groups

Anger Management :This 8 week course meets weekly. Call for registation and fee info.614.888.9200.


Holly Wood, MSW, LISW

Education: Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Denison University, Masters Degree in Social Work from The Ohio State University

Holly Wood, MSW, LISW is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with 21 years of clinical counseling experience with individuals, couples, families, and groups. Having received her Master Degree from OSU, she has worked in Community Mental Health, Family Practice, Drug/Alcohol Rehabilitation, private Christian practice, Health and Wellness Practice, and church-affiliated counseling.

In addition to individual counseling, Holly has also facilitated many Support Groups across various populations and topics including Health and Wellness, Women’s Intimacy and Sexual Issues, Geriatric Concerns, Disordered Eating, Adolescent Issues, Proactive Parenting, and Drug and Alcohol Rehab Support. Holly has worked as a consultant to Westerville and New Albany Schools where she has facilitated various therapeutic-support groups. She has also been a guest speaker at colleges, high schools, churches, and corporate and community groups on selected topics listed above.

Encouraging others to draw closer to and depend upon the Lord as they walk through trials is a passion for Holly. Holly has been married for over 20 years and has 5 children. Her areas of specialty include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Marriage Counseling / Relational
  • Adolescent/Family
  • Disordered Eating
  • Women's Issues
  • Parenting
  • Addictions / Substance Abuse
  • Spiritual Well-being
  • Self-Care Education (combining Emotional, Mental, Nutritional, Physical, and Spiritual)


©2003 Directions Counseling Group / Christian Counseling