Marion, OH Local Support & Community Resources

Kira Hayes, MA, MFT, is a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist and the owner of Affirming Pathways. As a Native and queer-identifying therapist, Kira understands both personally and professionally the importance of knowledgeable and affirming care for all individuals. She is committed to creating a space where clients feel welcomed, seen, and respected. Kira strives to forge meaningful therapeutic relationships that allow clients to safely explore their difficulties, pain, connections, and growth. Her therapy style is collaborative and engaged, drawing upon evidence-based practices that enhance the therapeutic experience. Specializing in working with gender, sexual, and relationship structure (CNM/BDSM+) minorities at any stage of their journeys, Kira provides support for individuals, couples, and families facing challenges such as communication issues, conflict resolution, infidelity, trauma, depression, anxiety, and ADHD—an area she knows firsthand. Life's stressors can be overwhelming, but clients are never alone in their journeys. Kira believes that finding the right therapist is crucial to the therapy process and encourages potential clients to ask questions during the initial consults, which are seen as an opportunity for clients to interview therapists to ensure a good fit. Kira welcomes the chance to work alongside those seeking support and understands the significance of this journey.

Nancy Pelphrey is a compassionate and skilled Counselor, LPCC, and RN, dedicated to guiding individuals and couples through life's complexities. With her heartfelt motto, "People may be complicated, but therapy doesn’t have to be," Nancy emphasizes the importance of straightforward and commonsensical approaches in therapy. She brings a wealth of experience in caring for both the body and mind, understanding that a fatigued body mirrors a tired mind, and vice versa. Her work focuses on helping clients achieve balance, regulation, and the strength needed to navigate various facets of their lives. With her guidance, clients experience healthier relationships, enhanced resilience, and the endurance to confront current challenges. Nancy has a profound passion for fostering sound, regret-free relationships, dedicating a significant portion of her practice to marriage therapy. Additionally, she is well-versed in treating eating disorders, particularly binge and chronic overeating, helping clients break free from frustrating patterns. Committed to the therapeutic process, Nancy works diligently to equip her clients with essential skills and knowledge, empowering them to recognize and cultivate the changes they desire in their lives.

Peggy L. Lucas, LPCC, is a dedicated Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor based in Ohio, bringing over two decades of experience in the mental health field since 1997. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master’s in Education with a focus on Community and Agency Mental Health from Ohio University. Peggy specializes in providing mental health treatment for issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and mood disorders, utilizing effective approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). She is skilled in teaching essential coping skills, cognitive processing, and mindfulness practices, supporting clients through their personal journeys of healing and growth. In her leisure time, Peggy finds joy in art, abstract painting, and various arts and crafts, which reflects her creative spirit and passion for self-expression.